Cab Drivers Not Happy About New Standardized Rates

Wednesday, the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport finalized new rates for taxi cabs picking up and dropping off its customers, but many cab drivers object to the new rates. They say the new fares will drastically lower their revenue and make it hard to stay in business.

Taxi cab fares are being lowered for customers at the airport. That’s good news for the riders, but bad news for the cabbies. A local cab driver says, “The average cab driver is working 12 to 15 hours a day just to break even.”

Wednesday, the Airport Commission finalized a rate map which will standardize cab fares. Right now, a trip from the airport to the Beau Rivage could cost a rider as much as $40, but after the new rate map takes effect, that trip will only cost $34.

Airport officials tell News 25 they’re just trying to make a good first impression for people flying in and out of the Gulf Coast. Clay Williams, the Executive Director of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, says, “We want repeat visits to our market and we feel like having the same standards that many other markets have will generate more business for the Gulf Coast.”

Disgruntled cab drivers tell News 25 the rates are far too low. They contend the airport has no right to dictate what rates they charge. Michael Prestia, attorney for the cab drivers, says, “It takes 30% off the meter. When you pull that meter, you’re pulling the meter today and you’re taking 30% of the revenue.”

The new rates are set to take effect October 1st, but the disgruntled cab drivers are threatening to sue. Prestia closes, “The war drums are rolling, and I hope we will not have to file a suit against these rates.”

Also taking effect October 1st are requirements for credit card machines in all cabs and access to local military bases. Both requirements are additional costs for the cab companies.