Nights out at risk as taxi drivers raise safety concerns
Freenow by Lyft report calls for urgent action to protect drivers and keep passengers moving safely during peak festive demand
31%* of taxi drivers feel unsafe while working, with a third of drivers reporting they feel less safe than a year ago.
64%* have ended shifts early because of safety fears, reducing late-night taxi availability when demand is highest.
Freenow by Lyft call for Garda helpline for taxi drivers to report incidents and receive rapid assistance.
Dublin, 19th November, 2025 - Freenow by Lyft has today launched a report calling for urgent action to safeguard the future of Ireland’s taxi industry.
The new report, Supporting the Long-Term Growth of the Taxi Industry in Ireland, highlights critical challenges facing the sector and sets out practical recommendations to safeguard its future.
The report identifies safety as one of the most pressing concerns for Ireland’s taxi drivers. While the National Transport Authority (NTA) reports strong growth in driver numbers, many drivers are avoiding late-night shifts due to escalating safety concerns**.
A survey of Freenow taxi drivers in Ireland revealed that 31% feel unsafe while working, with a third of drivers reporting they feel less safe than a year ago. In fact, 64% have ended shifts early because of safety fears, reducing late-night taxi availability when demand is highest. This shortage impacts Ireland’s night-time economy, where reliable transport is essential for the hospitality and entertainment sectors to thrive.
In contrast, passengers report positive experiences when taxis are available: 96*% feel safe when using taxis, with 73% considering taxi apps such as Freenow are the safest way to book a taxi. However, concerns arise when they cannot access transport late at night.
Freenow’s key safety recommendations include:
Establishing a dedicated Garda helpline for taxi drivers to report incidents and receive rapid assistance.
Collecting and publishing data on violence against taxi drivers to inform policy and improve safety.
Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City Council's Night-Time Economy Advisor, said: “For Dublin’s night-time economy to work well, people need to feel safe, and they also need reliable ways to get home. The Freenow data highlights what many of us already see on the ground: late-night transport, particularly taxis, faces serious pressure at peak times and drivers have real concerns about safety.
“These issues can’t be solved by any single measure, but changes such as staggered closing times, improved public transport provision, and steps to support driver safety would all help to reduce bottlenecks and make the system work better for everyone. If we get this right, we not only make the city safer but also give people more confidence to enjoy all that Dublin has to offer at night.”
Beyond safety, the report outlines further recommendations to strengthen the industry:
Strengthening rural mobility through changes to the Local Area Hackney scheme.
Protecting drivers from VAT liabilities arising from other ride-hailing apps invoicing from outside Ireland.
Increasing funding for the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme to grow the accessible taxi fleet and improve experiences for all passengers.
Accelerating sustainability through greater investment in the eSPSV Grant Scheme, fast-charging infrastructure, and support for electric WAVs
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at Freenow Ireland, said: “Taxis are a cornerstone of Ireland’s public transport network. As the only door-to-door option, they play a vital role in connecting people to work, healthcare, education and social activities. But the industry is under pressure. Driver safety concerns, supply bottlenecks at peak times, and a lack of late-night transport options are all affecting both drivers and passengers.
“Everyone should feel safe at work and taxi drivers are no exception. Increasing reports of verbal abuse and antisocial behaviour highlight the urgent need for a dedicated Garda helpline for taxi drivers to report incidents and receive help quickly.
“Without decisive action on safety and supply, these challenges risk undermining the sector’s ability to meet demand. Our recommendations provide a clear path forward to protect drivers, improve passenger experience, and support Ireland’s sustainable transport future.”
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
The full report is available to download here.
Accompanying photography can be found here.
*Internal Freenow survey of over 1,000 drivers and passengers, conducted in June 2025.
**NTA data can be found here
About Freenow by Lyft
Freenow by Lyft is the European taxi app featuring broad multi-mobility options for everyone across 9 European markets and over 180 cities. Millions of passengers can access various mobility services within a single app, including taxis, private hire vehicles, carsharing, car rental, e-scooters, e-bikes, e-mopeds and public transport. With headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, Freenow is led by CEO Thomas Zimmermann.
In July 2025, Freenow was acquired by Lyft, a global mobility platform offering a mix of rideshare, taxis, private hire vehicles, executive chauffeur services, car sharing, bikes, and scooters across 6 continents and thousands of cities. Millions of drivers have chosen to earn on billions of rides. Together, Freenow and Lyft are helping to create a more connected world, with transportation options for everyone.
Visit our website for further information and download the Freenow app.