This week the National Transport Authority came before PAC. A number of topics were up for discussion and I focused my intervention on the new Leap Card, the expansion of DublinBikes and the office of the Taxi Regulator. Interestingly, the staff from the Taxi Regulator’s office on Fitzwilliam Square have now moved into the NTA proper. However, an upward only rent review leasehold remains in place until 2024. Another state agency will occupy the building on a fixed rate. So, if the landlords up the rent, the NTA will have to foot the bill with no way of recovering the money lost in the difference.

Also, following our discussion on racism in the taxi driving profession, the Authority are going to investigate the possibility of an educational programme for drivers. We also spoke about enforcement at taxi ranks where discrimination is evident (for example the ‘white drivers only’ rank that is alleged to be operating on O’Connell Street).

Click here to watch the proceedings.