DUBLIN: Taxi drivers are set to stage another major rush-hour protest across Dublin tomorrow afternoon, escalating their campaign against Uber’s recently introduced optional fixed-price model. Last week’s “go slow” protest caused severe traffic delays, and organizers have again apologized in advance for the disruption while insisting the action is crucial to secure the future of the industry.
The drivers accuse Uber’s new systemāwhich guarantees passengers a maximum fare upfrontāof undermining the regulated fare structure set by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and constituting “predatory pricing.” While Uber, which has over 6,000 drivers in Ireland, states the move reduces “meter anxiety” for passengers, drivers claim it leaves them earning less, especially during heavy traffic delays when the metered fare might exceed the fixed price.
Derek OāKeeffe, spokesperson for Taxi Drivers of Ireland, stated that drivers are being “left with no choice” but to protest, warning the fixed-fare system could dismantle the Irish taxi industry. He confirmed that they have received no communication from Uber regarding the withdrawal of fixed fares. Organizers have vowed to continue weekly protests until the issue is resolved.
The protest is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 4:30 PM, with drivers purposefully delaying traffic along the following routes:
- Conyngham Road to Merrion Square Ā
- UCD (R138) to Merrion Square
- Northwood (R132) to Dublin Airport
- Estuary Road (R132) to Dublin Airport
