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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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'Disappointing'- FreeNow hits back at claims of Christmas taxi shortage
FREENOW Ireland has responded to the Taxis for Ireland Coalition warning that there aren't enough taxis for the high-demand during Christmas period.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager has stated that, "While Christmas is a time of high demand, 2024 has seen taxi supply growing strongly with more than 27,000 active SPSV driver licences active around Ireland. In fact, the taxi supply in Ireland is far higher than in our European counterparts according to NTA data. On average, the wait time for a FREENOW taxi is 17.5 seconds for ride acceptance and 3.5 minutes for driver arrival. This reflects the hard work of driver partners who are dedicated to providing prompt and reliable service for passengers across the country. We are continuously working to support our partner drivers and are currently running a Holiday Bonus Fund to thank and reward our drivers for their dedication and hard work, especially during this peak holiday period."
FREENOW’s has stated that it's "own taxi supply is also continuing to grow strongly, with a 24% year-on-year increase in H1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In this period, Limerick saw an increase of 33%."
FreeNow has said that it is "disappointing to see this recent information shared in the media by the so-called "Taxis for Ireland Coalition" when drivers themselves have not been consulted."
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"This is creating unnecessary stress for drivers and making them feel like they are not providing a good enough service when they are working hard over the festive period - according to FREENOW data over 30% of taxi drivers planning to work on Christmas Day and almost 70% work on Christmas Eve."
FREENOW has stated that it "has surveyed over 630 taxi drivers, and over 96% said they have never been consulted by the so-called Taxis for Ireland Coalition (Uber and Bolt)."
"Over 61% stated that the coalition does not represent their interests," FreeNow has said.
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