New rural hackney licence system to tackle rural transport problem

By TONY GALVIN A GOVERNMENT proposal to introduce a system of low-cost hackneys in rural areas designed to combat isolation and transport difficulties is being welcomed in some quarters but there is expected to be a less favourable reaction from established taxi and hackney operators. The proposal is being championed by Junior Transport Minister Alan Kelly, who says it is aimed  at countering the rural isolation that many country people experience as they can no longer travel to pubs, community and sporting events. 'This is a very real issue for rural communities as they don't have access to basic taxi services. The cost of buying a taxi licence, the cost of sitting such skill tests and the low volume of business make it commercially unviable for people to operate regular hackneys in many rural areas,' he said. [private] Under action 46 of the Taxi Review Report, the Government has proposed to introduce a local area hackney licence for operation in 'limited areas' across the country. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Transport Authority. Applicants who get the new licence will be required to be resident in the areas they serve and will be vetted by the Gardai. One clause in the proposal which may cause problems is that such drivers may be allowed establish hackney stands in some areas where they can accept customers off the street. The Taxi Federation of Ireland has already responded with concern and caution to the proposal. A spokesperson said that in reality it was simply the creation of a new public service vehicle (PSV) licence and they feared the system was open to abuse. Transport has become a real issue in many rural communities throughout Co Galway with stricter drink driving laws and enforcement being cited as one of the main reasons for the fall off in trade in many rural pubs. The plan is to introduce a second-tier of hackney licences which can operate in areas not adequately covered by current taxi or hackney services. The drivers will be local people with local knowledge and work on a part-time basis. The new licences will not cost as much as those currently issued to taxi and hackney drivers. Vehicle standards will not be as strict and those operating the new services will not have to undergo the training and skills requirements applied to regular PSV drivers. However, those who obtain the new licence will not be allowed operate in urban areas or in areas where it can be shown that there is already an adequate service. The Vintners Federation of Ireland has welcomed the proposal. National Executive Council member of the VFI, Christy Ruane, who operates a public house in Glentane, Castleblakney, said he thought such a development would be welcomed in many rural communities and the VFI were behind it. The organisation has already made a proposal to Government for the lowering of vehicle registration tax (VRT) on 6-7 seater vehicles used by publicans to transport their customers. 'I've been collecting and bringing home customers for 37 years. People in rural areas know how difficult it can be to get a taxi, especially at busy times during the weekend. I'd say a service run by a local person would be well used and be of great help,' he said. The new licence is not specifically aimed at giving a boost to the flagging rural pub trade. It is envisioned that it could be used to bring people to religious services, medical appointments, community events and social calls. [/private]