Cabbies carry fight to airport shuttle

Published on Friday 18 January 2008 09:41

THE Capital's cabbies have hit back at an airport shuttle bus service they claim is muscling in on the city's taxi trade.

Taxi firm Onward Travel is to offer fixed-price fares between the city centre and Edinburgh Airport from as little as 12 return.

The same fare applies no matter how many people are travelling, making a trip for five passengers work out at 2.40 each.

The firm's Allan Napier said: "This is a fairly direct response to two things – the shuttle service that Lothian Buses are running, and a new black cab rank at the airport run by our competitors."

He added confidently: "We are certain that when travellers learn about our new service it will fast become Edinburgh Airport's premier taxi service."

Customers will pay either 12 or 15 for a return ticket, depending where they set off from in the city.

Cab drivers reacted angrily after the Lothian Buses' Edinburgh Shuttle service began offering trips for a flat fee of 5.

The service, which departs from George Street, costs 8 for one person, 15 for two, 21 for three and 6 pounds for every further passenger.

Jim Muldoon, the Edinburgh representative of the Scottish Taxi Federation, said: "We're still of the opinion that the shuttle bus service is working illegally and we're seeking legal advice.

"Our opinion is that they need a private hire operator's licence. We're looking into it at the moment."

But Lothian Buses says it is operating within the law and has a statutory duty to have a fare structure in place because the shuttles are registered bus services.

The company says that the service operates like any other bus service and does not fall within the scope of private hire operation.

A new system for taxi drivers began at the airport earlier this month. Use of the public rank was put out to tender and now only selected cab firms have the right to supply taxis to the airport.

Airport bosses made the move after problems with taxis blocking an exit road for buses.

Murray Fleming, of Central Radio Cabs, said financial pressures meant fare cuts were unrealistic for the majority of cab drivers.

COST OF AIRPORT TRIP

&#149 Edinburgh Shuttle 8 (single)

&#149 Airlink, bus run by Lothian Buses, 5 (return)

&#149 Onward Travel 12 (return)

&#149 City Cabs 20 (average single fare)

&#149 Central Taxis 20 (average single fare)