 A review of the taxi industry is to be carried out |
In only half the one million taxi journeys taken in Northern Ireland last year did passengers know what fare they would be charged before setting out, a report has found. The General Consumer Council report also found that there were problems with illegal operators and poor handling of complaints.
Published on Friday, Talking about Taxis aims to provide information and raise awareness of the issues affecting taxi users ahead of a consultation on the taxi industry later in the year.
The report found that taxis are an important part of Northern Ireland's transport network with many people relying on them as their sole means of getting around.
Alan Walker, of the General Consumer Council said: "Consumers want safe, reliable taxis that are reasonably priced and provide value for money.
"They also want clear and timely information so that they can make informed choices about taxi operators.
"Importantly, they want to know that there is an effective system for making and dealing with complaints."
Other report findings
Younger consumers are most likely to use taxis but they are important for all age groups. Four out of five consumers (79%) use taxis for leisure and social purposes. Around three out of four consumers (73%) use taxis after 6pm at night. 51% of public hire taxi users and 37% of private hire taxi users feel they have been overcharged at one time. More than half (52%) of those who complained were not happy with the response received. William McCausland, chairman of the Private Hire Proprietors Association, said as far as his company was concerned any complaints were thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.
"Road conditions, traffic conditions and time it takes can affect the fare, so really you need to use the taxi metre and it will determine the fare. An estimate can be given," he said.
He said passengers should always use a reputable taxi company where "you will have some comeback if there is a problem".
The General Consumer Council believes that the review of the taxi industry should result in better service, more legal operators, improved consumer protection and awareness, and a framework for competitive and reasonable fares.
The council is an independent organisation which campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all.
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