Taxi operators have responded to the updated regulations around wearing masks.
While most forms of public transport have seen the government step up and make wearing a mask mandatory, the same can't be said for taxis for the majority of 2020.
There had been some confusion around the rules of mask-wearing in taxis, and as the
Irish Independent reported, there had been pleas by certain taxi firms to improve the regulations, stating that "It is vital that the Government here does the same without delay to avoid any ambiguity around this and enforces a mandatory requirement urgently."
Many taxis have installed polycarbonate screens in an effort to separate drivers, as well an increased usage of contactless pay, but the actual regulations have remained somewhat unclear.
Reaching out to the National Transport Authority, they told us that S.I. #569 of 2020 has come into operation, which effectively means that the government has taken action, and it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in small public service vehicles (SPSVs), including taxis, hackneys, and limousines.
Niall Carson, Country Manager for FREE NOW said:
"I am delighted that the Minister for Health has taken action to make face coverings mandatory in SPSVs. We have been calling for clarity on this issue since the beginning of the pandemic to ensure there are no grey areas around this and everyone knows they must wear a face covering when travelling in taxis. It is vital that both passengers and drivers feel safe and have peace of mind when travelling as the country opens up again, particularly as we approach the festive season."
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