Taxi roundtable exposes late-night and accessibility gaps
A roundtable event hosted by Freenow by Lyft brought advocacy groups together in Dublin to discuss challenges facing passengers, drivers, and communities.
Dublin, 29th October 2026 - Accessibility, gaps in late-night transport, and the safety of passengers and drivers were central to a roundtable discussion on Dublin’s taxi industry. The roundtable was hosted by Freenow by Lyft, bringing together organisations representing disability, older people, nightlife and migrant communities.
This roundtable builds on the findings of Freenow by Lyft’s 2025 report, Supporting the Long-Term Growth of the Taxi Industry in Ireland, which called for urgent action to safeguard drivers and address late-night transport challenges. The meeting provided a forum to progress those recommendations alongside key community stakeholders. As a result, three key themes emerged: accessibility, the night-time economy, and safety.
Organisations represented included Vision Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs, Friends of the Elderly, the Irish Network Against Racism, and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, alongside taxi industry representatives.
Key topics discussed during the roundtable included:
Passenger accessibility & inclusion: Participants highlighted the importance of taxi services that meet the needs of all passengers, including people who are blind or vision impaired, guide dog users and wheelchair users. While wheelchair-accessible vehicles now account for 28% of the national fleet, the discussion identified opportunities to improve availability, suitability, and affordability. Accessible street design and safe boarding points, better rural transport options, and driver training to support passengers’ access rights were also key themes.
Night-time economy support: The roundtable recognised the vital role taxis play in supporting Ireland’s night-time economy, particularly where late-night public transport is limited. Participants discussed how affordable, reliable journeys home can help more people enjoy nightlife, highlighting the value of considering taxi services alongside bus and rail provision in transport planning.
Passenger & driver safety: Safety was discussed from both a passenger and driver perspective, with an emphasis on safe public spaces, support for drivers working late at night, and tackling racism. Participants also highlighted the importance of timely Garda support and effective reporting and recording of racist incidents.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager of Freenow by Lyft Ireland, said:
“Taxis are an essential part of Ireland’s transport network, and the experiences shared at this roundtable show how closely they are connected to wider questions about street design, public transport provision and public safety.
“We wanted to bring these organisations together to hear about the challenges facing their communities, from finding a safe place to board a taxi to getting home at night or feeling safe while working.
“These perspectives are valuable for industry to consider, as well as for Government, the National Transport Authority and other public bodies as they examine the needs of passengers and drivers. We look forward to further engagement with the NTA regarding this. We appreciate everyone who contributed and look forward to continuing the conversation.”
John Burke, Corporate Partnerships Manager from Irish Guide Dogs said:
“We appreciate the opportunity to sit down with fellow advocacy organisations and industry representatives to discuss the key challenges facing passengers, including those who are blind or vision impaired. While the number of accessible taxis is growing, too many passengers still struggle to secure one, particularly those travelling with guide dogs who continue to face discrimination.
“As the only door to door transport option, it is vital that taxi services meet the needs of all passengers. We look forward to continuing to work together to address these challenges and ensure that taxi services are accessible to everyone. ”
Shane O'Curry, Director of INAR - The Irish Network Against Racism said:
“Everyone should feel safe taking a taxi or working behind the wheel. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can make sure passengers feel confident getting home and better support drivers, particularly those working late at night.
"It can be difficult to collect accurate data on racist incidents, therefore effective reporting and recording is essential. We look forward to working together to turn these discussions into practical action that protects passengers and drivers alike.”
ENDS