Taxi drivers in Kildare and Carlow will this week be among the first to be allocated a new photographic driver identification card and accompanying "smart" card, as part of the planned roll- out of the new system on a regional basis around the country.
According to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, the new system will eventually see each Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) licence holder receiving a large ID for display on the vehicle dashboard.
They will also be issued with a personal "smart" card, similar in size to a credit card, which will enable them to have a portable photo ID for use when drivers are outside of their vehicle, for example calling to collect a fare in an office or private home.
Drivers will be required by law to display the ID card on the dashboard and keep the "smart"card in their possession at all times while driving a SPSV.
The larger photo ID is intended to identify the driver and confirm to the passenger that they are licensed, according to a spokesman for the commission. "Each card will show a photograph, the name of the driver, their SPSV licence [ badge] number and the expiry date of the licence," he said. "The name of the licensed area [ the geographic area for which the licence is issued] will be displayed on the reverse side of this card and will clearly identify the area where the driver can ply or stand for hire."
The "smart" card will also contain a microchip that will enable members of the commission's enforcement team to verify the identity of the driver and their licence status.
The introduction of the new ID system for taxis follows the recent revelation of the decision to scrap a €200,000 compulsory taxi customer information system just three months after its launch.