NTA research reveals growing taxi sector

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published a comprehensive snapshot of Ireland’s taxi sector, drawing on its latest Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Bulletin and recent taxi driver and consumer research, which was conducted in March 2026.

Together, they say the publications provide a snapshot of Ireland’s taxi, hackney and limousine sector with increasing numbers of licensed drivers, wheelchair accessible vehicles and electric vehicles operating nationwide.

Consumer survey findings indicate that taxi availability is improving.

Overall, 76% of consumers said it was easy to get a taxi on their most recent journey, while the number of respondents who described the experience as ‘very easy’ increased to 34%.

The NTA Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme continues to support the growth of an accessible fleet with 519 grants issued in 2025.

At the end of 2025 the fleet included 4,781 wheelchair accessible vehicles, the highest number ever, comprising of 23% of the total SPSV fleet and 26% of the taxi and hackney fleet representing the highest number on record.

The sector continues to attract new entrants with 1,893 new driver licences issued in 2025.

The total number of SPSV drivers rose to 27,891, the highest number recorded in ten years.

The driver survey also revealed that newer drivers are more likely to work peak weekend hours, helping to serve Ireland’s nighttime economy.

Passengers continue to report high levels of safety when using taxi services.

97% of passengers feel safe while waiting at a taxi rank while 89% feel safe hailing a taxi on the street.

The research also highlights significant progress in the transition to a more sustainable fleet.

At the end of 2025, there were 3,306 fully electric SPSVs in operation, a 25% increase on the previous year.

Drivers reported average savings of €95 per week in running costs when using an electric vehicle.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin O’Brien, Director of Transport Regulation at the NTA said:

“The taxi, hackney and limousine sector continues to make significant progress, with record levels of driver participation, fleet wheelchair accessibility and electric vehicle adoption.

“It is encouraging to see improving taxi availability and high levels of passenger confidence.

“The NTA is focussed on supporting a modern, safe and accessible SPSV sector for all passengers through effective regulation, appropriate enforcement and ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.”