The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The NTA held a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to the LAH regulations which closed on 28 November 2025. The NTA’s proposed key changes to the regulations are to:
• permit more than one local area hackney driver to operate the local area hackney.
• enhance the voice of local communities regarding the transport needs assessment for their area and reduce the regulatory burden on applicants, by giving greater clarity to local communities and applicants on the areas nationwide that are open for applications for LAH licences.
In addition, the NTA proposes to:
• extend the maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers from 3 years to 5 years.
• mandate licence holders to demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence.
• reduce the time period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry, to ensure that a community is not without the required services; and
• introduce a new Fixed Penalty Notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area.
The review of the LAH Regulations includes plans for an updated application process to come online in early 2026. In preparation for this, the NTA has paused applications for LAH licences under the existing process, ahead of the new and enhanced process coming online. The NTA is bringing these proposed amendments to the NTA’s Board in February 2026.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
