The Labour Party is calling for the abolition of the Taxi Regulator and the incorporation of its functions into the Dublin Transport Authority, in a document submitted to the regulator Kathleen Doyle today.
The party is also seeking a moratorium on the issuing of new licences, an area knowledge test, health and safety standards, a rigorous entry programme, more accessible taxis, higher vehicle standards, and a dress code and personal hygiene standards for drivers.
The document Hailing a New Taxi Service: A High Quality and Fair Taxi Industry for Allwas submitted to the regulator today as Labour's response to the Goodbody economic review of the industry.
Ms Doyle opened a public consultation process on the report following its publication last March. Taxi organisations reacted angrily to the report which recommended no freeze on taxi numbers, and several protests have been held since its publication.
The public consultation process ended at 5pm, however a spokesman for the regulator could not say how many submission had been received. He also said it would be inappropriate for the regulator to comment on Labour's document or any other submission until it had analysed all the information and comment received.
Drivers' organisations welcomed Labour's proposals for a moratorium and the abolition of the stand-alone regulator.
"We welcome any support any party can give us. We very much welcome the proposal for the moratorium and measures that will bring the business back under control," National Taxi Driver's Union (NTDU) spokesman Tommy Gorman said.
The Taxi Drivers' for Change group which has held several protests in recent months also made a submission to the regulator calling for an end to part-time drivers, a crack down on illegal operators and a cap on licences, pending reform of the industry.
"Labour's submission seems to hit all the right buttons for us. The moratorium proposal is particularly welcome, as is the plan to abolish the stand alone regulator," group spokesman Frank Byrne said.
