CALGARY – Despite a protest staged by some cab drivers in the city’s downtown Wednesday, the Calgary airport authority has signed a six-year contract with just one company for the lucrative airport on demand taxi service.
The move comes despite anger from some cab drivers who say such a proposal could force many of them out of work if they can no longer wait at the terminal to pickup travellers.
The contract will begin on June 7, according to Roger Richard, the head of Associated Cab, which has won the rights.
He argues this will favour a better distribution of taxis in the city, preventing a disproportionate number of cabs waiting at the airport while other parts of the city are underserved.
The contract means that only Associated taxis will be waiting in the holding area to pick up travellers.
A new cab drivers association has fought the agreement, saying it puts in jeopardy the livelihood of hundreds of taxi drivers who making their living ferrying passengers from the airport.
Cab Drivers of Calgary estimates 500 drivers run the route full time, with another 1,500 spending part of their day waiting at the airport.
The contract means that passengers emerging from the terminal will be greeted by Associated taxis only. Travellers, however, will still be able to arrange ahead of time to be driven by whatever cab company they choose.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.