Ireland taxi driver numbers reach ten-year high

Ireland’s small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector reached a ten-year high in licensed drivers during 2025. According to data from the National Transport Authority (NTA), 1,893 new licenses were issued, bringing the total number of licensed drivers to 27,891.

The growth in the taxi, hackney, and limousine market has led to improved passenger availability. Consumer research indicates that 76% of passengers found it easy to secure a taxi for their recent journeys. Additionally, newer drivers are reportedly more likely to work during peak weekend periods, supporting the country’s nighttime economy.

Significant progress was also noted in fleet accessibility and sustainability. The number of wheelchair accessible vehicles reached a record 4,781 by the end of 2025, supported by the NTA’s grant scheme. These vehicles now comprise 23% of the total SPSV fleet. Furthermore, the transition to electric vehicles continues, with 3,306 fully electric SPSVs in operation—a 25% increase from the previous year. Drivers using electric vehicles reported average weekly running cost savings of 95 euro.