Taxis to Auckland Airport in for a shake up

Auckland Airport has informed taxi operators that it intends to change how the services are provided to its customers to and from the airport. Photo / NZ Herald

Auckland Airport has signaled that a new taxi tender will shake up the way taxi drivers run their businesses from the airport.

The Airport's new taxi tender will focus on enabling lower prices and improved overall service for its passengers.

Richard Barker, general manager of retail and commercial at Auckland Airport, says the expiry of the airport's current taxi licensing agreement provides an opportunity to change the way taxi services are provided to and from the airport.

Barker said it is a chance to respond to advances in technology, changes to the taxi market and to respond to driver and passenger feedback received over the last three years.

"Our customers want to be able to catch a taxi from the airport's rank with the confidence that it will be clean and modern, that the driver will be friendly and knowledgeable, and that they will pay a competitive price for the service."

The new tender process will enable the airport to achieve this, he said.

"Auckland Airport will be seeking to achieve this through the new tender process, which will open at the end of this month."

Taxi drivers in the past have complained fees the airport charges push up fares. Some airport users say ride service Uber would also help push down fares.

The new three year tender period is scheduled to come into effect at the end of June.

Auckland Airport currently charges $2 per airport pick up for dedicated and free-flow taxis, and $4 for pre-chartered taxis. It does not charge drop off fees.