Research Topic

My work is intended to look at the supply of taxis at key points of demand. Examples of influences on this include in the Republic of Ireland where authorities do not limit the number of licenses issued to taxis which contrasts with the UK where Local Authorities have the discretion as to whether to limit taxi numbers.

It is argued that unrestricted numbers of taxis have benefited the consumer in terms of waiting times, but may also impact negatively on supply. Ireland has not set a requirement for the proportion of accessible vehicles for the disabled and issues of over-supply make it difficult for drivers to earn a reasonable income and ultimately renew ageing vehicles.

My research, which includes camera observation of taxi stances (ranks) in Ireland, will compare market effects of unrestricted access to the taxi market with that seen where taxi numbers are limited.