FORTY PERCENT of Ireland’s taxi drivers have not worked since pandemic hit

Over forty percent of Irish taxi drivers have not worked since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March according to a new nationwide survey.

In a revealing survey conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of NTA (National Transport Authority), it also revealed that as many as one in four cabbies are likely to quit or retire in the next three years.

The responses were collected via a confidential telephone survey of 500 taxi drivers nationwide. The survey aimed to establish how services have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and covered areas such as demand, operational expenses and insurance, together with other topical items for the industry.

The results of the survey found 60 percent of drivers still didn’t know when they would return to work.

Of those working, nine in ten said they were less busy when compared with pre-COVID work levels. In fact 97 percent of cabbies said they were earning less as a result of the pandemic.

On average work is said to be down 53%, with drivers earning 61% less now.

The survey is set to be repeated in the coming weeks to gather further information regarding the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi industry.