The fare structure underpinning the National Maximum Taxi Fare (which came into effect on 25th September 2006) consists of:

• An initial charge
• A charge for further travel based on either distance traveled or the time elapsed and calculated across three graduated tariffs
• A premium at certain times and on certain days
• Extra charges, where applicable.

InitialCharge
The initial charge (known to date as the minimum charge) is the amount which appears on the meter at the beginning of the journey. A new initial charge took effect from 25th September 2006, as part of the new National Maximum Taxi Fare. This is €3.80 and includes an initial distance of one kilometer or a period of 170 seconds.

Furthertravel
after the distance or time that is included in the initial charge has been exceeded; the fare for further travel is calculated at small portions of the journey. At low speeds, or when a taxi is stationary, the fare is calculated on the basis of time. Once the taxi exceeds a certain speed, the fare is then calculated according to the distance traveled. The speed at which charges switch from being distance-related to being time-related is known as the changeover speed. It is important that the changeover speed is set at the appropriate level to compensate the driver for operating at times of congestion, or for delays encountered on request of the passenger. However, the changeover speed should not be so low as to encourage unnecessary slowing of the vehicle to generate a higher fare. The changeover speed for the National Maximum Taxi Fare is just above 21 km/h.

The time-related rate for further travel applies at speeds below the changeover speed, this charge is uniform throughout the country, and is based on a graduated structure of three tariffs. Journeys that travel beyond the initial time or distance covered by the initial charge and that are short in distance and duration are subject to Tariff A, the lowest rate. For medium length journeys, the latter stages of the trip are charged at a higher rate: Tariff B. Very long journeys will have the end of the trip charged at Tariff C, the highest rate. The reason for the graduated fare structure is that a driver is more likely to return empty after completing a long journey as such trips often end in suburban or rural locations.

Tariffs
From 8.00h to 20.00h, the rates for Tariff A are €0.95 per km and €0.34 per minute for the next 14km or 40 minutes after the initial charge. At premium rates, travel within Tariff A is €1.25 per km or €0.44 per minute. This tariff together with the initial charge should not cost more than €17.20 (or €21.70 at premium rates) or exceed either 15km or 43 minutes.

When the initial charge and Tariff A are exceeded, the meter will record further travel on Tariff B. From 8.00h to 20.00h, the rates for Tariff B are €1.25 per km and €0.44 per minute. At premium rates, travel within Tariff B is €1.45 per km or €0.51 per minute. This tariff together with the initial charge and charges under Tariff A should not cost more than €36.00 (or €43.50 at premium rates) or exceed either 30km or 86 minutes.

Longer journeys in excess of Tariff B will be charged on the basis of the rates in Tariff C. Tariff C is not subject to any premium during unsocial hours, and is calculated on the basis of €1.63 per km or €0.58 per minute at all times.

It would not be reasonable or safe to expect taxi drivers to undertake journeys of unlimited distance, and as the current right to refuse a journey outside of existing taximeter areas will no longer apply, the Commission for Taxi Regulation will introduce new regulations giving taxi drivers the right to refuse journeys over 30km from the pick up point.

Premiumcharge
A premium applies to taxi fares at certain times to encourage supply. These are generally known as unsocial hours rates and apply in particular to taxi operation at night and throughout the day on Sundays and public holidays. The Commission for Taxi Regulation has standardized the premium rate across as part of the National Maximum Taxi Fare. A premium of 8% will apply to the initial charge between 20.00h and 8.00h and on Sundays and public holidays. Further travel within Tariff A will incur a premium rate of 32% and within Tariff B a premium rate of 16%. No premium will apply to Tariff C.

Extras

Booking charge
When a taxi is booked by telephone, email, fax, text, (or any method other than by hailing in the street or engaging at a taxi rank), taxi drivers will be permitted to charge a maximum of €2.00 for such journeys. This charge will not apply to taxis hailed on the street or engaged at taxi ranks or at transport terminals.

Extra passenger charge
An additional charge of €1.00 may be charged by taxi drivers for each additional passenger. Two children under twelve will be charged as one adult. Note that if there is only a single child in the vehicle under the age of 12 years they are deemed to be the hirer. Extra children under 12: 1 free, 2nd or 3rd €1.00; 4th or 5th € 2.00; 6th or 7th €3.00 etc.

Road toll charges
Where a road toll charge is necessarily incurred on a trip, the exact cost of the toll may be added to the taxi fare. Any tolls charged must be recorded in handwriting on the receipt printed by the printer attached to the taximeter.

Tips
Customers may give tips to reward good service at their discretion. Tips may be recorded in handwriting on the receipt.

Discounts
Drivers may give discounts on fares. The driver has the right to charge the maximum amount calculated on the meter or a lesser sum at his or her discretion. Customers have the right to request discounts before engaging the taxi. Any discounts given may be recorded in handwriting on the receipt. In the absence of any arrangement on discounts agreed in advance, the customer is liable to pay the amount calculated by the meter in full.

Soiling charge
A soiling charge is payable by passengers who dirty or damage a taxi to the extent that it has to be taken out of service or will incur a cost to clean or repair. Such soiling or damage can incur significant costs for drivers or operators and a loss of earnings due to downtime. To discourage such soiling and compensate drivers or operators a soiling charge of €125 applies as part of the National Maximum Taxi Fare.

Extras that are no longer charged

Luggage
The Commission for Taxi Regulation is of the view that the carrying of luggage is an integral part of an SPSV service and should be reflected in the basic charge. In addition there is now a significant diversity in the type of bags and goods carried by passengers which can lead to disputes in relation to the interpretation of what constitutes luggage. In the interest of transparency and simplicity no additional charge will be permitted for any type of luggage or mobility aids as part of the new National Maximum Taxi Fare from the 25th of September 2006.

Animals
The carrying of animals will be at the discretion of the driver but no charge will apply where animals are carried. The driver will not have the right to refuse to carry an assistance (guide) dog unless on certified medical grounds.

Miscellaneous charges
Charges, which previously applied in some areas, including charges for extra stops, and charges for hiring at the rank at Dublin Airport are not permitted under the new National Maximum Taxi Fare.