- 27,891 taxi licences now active, highest in 10 years
- 4,781 wheelchair accessible vehicles in operation
- 3,306 electric taxis, 25pc increase on previous year
- 76pc of consumers found taxis easy to access
- Over 1,000 complaints in 2025, 50pc on overcharging
The taxi sector has attracted more new drivers, with the highest number on record in 10 years, according to the National Transport Authority. A total of 1,893 licences were issued last year, bringing the total number to 27,891. The NTA has confirmed that there is a strong interest in joining the sector, with director of transport regulation Kevin O’Brien stating that business exists and drivers want to pursue it. However, personal safety and antisocial behaviour remain key reasons for not working late nights or weekends.
There has been a sharp increase in wheelchair accessible vehicles and in the number of electric cars operating as taxis nationwide. The NTA has published a snapshot of the sector based on its latest Small Public Service Vehicle Bulletin and recent taxi driver and consumer research. The authority has confirmed that overall availability is improving, with 76pc of consumers saying it was easy to get a taxi on their most recent journey. The number of respondents who described the experience as very easy increased to 34pc. For wheelchair users that figure stands at 56pc.
There are now 4,781 wheelchair accessible vehicles in operation, comprising 23pc of the total Small Public Service Vehicle fleet and 26pc of the taxi and hackney fleet. The NTA Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme has continued to support the growth of an accessible fleet with 519 grants issued last year. Over 1,000 passenger complaints were made last year, with over 50pc focused on overcharging. At the end of 2025, there were 3,306 fully electric SPSVs in operation, a 25pc increase on the previous year. Drivers have reported average savings of €95 per week in running costs when using an electric vehicle.
Kevin O’Brien, Director of Transport Regulation at NTA, shared: “We see that business is there and people want to chase that business. “It is encouraging to see improving availability and the high levels of passenger confidence, adding that the NTA is focused on increasing the numbers available to passengers requiring a wheelchair accessible taxi.”
