Campaign begins to recruit 1,600 new taxi drivers

A campaign is under way to recruit an additional 1,600 taxi drivers after the number of active taxi licences fell by nearly 4 per cent.

The National Transport Authority hopes the recruitment drive can help to address shortages of taxis, particularly at peak times.

Anne Graham, the authority's chief executive, said there were about 26,000 drivers licenced to drive a small public service vehicle in the State.

“That might sound like a lot, but they are not all available all of the time, which means there can be shortages at certain periods particularly at peak hours and weekend nights,” she said.

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“Last year we recruited about 800 new drivers into the sector, and with this campaign, we would like to double that in 2018.”

She added: “If you’re bored with your nine to five, or you’re looking for something that will give you more flexibility, or you’d prefer to be your own boss, driving a taxi, might be just what you’re looking for.”

An advertising campaign will begin in broadcast, online and print media starting on Monday. Anyone with a clean driving licence may apply.

Last year, 3,204 driver entry tests were undertaken by 1,352 candidates, an 8 per cent increase on 2015. Almost 43 per cent (580) of the candidates were successful and, on average, the candidates required three attempts to achieve a pass mark.

However, 32 per cent of successful candidates passed on their first attempt.

Figures from the authority show the number of active taxi driver licences fell by 3.7 per cent from 27,440 in 2015 to 26,420 in 2016. This is a drop of 44 per cent on the all-time peak in May 2009.

The authority recently carried out a major review of the SPSV driver licensing framework and a full public consultation was carried out in November.