The new national taxi fare structure that has led to repeated protests and work stoppages by taxi drivers in recent months comes into force today.
The new basic fare of €3.80 during the day and €4.10 at night, supplemented by distance or time-related charges, will apply to taxi journeys everywhere.
Most of the existing "extra" charges, such as the €1.50 hiring charge at Dublin airport and luggage charges, and the practice of drivers going "off-meter" will be abolished.
The new structure replaces the system where fares were set by 35 local authorities, which led to a huge variance in rates - from a basic €2.40 to €6.00 - in different parts of the State.
In Dublin the basic day-time fare will increase by 40 cent, but in several areas such as Ennis and Tralee basic fares will almost halve.
Unions claim that only half of all taxi drivers have had their meters altered for the new fares. There will be a three-week changeover period for the new charges. Taxi drivers will have until October 16th to be fully compliant with the new fare and regulations.
National Taxi Drivers Union spokesman Tommy Gorman said: "The fare as of midnight has changed. For instance, if you took a taxi home on Saturday night, your minimum fare would have been €5.70. "If you take the same taxi home this evening, it will cost €7.10. Obviously drivers will have a bit of explaining to do about the difference in that fare."
Taxi regulator Ger Deering said yesterday that he hoped the dispute with taxi drivers was over and taxi unions would not cause further disruption when more changes to the industry were implemented in the coming months.
"I'd be hopeful that we can move forward now in a spirit of co-operation," he said.
Drivers have staged a number of strikes, centred in the capital, in protest at the revised rates.
In addition to the fare changes, a new complaints line, advertised through the media and in taxis, will be operational from 8am today, and information on the driver's licence, rates and the rights and responsibilities of passengers will be displayed in large print in all cars.