Airport releases details of new licence tender to operators

14 March 2016

Airport releases details of new licence tender to operators

Auckland Airport has today met with taxi operators to outline the changes it plans to implement to deliver consistently lower prices and better service for its customers.

Richard Barker, Auckland Airport’s general manager – retail and commercial, says the growth in on-demand taxi trips from the airport has not kept pace with the growth in passenger numbers, as customers have begun to choose cheaper alternatives.

“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 Mr Barker.

“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.”

Whereas the previous tender saw companies bidding different amounts for a licence to operate at the airport, the new tender will see all successful companies paying the same low weekly rental for rank space.

“This will shift the focus to selecting companies who can demonstrate that they share our commitment to delivering better value and service to our customers,” says Mr Barker.

“To help create reliably lower prices, we will also be introducing capped pick-up fees which are lower than our customers are currently paying, meaning our customers can take a taxi from the rank, confident in the amount they expect to pay.”

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