It’s a compromise most are content with — for now.
After two hours behind closed doors, city council decided to create an ad-hoc committee to meet with the Calgary Airport Authority over changes to taxi service at the airport
“Well, it’s a compromise from what we originally intended, which was to have emphasis from the mayor or a letter sent to them, but now us four will go into discussions with the Airport Authority for more information,” Ald. Andre Chabot said yesterday.
Dozens of cab drivers waited in council chambers yesterday to discuss the option of sending a letter to the authority, but most council members felt it was overstepping the boundaries, including Ald. Gord Lowe. “It’s like getting into somebody else’s labour-relations issue,” Lowe said.
Cab drivers were worried the Airport Authority would go from six cab companies to a one company “monopoly” in June, but spokesperson Jody Moseley said that is just one of the options on the table.
“We haven’t made any decisions yet and we are not sure what direction we are going yet. We are going to do what’s best for customer service at the airport,” she said.
Blacktop Cabs representative driver Gadinder Cheeme said while council decided not to send a letter, cabbies are glad there will at least be discussions.
“We’re happy with their decision because they decided they will talk to the authority and we are very satisfied with this decision,” he said.
