Taxi Drivers Protest Against Uber Feature, Dublin Traffic Grounded

UPDATE: Dublin is currently experiencing severe traffic disruptions as taxi drivers have launched a coordinated rush-hour protest against a new feature introduced by Uber. The protest, which began at 4:30 PM and is set to last until 6:30 PM, involves slow drives from multiple locations, converging on Merrion Square and looping around Dublin Airport.

Organized by taxi driver David Mitchell, the demonstration aims to highlight what drivers describe as a significant threat to their livelihoods. Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Mitchell declared, “We’ll be doing a slow drive from Cunningham Road from Cosway Road in Clontarf, converging together on Merrion Square.” He expressed hope that drivers, including those typically stationed at the airport taxi rank, would join the action: “I’m hoping we’ll all stand together.”

Mitchell acknowledged that the protest will cause major traffic congestion, stating, “It will become very, very congested. We did this on Saturday to avoid inconveniencing the public.” He emphasized the necessity of the protest after previous attempts to communicate with authorities received no response. “We told the Department of Transport and the NTA that if we didn’t hear back from them, we would escalate – and today is that escalation,” he said.

Drivers are concerned that the new Uber feature could cut their earnings by as much as 30%, which they claim would drastically impact their income. “If it was your mother, brother, son, or uncle getting their potential income cut by 30%, nobody would accept that,” Mitchell asserted.

Support for the taxi drivers has emerged from political figures as well. Richard Boyd Barrett, leader of People Before Profit, voiced his backing, stating, “I support the drivers because their livelihood and their industry is at stake. Uber is trying to undermine their livelihood.” He also highlighted the potential for increased commissions if Uber continues to dominate the market, which could rise from 10% to 65% in some areas.

Barrett underscored the importance of proper regulation to protect both drivers and the public: “What we have is a fair system. The fare meter is negotiated every couple of years to take into account costs and ensure drivers have a livelihood and the public get reasonable prices.”

As the protest unfolds, authorities are urging commuters to seek alternative transportation options, given the expected traffic disruptions. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent issue affecting Dublin’s taxi drivers and commuters alike.