22/10/2020
Dublin Airport has recently announced a substantial increase in the number of taxi permits available, a move designed to significantly improve the experience for passengers travelling to and from the airport, especially during the busy summer months. This initiative is part of a broader, 15-point improvement plan aimed at addressing passenger feedback and elevating the overall airport journey.
More Taxis, Shorter Waits
In a significant move to ease passenger access, Dublin Airport operator daa has issued an additional 300 taxi permits. This represents a 20% increase in the number of taxi permits in circulation. The impact of this decision is already being felt, with average taxi waiting times at the airport falling to just 6 minutes in the six weeks leading up to early May. This is a notable improvement from the 10-minute average wait time recorded during the same period last year. Furthermore, the percentage of passengers who secure a taxi within their desired timeframe of less than 10 minutes has also seen a positive uptick, rising to 84% in May 2023 from 78% in May 2022. This demonstrates the direct benefit of increasing taxi availability.
A Comprehensive Improvement Plan
The increase in taxi permits is not an isolated action but a key component of daa's extensive 15-point improvement plan, launched in March. This plan was meticulously developed in response to valuable feedback gathered directly from passengers, highlighting the airport's commitment to a customer-centric approach. The overarching goal is to enhance the passenger journey not just for the current busy summer season, but also for the foreseeable future.
Beyond taxis, daa is also focusing on bolstering public transport options. They have collaborated with transport providers to increase the number of active bus routes serving the airport by 15%. Currently, Dublin Airport is connected to 30 counties across Ireland by bus, with frequent services linking to major Dublin railway stations such as Heuston, Connolly, and Pearse. This commitment to public transport is further evidenced by the airport's proactive engagement with bus operators. Letters of support have been issued to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2023, granting stop approval for new and amended services to and from the Airport campus. This strategic approach aims to accommodate the growing demands of passengers and ensure seamless connectivity.
Key Improvements Detailed
The 15-point improvement plan encompasses a wide array of enhancements designed to streamline the passenger experience. These include:
- Quicker Security Times: The aim is to process at least 90% of passengers through security screening in under 20 minutes.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Improvements to free Wi-Fi speeds are being implemented.
- Increased Seating: Over 400 additional seats have been added at departure gates.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Designated family seating areas are being introduced.
- Enhanced Taxi Availability: A 20% increase in the number of taxis available.
- More Bus Routes: A 15% increase in active bus routes serving the airport.
Bus Service Expansion
daa is dedicated to making travel to and from Dublin Airport as convenient as possible. This summer, passengers can expect up to 890 bus services operating across 40 routes daily. This represents an increase of 50 daily services compared to January 2023. The airport is also in active discussions with bus operators to potentially introduce an additional 80 daily services in the coming months, contingent on licensing and operational capacity. Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, emphasised the importance of this:
"We’ve increased the number of taxi permits and bus options for passengers because we understand that being able to get to and from the airport in a fast and reliable manner is a key part of the airport experience. With passenger numbers now back at pre-pandemic levels, we want to make sure passengers have plenty of compelling travel options."
He further highlighted Dublin Airport's role as Ireland's largest public transport hub, underscoring its extensive reach and commitment to providing accessible travel solutions for all passengers.
Comparative Performance: Taxi Wait Times
To illustrate the tangible benefits of these changes, consider the following comparison of taxi waiting times:
| Period | Average Taxi Wait Time | % Passengers within 10 mins |
|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | 10 minutes | 78% |
| May 2023 (approx.) | 6 minutes | 84% |
This table clearly shows the positive impact of the increased taxi permits on reducing waiting times and improving the reliability of taxi services for passengers.
Passenger Experience at the Forefront
Dublin Airport's commitment to enhancing the passenger journey is evident through its comprehensive improvement plan. By addressing key areas such as transport, security, and passenger comfort, daa aims to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. The ongoing rollout of further improvements in the weeks and months ahead signals a sustained dedication to delivering excellence at every touchpoint for all airport users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many new taxi permits have been issued for Dublin Airport?
An additional 300 taxi permits have been issued.
Q2: What is the percentage increase in taxi permits?
This represents a 20% increase in the number of taxi permits.
Q3: What is the current average taxi waiting time at Dublin Airport?
The average taxi waiting time has fallen to 6 minutes.
Q4: How has the percentage of passengers getting a taxi within 10 minutes changed?
It has improved to 84% in May 2023 from 78% in May 2022.
Q5: What other transport improvements are being made?
daa is also increasing active bus routes by 15% and aims to add further daily bus services.
Q6: What is the overall plan that these improvements are part of?
These initiatives are part of daa's 15-point improvement plan designed to enhance the passenger journey.
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