Less than a third of Dublin taxi drivers are willing to work during peak weekend hours.
That's according to Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond.
It comes after many people over the weekend struggled to find a way home in the capital from their night out.
So sick of nights out in Dublin, spent an hour waiting for a taxi on 4 separate apps, decided to get the 15 bus home instead but it went straight past because it was full, then I had to literally beg a taxi man to take me home by saying “I’ll pay you loads” to which he said
— David Hammond (@MrDavidHammond) December 10, 2022
Not Enough Taxis
With the Christmas period set to be a busy one for nightlife, is Dublin's transport system fit for purpose?
Over the weekend, most people probably had their Christmas parties, but many complained about not being able to get home.
Some were left walking hours for a taxi, begging drivers to bring them home and others simply had to walk it out.
This driver explains why he ended his shift early over the weekend:
"The biggest problem I had on Friday night, me personally, I came home at 1AM because it was -4 degrees."
"It's all about health, the public and myself."
This man says he "couldn't afford" to be in an accident with two or three passengers in the car.
Litch refuse to go into town for a night out now catch me in the local nice walk home happy out https://t.co/5gvmGLqTS6
— Racheloconnor (@Rachelo666) December 11, 2022
Trains A Solution?
There's a shortage of taxis in the capital, are they all to blame?
Barry Kenny from Irish Rail, says it is running services in line with demands:
They're "popular" but they're "by no means over-subscribed," Barry says.
"There is plenty of capacity on the existing late night services."
Barry adds, "obviously if we got to a situation where demand increased further and there was a clear need for additional services, we'd look at that."
Luas services over Christmas and New Year are set to run up to 3am on some days.
The question is, should there be incentives for new taxi drivers and should there be extra resources pumped into remaining public transport.
It seems the demand is there.
