Ban on taxi's over 9 years repealed

steph1

From yahoo.com news

Ban on older taxis is overturned
36 mins ago

A controversial scheme to rid the streets of taxis over nine years old has been revoked. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Ban on older taxis is overturned
Enlarge photo .The National Transport Authority announced the U-turn on the seven-week rule for drivers who have had a taxi licence since before 2009.
But taxi unions warned it was too late for hundreds of drivers who, already struggling to make a living, were put off the road when the regulation came into force in the new year.

Tony Rowe, of the National Transport Assembly of Ireland, said the rule affected a lot of drivers whose cars were in pristine condition.

"The pivotal concern of any transport authority has to be the safety of the travelling public and drivers and this nine-year rule was meaningless," he said.

"Each taxi already underwent a stringent NCT and SGS (taxi suitability test) and those cars passed those tests regardless of their year. We are hoping those drivers will now be able to get back to work."

The NTA board, which took over taxi regulation on January 1, said it would revoke the rule while it carries out a review on vehicle standards in the taxi industry and holds consultations.

Transport Minister Pat Carey welcomed the decision and maintained Fianna Fail would support the taxi industry if re-elected, while Fine Gael's Simon Coveney claimed the last minute U-turn on taxis was a desperate vote-grabbing attempt.

Elsewhere Labour's Joe Costello called for the NTA to review the whole taxi industry and other controversial measures being implemented, while Green Party TD Trevor Sargeant said he had lobbied the taxi regulator to change the rule on a number of occasions.

ardle1

steph1 wrote: »

From yahoo.com news

Ban on older taxis is overturned
36 mins ago

A controversial scheme to rid the streets of taxis over nine years old has been revoked. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Ban on older taxis is overturned
Enlarge photo .The National Transport Authority announced the U-turn on the seven-week rule for drivers who have had a taxi licence since before 2009.
But taxi unions warned it was too late for hundreds of drivers who, already struggling to make a living, were put off the road when the regulation came into force in the new year.

Tony Rowe, of the National Transport Assembly of Ireland, said the rule affected a lot of drivers whose cars were in pristine condition.

"The pivotal concern of any transport authority has to be the safety of the travelling public and drivers and this nine-year rule was meaningless," he said.

"Each taxi already underwent a stringent NCT and SGS (taxi suitability test) and those cars passed those tests regardless of their year. We are hoping those drivers will now be able to get back to work."

The NTA board, which took over taxi regulation on January 1, said it would revoke the rule while it carries out a review on vehicle standards in the taxi industry and holds consultations.

Transport Minister Pat Carey welcomed the decision and maintained Fianna Fail would support the taxi industry if re-elected, while Fine Gael's Simon Coveney claimed the last minute U-turn on taxis was a desperate vote-grabbing attempt.

Elsewhere Labour's Joe Costello called for the NTA to review the whole taxi industry and other controversial measures being implemented, while Green Party TD Trevor Sargeant said he had lobbied the taxi regulator to change the rule on a number of occasions.

This is great news,, there's gonna be a lot of relieved and happy taxi men (and their families) in Ireland tonight.:)

steph1

And taxi wimmin :D:D
A bit sorry in a way I got rid of the merc but then again it was petrol and was drinkin the stuff but I am delighted. However there are going to be some drivers who have changed and are not going to be happy and I do feel for those that have now had to fork out for newer cars and may be having to pay back loans if they were lucky enough to get finance. All of this could have been avoided if the regulator had stuck to the plan of bringing in the rule in 2012 and there would have been none of this messing.
We dont seem to be able to anything right in this country :mad:

turbodiesel

I'm so happy.....

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=70786245#post70786245

ardle1

steph1 wrote: »

And taxi wimmin :D:D
A bit sorry in a way I got rid of the merc but then again it was petrol and was drinkin the stuff but I am delighted. However there are going to be some drivers who have changed and are not going to be happy and I do feel for those that have now had to fork out for newer cars and may be having to pay back loans if they were lucky enough to get finance. All of this could have been avoided if the regulator had stuck to the plan of bringing in the rule in 2012 and there would have been none of this messing.
We dont seem to be able to anything right in this country :mad:

Sorry of course Steph,, and taxi women,, yeah well you should feel proud, because if it wasn't for the likes of yourself and others,, maybe we wouldn't be hearing this great news. People really needed to know what was going on in the Irish taxi industry, and you portrayed that very well. So give yourself a slap on the back.

DWCommuter

This is indeed great news. It wasn't a nice thing to inflict on any industry. If it has made a few households happy today then it has made me happy considering all the doom and gloom we currently exist in. I hope a few beers were sunk!:D

And I'm not a taxi driver so best of luck lads and er...lassies.;)

colonel bogey

Does FF really think we all so stupid!

The overturning of the 9 year rule was a last ditch measure by "Da Muppet Carey"to capture votes at any cost , this was obviously political interference and not a decision made by the New Quango-National Transport Authority at the request of Taxi Drivers

Good riddance FF , You all have the blood of multipleTaxi Drivers on your Hands , Shame on you all

Criimminals everyone of You!!

Yes, especially you Dempsey!

heyjude

Its good news for taxi drivers who haven't changed their car yet, but hardly good news for taxi users. You've got to feel sorry for any driver that got rid of a 9+ year old taxi to comply with the ban and now finds that they went through the expense of replacing their vehicle for no good reason.

DWCommuter

colonel bogey wrote: »

Does FF really think we all so stupid!

The overturning of the 9 year rule was a last ditch measure by "Da Muppet Carey"to capture votes at any cost , this was obviously political interference and not a decision made by the New Quango-National Transport Authority at the request of Taxi Drivers

Good riddance FF , You all have the blood of multipleTaxi Drivers on your Hands , Shame on you all

Criimminals everyone of You!!

Yes, especially you Dempsey!

As I was typing I was thinking that.:D

Note to Taxi Drivers. Take the deal and run, but Vote ABFF!

dowlingm

FG would well know that there's not many votes in taxis... 2002 not so long ago.

Side Show Bob

ardle1 wrote: »

This is great news,, there's gonna be a lot of relieved and happy taxi men (and their families) in Ireland tonight.:)

You're right, let them stick us into a 20 year old Merc, Toyota or Nissan screw us give us bad manners in a terrible motor oh I can smell it right now

bc dub

as a child I can vividly remember a taxi driver literally running John Bruton away from his door and up the road.

ABFF/G

bt car

will they do another u turn after the elections ?

mikemac

Reminds me of when Ivor Callely had responsibility in the Dept of Transport and he was strongly against deregulation

The drivers recognized this and you'd see signs for Callely on lots of taxis around Dublin come election time

The drivers have long since abandoned them, it's take far more then this to win votes

REDLAD123

I'm a bit confused and I'm getting conflicting reports. I have a taxi licence for the last 5 years and I was going to have to get rid of my 1999 BMW 5 series (which is in tip top condition by the way:D) this coming August.
Does this now mean I can buy a 10 year old car and still be ok for the suitability test, or do I still have to buy a newer car on renewal (ie. I know I can keep my current car now, but if I change it, does it have to be 9 years or less?)

monument

REDLAD123 wrote: »

I'm a bit confused and I'm getting conflicting reports. I have a taxi licence for the last 5 years and I was going to have to get rid of my 1999 BMW 5 series (which is in tip top condition by the way:D) this coming August.
Does this now mean I can buy a 10 year old car and still be ok for the suitability test, or do I still have to buy a newer car on renewal (ie. I know I can keep my current car now, but if I change it, does it have to be 9 years or less?)

Yes, if you're changing your car, the new one must be 9 years or less.

Here's the NTA's (not so clear) statement in full, but note that this is part of a wider review...

“Nine-year rule” for taxis

21 February 2011

The National Transport Authority assumed the functions of the Commission for Taxi Regulation on 1st January 2011.

The Board of the Authority first discussed the “nine-year rule” for taxis at its January meeting and requested that the CEO write to the Taxi Advisory Committee to ask their current views of the “nine-year rule”. That Committee met on 10th February and communicated its response to the Board.

At its meeting of 18th February 2011, the Board considered the matter fully. The Board decided to review vehicle standards in the taxi industry, and while carrying out this review, and subject to appropriate procedures being followed, to revoke the aspect of the “nine-year rule” for those renewing their vehicle licence in 2011 who applied for their first vehicle licence prior to 1st January 2009 and to allow a wide consultation on standards.

The Board of the Authority also agreed to make, as one of its priorities in 2011, a review of appropriate Vehicle Standards for Taxis for the benefit to the taxi customer.

Run_to_da_hills

I wonder will they suddenly drop the collage green bus corridor fiasco before the end of the week.

schemingbohemia

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

I wonder will they suddenly drop the collage green bus corridor fiasco before the end of the week.

In what way is it a fiasco?

monument

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

I wonder will they suddenly drop the collage green bus corridor fiasco before the end of the week.

Only the council would have the power to do so. It would be more of a vote loser than winner given that bus users had -- even before the bus gate -- far outnumber private car users on College Green.

It does not look like it's going anywhere fast, and in the event of Metro North works going ahead it is likely to be expanded to 24 hours.

And what ever could you mean by "fiasco"?

Run_to_da_hills

schemingbohemia wrote: »

In what way is it a fiasco?

To anyone that rides a motorcycle or scooter it is an utter fiasco and an ignorant move against the biking community.

Terrontress

I can't see how a well maintained Mercedes W124 or W210 which is over nine years old could be seen as unsuitable.

Age is not the only factor in quality of car and suitability for taxiing.

I think the only way forward is to test the vehicle for safety. If it passes then let it work. Then encourage customers to get in to the best vehicle for their €. If someone has a safe but elderly Camry and you don't like it then go to the newer Skoda behind.

hardCopy

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

To anyone that rides a motorcycle or scooter it is an utter fiasco and an ignorant move against the biking community.

I'd have no problem allowing Motorbikes or Scooters through as these have little effect on congestion, but that doesn't mean we should scrap it.

CIE

steph1 wrote: »

And taxi wimmin :D:D
A bit sorry in a way I got rid of the merc but then again it was petrol and was drinkin the stuff but I am delighted

How reliable was the drivetrain, by comparison? If it outlasts the newer cars, then maybe the petrol costs could be mitigated versus maintenance costs. There are also (IINM) relatively cheap aftermarket upgrades that can increase fuel economy.

ardle1

The National Transport Authority will undertake in the coming months a review of vehicle standards particularly with regard to older vehicles.

Having revoked the aspect of the “nine-year rule” for those renewing their standard taxi and hackney vehicle licence in 2011 and those who obtained the licence prior to 1st January 2009, the Authority will now examine what alternative measures will be put in place to ensure an appropriate quality of vehicle for consumers.

As part of this review, options to be examined will include, for example:

*Increased frequency of roadworthiness testing for older cars
*Increased frequency of the suitability inspection and/or annual renewal assessment
*Adding extra items into the suitability/annual renewal assessment
*A different age rule.
The Authority will carry out public consultation on optional measures before the Summer of this year with the objective of introducing new regulations that would come into force on 1st January 2012.

Terrontress

ardle1 wrote: »

The National Transport Authority will undertake in the coming months a review of vehicle standards particularly with regard to older vehicles.

Having revoked the aspect of the “nine-year rule” for those renewing their standard taxi and hackney vehicle licence in 2011 and those who obtained the licence prior to 1st January 2009, the Authority will now examine what alternative measures will be put in place to ensure an appropriate quality of vehicle for consumers.

As part of this review, options to be examined will include, for example:

*Increased frequency of roadworthiness testing for older cars
*Increased frequency of the suitability inspection and/or annual renewal assessment
*Adding extra items into the suitability/annual renewal assessment
*A different age rule.
The Authority will carry out public consultation on optional measures before the Summer of this year with the objective of introducing new regulations that would come into force on 1st January 2012.

All of this seems fair except for the different age rule. And while I have highlighted older Mercs above I think the greater injustice will come from newer cars which aren't suitable.

We are going to see Chinese cars soon. Geely, SAIC etc. The Korean car manufacturers have only got up to speed in the past five years. People forget that Japanese cars were initially unreliable in post WW2 times. The Chinese manufacturers will take a while to get it right.

So you'll have a brand new Geely shared between 3 taxi drivers, each putting in an 8 hour shift every day. It will have 100,000km done in a year. And it will be deemed as meeting that criteria. Whereas the pensioner who bought a Honda Accord and drives it to and from the shops can't sell it to a taxi driver because, although it has 30,000km on it, it doesn't meet the age limit.

The only criteria should be mechanical.

D'Peoples Voice

Terrontress wrote: »

All of this seems fair except for the different age rule. And while I have highlighted older Mercs above I think the greater injustice will come from newer cars which aren't suitable.

We are going to see Chinese cars soon. Geely, SAIC etc. The Korean car manufacturers have only got up to speed in the past five years. People forget that Japanese cars were initially unreliable in post WW2 times. The Chinese manufacturers will take a while to get it right.

So you'll have a brand new Geely shared between 3 taxi drivers, each putting in an 8 hour shift every day. It will have 100,000km done in a year. And it will be deemed as meeting that criteria. Whereas the pensioner who bought a Honda Accord and drives it to and from the shops can't sell it to a taxi driver because, although it has 30,000km on it, it doesn't meet the age limit.

The only criteria should be mechanical.

+1
I'm sick of having to get into old Toyota Carina II cars on stephens green that feel as if they have the hell driven out of them for years, and the suspension is shot to pieces.
The age thing was well intentioned,
but i think MORE STRINGENT testing of roadworthiness and comfort is much more important.

Cookie_Monster

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

To anyone that rides a motorcycle or scooter it is an utter fiasco and an ignorant move against the biking community.

no its not. its simply a ban on private transport to facilitate and encourage public transport. It is not in any way aimed solely at bikers

robd

Terrontress wrote: »

The only criteria should be mechanical.

Needs to be a bit more than just mechanical.

Aesthetic measures such as wear and tear of interior such as seating, carpets, dashboard need to be taking into account. Firmness of seating for example. You practically hit the floor when you jump into some of the old Carinas.

Also it should be made illegal to operate a taxi with any bodywork defects whatsoever.

Suitability of taxi needs to be taken into account. A minimum rear legroom needs to be introduced. Some of the economy saloon's are just not suitable.

ardle1

robd wrote: »

Needs to be a bit more than just mechanical.

Aesthetic measures such as wear and tear of interior such as seating, carpets, dashboard need to be taking into account. Firmness of seating for example. You practically hit the floor when you jump into some of the old Carinas.

Also it should be made illegal to operate a taxi with any bodywork defects whatsoever.

Suitability of taxi needs to be taken into account. A minimum rear legroom needs to be introduced. Some of the economy saloon's are just not suitable.

Ah the poor Carina getting a good old slating again,, cant believe I use to drive one of them,, anyway, seats, dash, bodywork can all be replaced at minimum exspense,, not a good enough reason to have to change a car.

foggy_lad

ardle1 wrote: »

Ah the poor Carina getting a good old slating again,, cant believe I use to drive one of them,, anyway, seats, dash, bodywork can all be replaced at minimum exspense,, not a good enough reason to have to change a car.

the problem is that many taxi licence holders will get their "new" seats from the breakers yard and they will look new but be just as worn out as the ones they replace.

Reinstate the age rule and have a minimum size standard for taxis so the smaller unsuitable cars are not used.

Cookie_Monster

foggy_lad wrote: »

Reinstate the age rule and have a minimum size standard for taxis so the smaller unsuitable cars are not used.

in theory that there already but the requirements are far to generous IMO, so lots of smaller saloons like corollas still meet the requirements.

The best way to deal with it IMO is to severely limited the models that can be used, bring it down to a choice of ten or so to try have some standardisation across the industry combined with a standard colour.

oisindoyle

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

in theory that there already but the requirements are far to generous IMO, so lots of smaller saloons like corollas still meet the requirements.

The best way to deal with it IMO is to severely limited the models that can be used, bring it down to a choice of ten or so to try have some standardisation across the industry combined with a standard colour.

There is standardisation ,no car can be less than 1600cc and theres also a specific luggage space.
As for colour standards,they're not needed,Taxis have a great big yellow sign that stretches the width of the car.
Unlike other countries that have colour standards and one or two models,these are all subsidised by either local government/councils or governments themselves.
Irish taxi drivers do not get one cent from the Taxi regulator or dept of transport ,depsite the Taxi regulator having 23million euro .

Cookie_Monster

oisindoyle wrote: »

There is standardisation ,no car can be less than 1600cc and theres also a specific luggage space.

is there rear legroom limits?

As for colour standards,they're not needed,Taxis have a great big yellow sign that stretches the width of the car.

Standard colouring, especially something unusual, allows easy ID of car that are being used for private usage and not just business. Make it easier for Gardai to spot and stop them for incorrect tax, etc.
Signs can be taken off to get around this currently.

Unlike other countries that have colour standards and one or two models,these are all subsidised by either local government/councils or governments themselves.
Irish taxi drivers do not get one cent from the Taxi regulator or dept of transport ,depsite the Taxi regulator having 23million euro .

That's fair enough, I'd like to see some support if such a policy brought in. Having such standards would improve the industry by removing many of the part timers, making it (a bit) easier to make a living from it. Taxi's are just too hit and miss at the moment, you get some awful old heaps and even newer ones can be bad. The nine year rule would have at least got rid of many of these, even if some decent old car had to go as well. There needs to be some limit in order to get those old heaps off the road.

oisindoyle

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

is there rear legroom limits?

Standard colouring, especially something unusual, allows easy ID of car that are being used for private usage and not just business. Make it easier for Gardai to spot and stop them for incorrect tax, etc.
Signs can be taken off to get around this currently.




That's fair enough, I'd like to see some support if such a policy brought in. Having such standards would improve the industry by removing many of the part timers, making it (a bit) easier to make a living from it. Taxi's are just too hit and miss at the moment, you get some awful old heaps and even newer ones can be bad. The nine year rule would have at least got rid of many of these, even if some decent old car had to go as well. There needs to be some limit in order to get those old heaps off the road.

Whatever gave you the idea that it was an offence to use a taxi as a private car? Providing it states it on the insurance it isnt a problem .
Plus theres 2 yellow daisies on front and rear windows that identifies it as a taxi.
As for leg room as i said cars are to be no less than 1600cc and any car that is this size usualy has ample leg room ,unless you are 7foot tall ?
As for getting some heaps off the road.Taxis have to do two tests ,,one is the NCT the other is SGS test which covers everything from body work,seats,interior lights,and you can even be failed if you do not have pen and paper OR batteries in your torch!
So if a car passes these two tests then they are deemed suitable to work as a taxi

micdug

When will the taxi market be setup for the customer, not the drivers?

Taxi's should be less then 9 years, unless they are specialised public service vehicles like the London Taxi.

The only restriction on entry to the market should be meeting (high) requirements:

- Standard Colour
- Standard Vehicles - low emission, wheelchair accessible

Finally, taxi drivers have to get on with the fact they do the least skilled job in Ireland. Pretty much anyone can drive a car. Ergo you should be close to minimum wage. The reason there is a flood of Taxi drivers is because anyone can do it. Thats why it is typically an immigrants job/ temporary job in most other countries around the world. This idea of a good salary for this type of job is laughable!

oisindoyle

micdug wrote: »

When will the taxi market be setup for the customer, not the drivers?

Taxi's should be less then 9 years, unless they are specialised public service vehicles like the London Taxi.

The only restriction on entry to the market should be meeting (high) requirements:

- Standard Colour
- Standard Vehicles - low emission, wheelchair accessible

Finally, taxi drivers have to get on with the fact they do the least skilled job in Ireland. Pretty much anyone can drive a car. Ergo you should be close to minimum wage. The reason there is a flood of Taxi drivers is because anyone can do it. Thats why it is typically an immigrants job/ temporary job in most other countries around the world. This idea of a good salary for this type of job is laughable!

The taxi market IS set up for the customer,nothing that has come from the Taxi Regulators office has been in the interests of the taxi driver,thats a fact

As stated in above posts, in other countries that have standard colour ect all these cars are subsidisied by the revelent councils/governments.you cannot compare like with like .
All cars that go to the NCT and SGS tests are tested for low emissions ,if they fail they fail ,,its simple..

As for you last comment re non skilled job ect its waaay off topic and has nothing to do with the 9year rule .It's been done to death on Boards.ie since time began and is usually said to get a reaction which results in the thread being locked ....

Cookie_Monster

oisindoyle wrote: »

Whatever gave you the idea that it was an offence to use a taxi as a private car? Providing it states it on the insurance it isnt a problem .

they are taxed as commercials (psv) aren't they? Same as using a van / truck for private use if so, not allowed.

As for leg room as i said cars are to be no less than 1600cc and any car that is this size usualy has ample leg room ,unless you are 7foot tall ?

fair enough, but personally I find the likes of an avensis or primera to be tight in the back, esp if seat are back a bit. shins up against the seat backs

As for getting some heaps off the road.Taxis have to do two tests ,,one is the NCT the other is SGS test which covers everything from body work,seats,interior lights,and you can even be failed if you do not have pen and paper OR batteries in your torch!
So if a car passes these two tests then they are deemed suitable to work as a taxi

The test don't seem to weed the cars out though, you just need to look at a busy rank to see some awful looking old cars. The cars may be perfectly safe but it gives a terrible impression to the customer if you have to get into a ten year old filthy imported corrola with 400k miles plus on it!
The last taxi I got was an Avensis (07-08 iirc) knackered rear suspension, engine mgt light on, rear tail light not working. Could be going around like that for a year before being tested...
The one before that was a really well cared for older e class, which would be gone now, so there definitely two sides to it.

cgarrad

Good news for everybody!

Everybody except the people who use taxis that is.

oisindoyle

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

they are taxed as commercials (psv) aren't they? Same as using a van / truck for private use if so, not allowed.


fair enough, but personally I find the likes of an avensis or primera to be tight in the back, esp if seat are back a bit. shins up against the seat backs


The test don't seem to weed the cars out though, you just need to look at a busy rank to see some awful looking old cars. The cars may be perfectly safe but it gives a terrible impression to the customer if you have to get into a ten year old filthy imported corrola with 400k miles plus on it!
The last taxi I got was an Avensis (07-08 iirc) knackered rear suspension, engine mgt light on, rear tail light not working. Could be going around like that for a year before being tested...
The one before that was a really well cared for older e class, which would be gone now, so there definitely two sides to it.

As I said already if the cars insurance says is can be used for private use ,then it is NOT an offence .

The tests DO weed out cars,thats the idea of it .Those that YOU consider to be less than acceptable either have not been to their test centre yet or are deemed fit and well for their purpose....

I think we have covered everything that needs to be said on the 9yr rule ,otherwise we will be going round in circles ,,,,

foggy_lad

oisindoyle wrote: »

Whatever gave you the idea that it was an offence to use a taxi as a private car? Providing it states it on the insurance it isnt a problem .

using a commercial vehicle which has a lower tax rate as a private vehicle is an offence regardless of the insurance.

Plus theres 2 yellow daisies on front and rear windows that identifies it as a taxi.

and many times a tulip in the front seat:D

As for leg room as i said cars are to be no less than 1600cc and any car that is this size usualy has ample leg room ,unless you are 7foot tall ?
As for getting some heaps off the road.Taxis have to do two tests ,,one is the NCT the other is SGS test which covers everything from body work,seats,interior lights,and you can even be failed if you do not have pen and paper OR batteries in your torch!
So if a car passes these two tests then they are deemed suitable to work as a taxi

what is to stop drivers preparing cars for these tests by having the suspension pumped up temporarily or by "renting" out a new rear seat? it is far more likely though that the problem with the testing lies with the testers alowing too much leeway when comfort is being tested.

micdug

The taxi market IS set up for the customer,nothing that has come from the Taxi Regulators office has been in the interests of the taxi driver,thats a fact

They increased taxi fess two years ago as the recession hit ireland perhaps? The lack of decent standards for Irish taxis which is entirely pot luck between an 1993 corolla or a 2008 S Class (many many more of the former).The tests seems to be a joke and are about mechanical relability rather then passenger comfort. No other country in Western Europe has the low standards of the Irish Taxi fleet. Thats a fact!

As stated in above posts, in other countries that have standard colour ect all these cars are subsidisied by the revelent councils/governments.you cannot compare like with like .


Where? Show facts. I can't see anywhere were taxi's were subsidised by the council/govt?

All cars that go to the NCT and SGS tests are tested for low emissions ,if they fail they fail ,,its simple..
That tests for legal emissions, not low emissions . I meant low or zero emission. If we are changing the type of vehicle we should go to hybrid or perhaps looking forward a bit fully electric.


As for you last comment re non skilled job ect its waaay off topic and has nothing to do with the 9year rule .It's been done to death on Boards.ie since time began and is usually said to get a reaction which results in the thread being locked ....

No reaction intended, but a statement of fact based on the continual whinging. If the job required a skill that would naturally restrict access to the market. The only other fair way to restrict access is by raising the bar on what type of vehicle is allowed. Again, taxi drivers lobby for something not actually in their interest, old bangers, that allow anyone with a driving licence start as a taxi driver - lets remember it was this same foolish lobbying that led to the complete deregulation in one go.
Finally you should be allowed pick your car from the rank based on what one looks best. This would quickly weed out the worst - why should I pay my money for a corolla II when I can pick a nice new E-Class two cars down. Let the customer decide.

CabanasBoy

Taxi drivers arguing against the 9yr rule really was a case of "turkeys voting for christmas" and now they've got what they deserve. It doesn't take a lot of intelligence to be a taxi driver but it take a bit to be a good one.

Cookie_Monster

oisindoyle wrote: »

As I said already if the cars insurance says is can be used for private use ,then it is NOT an offence .

yep, it may be fine insurance wise but it is tax fraud, as Foggy has already pointed out.

foggy_lad

micdug wrote: »

Finally you should be allowed pick your car from the rank based on what one looks best. This would quickly weed out the worst - why should I pay my money for a corolla II when I can pick a nice new E-Class two cars down. Let the customer decide.[/I][/B]

Any customer can pick any car from the rank already and does not have to accept the first or any car in the Que. any driver refusing then has to leave the rank.

celtictiger32

im in 2 minds about it, i always thought the rule was stupid overall but the good thing is now i drive a 00 so i can hang onto it until such time i can afford to change it. on the other hand i did think it might weed out a lot of the part timers and make the business a viable way to make a living once again.

davynorthside

micdug wrote: »

When will the taxi market be setup for the customer, not the drivers?

Taxi's should be less then 9 years, unless they are specialised public service vehicles like the London Taxi.

The only restriction on entry to the market should be meeting (high) requirements:

- Standard Colour
- Standard Vehicles - low emission, wheelchair accessible

Finally, taxi drivers have to get on with the fact they do the least skilled job in Ireland. Pretty much anyone can drive a car. Ergo you should be close to minimum wage. The reason there is a flood of Taxi drivers is because anyone can do it. Thats why it is typically an immigrants job/ temporary job in most other countries around the world. This idea of a good salary for this type of job is laughable!

I am sure you could apply your least skilled job/Minimum wage criteria to lot's of peoples jobs in the demeaning manner you suggest. Surely people are entitled to a decent salary if they work hard enough no matter what they do for a living. The debate is around the 9 year rule and whether or not the new changes are a good idea it is not a forum for Anti Taxi Driver claptrap.

Losty Dublin

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

yep, it may be fine insurance wise but it is tax fraud, as Foggy has already pointed out.

That is not the case; Foggy as usual has it wrong. Taxis, limo's and hackneys have their own motor tax class and rate; they are not taxed or classed as commercial vehicles.

mikemac

How do we get rid of the battered Carinas on the rank but keep the cars like the 00 Mercedes which the drivers are proud of and maintain immaculately?
I don't know, the nine years rule doesn't solve it.

Selecting your car on the rank I suppose is all you can do.

slimjimmc

Losty Dublin wrote: »

That is not the case; Foggy as usual has it wrong. Taxis, limo's and hackneys have their own motor tax class and rate; they are not taxed or classed as commercial vehicles.

True , they have their own class (€82 p.a.) but he may not be entirely wrong though.
According to the 2008 regs you're not entitled to use a hackney nor a limo for private use. It's probably ok for a taxi though because of the term "incidental" appears to allow some private use.

(b) any vehicle (excluding a taxi) which is used as a small public service vehicle within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1961 , and for no other purpose,
(c) any vehicle which is fitted with a taximeter and is lawfully used as a street service vehicle within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1961 , and for purposes incidental to such use and for no other purpose,

Victor

foggy_lad wrote: »

and many times a tulip in the front seat:D

Thats not on. You know that taxi drivers will read a thread about taxis, but you deliberately use insulting language. Why?

micdug wrote: »

Finally, taxi drivers have to get on with the fact they do the least skilled job in Ireland. Pretty much anyone can drive a car. Ergo you should be close to minimum wage. The reason there is a flood of Taxi drivers is because anyone can do it. Thats why it is typically an immigrants job/ temporary job in most other countries around the world. This idea of a good salary for this type of job is laughable!

Folks, can we stick to the vehicles in this thread?

Victor

Terrontress wrote: »

The only criteria should be mechanical.

Not exclusively. Appearance, ride quality, noise, etc. are factors that need to be taken into account.

Grubby, uncomfortable, threadbare seats within a scruffy interior/exterior would not be acceptable to most.

The exact specification of things like shock absorbers, heating, ventilation and interior noise levels might also be things that need to be looked at on a performance basis, not purely a manufacturer's installation specification.

If a Chinese or any other car car match that, then so be it.

oisindoyle wrote: »

Unlike other countries that have colour standards and one or two models,these are all subsidised by either local government/councils or governments themselves.

While there may not be subsidies here, there are tax breaks, which help a lot.