Auckland Airport has met with taxi operators to outline the changes it plans to make to taxi services to and from the airport, to deliver consistently lower prices and better service for its customers.

The expiry of the current taxi licensing agreement has given the airport the opportunity to respond to advances in technology, changes to the taxi market and driver and passenger feedback received over the last three years.

Richard Barker, Auckland Airport's general manager - retail and commercial, says the changes aren't proposed solely with the customer in mind. Indeed a key consideration is to support operators and their drivers to ensure taking a cab from the airport ranks is still seen as a viable transport option.

'Our customers want to be able to catch a taxi from the airport's rank with the confidence that it will be clean and modern, that the driver will be friendly and knowledgeable, and that they will pay a competitive price for the service,' says Richard.

'With SkyBus, pre-booked taxis and Uber all having grown market share in recent times, the new tender not only reflects the company's desire to look after its customers, but also to support taxi operators and drivers in an increasingly competitive marketplace.'

The current cost of a taxi fare from the airport to the CBD can vary significantly, with the per-kilometre rate differing by as much as a dollar between companies.

'While the previous licence fee structure has contributed to some of the price difference, it does not account for all of it. Having partners who are committed to delivering consistently lower prices will give our customers confidence that taking a taxi from the airport is a reliable and attractive transport option,' says Richard.

'We believe our new taxi licence system, which has been enabled through new technology, will help provide a more sustainable, lower-cost and flexible business model for taxi companies and drivers. This in-turn will help them offer a quality service with improved value for money.'

Auckland International Airport Ltd. issued this content on 23 March 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 19 April 2016 19:01:12 UTC

Original Document: http://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/news/community-news/2016/consistently-lower-prices-for-customers-the-drive-behind-new-taxi-licence-tender