Transportation

Taxi Drivers Claim New Rules at DFW Airport Threaten Survival

Taxis are now on the lower level at DFW Airport

Taxi drivers already had a tough time making a living with competition from app-based ride share providers like Uber and Lyft.

Cab drivers who serve DFW Airport say new policies and new competition make it even harder.

Taxi stands have moved to the lower level at DFW terminals after many years of operating at upper level arrival areas at most terminals where shared rides could also be found.

"The convenience is taken away for the passengers, from the families, from everybody. It's a real hardship to find a taxi. I don't know why they're doing this," cab driver Gus Tayh said.

A letter to the Association of Taxi Cab Operators from DFW Airport officials said the change was to improve traffic flow and safety.

The letter said only active loading and unloading of vehicles was allowed at the upper level. Taxis sit and wait for passengers at cab stands.

Cab driver Santino Atok said he attended college and worked a second job.

"It used to be better, but right now it's getting worse," Atok said. "They already put us down and it affected all the drivers and they are not making a living."

In addition, the drivers complained a new service called Black Cars on Demand has provided new competition.

Kirubel Kebebe, a manager with Black Cars on Demand said the service complied with all regulations at DFW Airport or it would not be allowed to operate. He said it was a luxury alternative to taxi cabs.

The letter to taxi operators said Black Cars on Demand was available in other cities and there was demand for it at DFW Airport.

Muneeb Awan with the Association of Taxicab Operators said DFW Airport bent the rules to allow Black Cars on Demand and his group has hired lawyers for legal action to stop it.

"There's clearly favoritism of one type of transportation over the other," Awan said. "More competition is OK as long as it's a level playing field."

Awan said taxi cabs at DFW Airport wait in a cue area where up to 300 of them sit for 6 or 7 hours just waiting to go the A terminal cab stand.

DFW Airport officials declined an interview request Monday and said the letter to taxi people covered their position on the issues.

Read the full letter below.

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