FreeNow launches €3m Summer Driver Bonus Fund
Over two-thirds of drivers (69%), state that tourists value their knowledge of the local area
FreeNow has launched a €3 million Summer Driver Bonus Fund to reward driver partners who will keep the public and inbound tourists moving during the busy summer season. Two-thirds of FreeNow drivers plan to complete more trips between June and August to service rising summer demand.
Supporting Summer Tourism
As Ireland welcomes more international tourists over the summer period, and 10 million passengers are expected to pass through Dublin Airport between May and August*, FreeNow driver partners will be providing important transport to and from the airport, as well as trips across cities nationwide.
So far this year, airport trips have been on the rise via the FreeNow app, with drivers completing even more airport trips (more than 6.5%) versus the same period last year. This growth aligns with passenger preference for taxis – according to FreeNow research conducted this month, 63% of people opt for a taxi as their primary choice of transport when getting to or from the airport. FreeNow anticipates in line with its user data that the busiest week of the summer this year for trips to Dublin Airport will be the week of 17 June.
Tourist Taxi Experience
New research carried out by FreeNow among driver partners reveals what they believe tourists appreciate most about taxi experiences in Ireland. According to 97% of drivers, the standout benefit of a trip with a taxi driver in Ireland is the friendly service they provide. More than two-thirds of drivers (69%) state that tourists value their knowledge of the local area, while 63% say that tourists request their personal recommendations on places to visit.
2024 Summer Tourists Hotspots
Based on FreeNow’s destination and pick-up data across Ireland last summer, the taxi app anticipates the following destinations are likely to be among the most visited for tourists travelling across Ireland this summer.
Predicted Top five tourist destinations in Dublin:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Temple Bar
- Trinity College Dublin
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Malahide Castle & Gardens
Predicted Top five tourist destinations in Cork:
- Saint Patrick’s Street
- Cork Opera House
- Marina Market
- Oliver Plunkett Street
- Blarney Castle
Predicted Top five tourist destinations in Galway:
- Eyre Square
- Spanish Arch
- Galway Cathedral
- Salthill
- Seven Bar
Predicted Top five tourist destinations in Limerick:
- Thomond Park
- Nancy Blakes
- The Milk Market
- Jerry Flannery’s Bar
- King John’s Castle
Charlie Gleeson, general manager, FreeNow Ireland, said: “Last year, millions of trips to and from the airport were completed by our drivers. With the anticipated rise in summer travel over the coming weeks, we are expecting increased passenger demand for airport trips – taxis will play a crucial role as part of the wider public transport network to provide convenient transport for both tourists and locals alike.
C. Flynn, driver partner in Dublin, FreeNow, said: “It’s a great time of year to be working as a driver with the weather picking up and passengers generally in good spirits with summer buzz in the air. I’m delighted to see FreeNow’s commitment of €3 million to the Summer Driver Bonus Fund which recognises the work of the taxi driver community in providing convenient and flexible transport for passengers looking to enjoy the best of summer in Ireland.”
