People hailing cabs at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield won’t have to pay an additional $3 for a curbside greeter/cab coordinator, the Nebraska Public Service Commission has decided.
Under the plan, presented by Happy Cab Cos., the “starter” would have greeted customers, determined where they were headed and set them up in the first available cab.
The starter also would have told customers what they should expect to pay for the cab ride, informing them of the flat rates that have been established for trips from Eppley to Omaha-area hotels.
The additional $3 fee was to be used to pay costs associated with the position, such as leasing space for a booth, remote data entry and staff-related expenses.
In denying the application, commissioners said they didn’t have enough evidence to determine the level of support for the change. The commission also said it was concerned about the impact of the $3 charge on the public.
“The commission is concerned that all passengers will pay more for taxi transportation in an effort to combat overcharging by some drivers to some passengers,” the body stated in an order dated Tuesday.
John Davis, director of operations for Happy Cab, said other markets Omaha’s size have such airport greeters.
“It’s certainly something we’ll continue to explore, because we just think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
Commissioners did grant Happy Cab’s request to establish a $5 minimum fare for all cab rides. Davis said fares of less than $5 represent only about 7 percent to 8 percent of all fares. The minimum ensures that drivers, who are independent contractors, can cover their expenses, he said.
Happy Cab owns Happy, Yellow and Checker Cabs and manages Cornhusker and Safeway Cabs in Omaha.
Contact the writer:
444-1109, bob.glissmann@owh.com
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