Charlottetown Airport to get more taxis, but fares will increase

The Charlottetown airport will soon be rolling out a new taxi system. Some fares will increase, but it will also mean more taxi choices for passengers.

"We've heard from stakeholders and passengers over the last number of years that perhaps its time to try something different," said Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown Airport Authority.

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Fare increases

Starting May 1, passengers taking a taxi into Charlottetown will pay $2 more, with the flat rate fare increasingfrom $14 to $16.

"It does seem a little bit expensive, but I can tell you that the bigger challenge we have is getting the drivers that want to work at the airport. And sometimes they have to wait here, and sometimes there's flight delays and they're tied up for longer periods," Newsonsaid.

"We honestly believeespecially if you compare us to other airports that the fares are a balance between trying to get drivers here, to have enough cars, but also something that's reasonable for customers."

The will also be a new flat rate of $26 for rides to Stratford or Cornwall. Currently, fees range from $22 to $30.

Shared taxi contract

The other big change will be with the taxi contract.Until now, passengers catching a taxi home from the airport would only see one company's cabs lined up at the arrivals gate.But starting May 1,thetaxi contract will be shared among four Charlottetown cab companies,in an effort keep peoplefrom having to wait for a ride during busy periods at the airport.

"We've been handling the taxi contract here the same way for a number of years and the reality is with the growth of the airport and the demand we have at certain times of day, it's quite challenging for one taxi company to meet the requirements we expect from a passenger experience perspective," Newsonsaid.

Newson there will also be a staffed kiosk at the airport to help passengers get a taxi promptly.

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