The number of taxis serving passengers at Edinburgh Airport will increase under a new taxi deal. The new deal, which sees city firms City Cabs, Capital Cars and Edinburgh City Private Hire work jointly, commits to increasing the number of black cabs serving the airport through the introduction of flexible passes for all other Edinburgh black cabs and doubles the number of private hire cars with the introduction of a dedicated airport fleet.
The open and competitive tender process run by the airport had the terminal’s customers and their customer experience at its heart. It aims to eradicate taxi queues and the periods where there can be a shortage of taxis.
A key part of the deal will be the introduction of flexible passes which will see drivers with other firms granted access to the rank. Non City Cab drivers and owners will be able to purchase a pass from City Cabs which can be used anytime or for certain times, such as weekend access only. The move increases flexibility for drivers and owners and will see the number of taxis with airport access increase.
Stringent service level agreements have been introduced, ensuring levels of performance airport customers expect.
Investment in technology is a key feature of the new operation. Queue times for each operator will be displayed in the terminal as per bus times and passengers will be able to book via a global taxi app.
Richard Townsend, Director of Retail and Property, Edinburgh Airport, said: “Taxis are an integral part of how many customers get to and from the airport. As with all of our decisions, we put our customers’ experience at the heart of it.
“We’ve listened to what they tell us and we’ve invested in more taxis, more availability and better technology.
“We’re confident this will transform the service offered at Edinburgh Airport.”
Les McVay, Secretary of City Cabs said: “We are delighted to be able to renew our partnership with Scotland's, and one of Europe's most successful airports. Edinburgh is a world-class city, and we are fully committed to working with our partners to deliver an equally world-class welcome for both residents and visitors. With travellers arriving from all corners of the world together with strong economic markets such as China and a continuous growing passenger base this will be a very exciting and challenging time to be involved. City Cabs will continue to work hard on improving the whole travel experience for airport passengers old and new.
“This contract helps secure the jobs and incomes of 1,260 drivers and office staff.”
A spokesman for Capital Cars said: “We are delighted that we are one of the official private hire partners working with Edinburgh Airport servicing the private hire rank.
“This unique opportunity will more than double the number of private hire cars available to customers of Edinburgh airport ensuring a better customer experience.
“Edinburgh airport is recognised as Scotland’s busiest airport and Capital Cars are keen to ensure current and future needs of customers are met.”
A spokesman for Edinburgh City Private Hire said: “Edinburgh City Private Hire is delighted to be awarded the contract for the private hire supply at Edinburgh Airport. We are happy to continue our relationship for a further 5 years and look forward to enhancing the already fantastic service on offer to the airports customers even further.”
Tags:Edinburgh Airport
