UBER UPDATE


DUBLIN CABBIES’ FIXED-FARE FIGHT FAILS AS GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS UBER POLICY IS COMPLIANT


The high-stakes dispute between Dublin taxi drivers and Uber has ended with the National Transport Authority confirming that the ride- hailing giant’s controversial fixed-fare system “complies with the applicable regulations,” despite weeks of driver protests. The ruling comes immediately after c. 1,500 drivers, mobilised under Taxi Drivers Ireland, temporarily suspended a planned six-day “national shutdown protest” in December. The suspension was conditional on the outcome of talks with Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien. The protests, which involved “slow protests” that disrupted Dublin traffic, were triggered by Uber’s


introduction of an upfront fixed- price fare model. Drivers argue the new system shifts all financial risk onto them and can result in them earning significantly less, especially during heavy traffic or major events. They maintain that only the driver should be able to agree on a fixed fare with a customer, per existing regulations. Uber states the change aims to improve transparency and build rider trust, which in turn increases demand and creates more earning opportunities for drivers by reducing “meter anxiety”. The outcome is a major blow to drivers, who had warned they would “not quietly accept the destruction of our livelihoods.”


While the NTA’s current inter- pretation of the law validates Uber’s


model, the advisory


committee acknowledged the challenges posed by technology, noting a “need to assess whether legislation is up to date regarding the roles of technology and booking app dispatch operators.” Consequently, Minister O’Brien has requested that the NTA conduct a “regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland.” With the Government ruling that Uber’s


policy is compliant, the


question remains whether Taxi Drivers Ireland will reactivate their planned “national shutdown” now that the talks have overturn the policy.


failed to


UBER GRANTED LICENCE TO OPERATE IN SOUTHEND AFTER UNANIMOUS LICENSING COMMITTEE APPROVAL


Southend-on-Sea City Council’s independent, quasi-judicial Licensing Sub-Committee has unanimously approved Uber Britannia Limited’s application for a private hire vehicle operator’s licence. This means Uber is now able to operate in the city. The licence will be granted for a period of five years, after which Uber will need to reapply.


All Uber drivers licensed in Southend must meet the same standards as other local private hire drivers. This includes passing the Southend knowledge test, completing safeguarding training, undergoing enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks,


PHTM JANUARY 2026


medical checks, and displaying Southend PHV door stickers. Cllr Donna Richardson, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism and commitment throughout this process. The committee has worked through all the details carefully, and I am pleased we’ve reached a decision in a courteous and respectful manner.” Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, added: “This licence approval demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest safety and safeguarding standards for private hire services in Southend.


“Residents and visitors can have confidence that any Uber driver operating in the city meets the same rigorous checks


and


requirements as all other licensed operators.” Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “I acknowledge the Licensing Sub-Committee’s decision, which allows Southend residents and visitors to benefit from a regulated Uber service. It is reassuring to see the process concluded thoroughly and professionally. “I know this was especially important to business owners in the nightlife economy and I hope it supports the growth we all want to see.”


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