The HUFF Post recently reported that the San Francisco Intl Airport is banning ride sharing service companies from picking up and dropping off travelers at the SFO Airport.  Cease-and-Desist Orders were sent to 6 companies which use mobile applications to enable riders to connect with drivers.

According to Airport Spokesman Doug Yakel, “We have an obligation to ensure safety and provide a fair playing field for all transportation providers.”

California ground transportation companies are required to have an airport permit and pay trip fees to the SFO Airport for the privilege to pickup passengers from the airport.  The competing ride sharing firms are not regulated by the SFO Airport and do not pay any fees to the airport in order to pickup or dropoff travelers.

Recent San Francisco Ground Transportation News

SF Taxi Complaints Increase 13 Percent in 2012

SuperShuttle, a leading shared-ride airport shuttle service provider recently unveiled it’s 75th propane autogas shuttle at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  Super Shuttle currently has the exclusive contract to provide on-demand shuttle service from the PHX Airport.

Over the next 5 years, the 75 vehicle fleet of propane autogas shuttles are expected to “emit 13 million less pounds of carbon dioxide into the skies of Phoenix”.

Historically, propane autogas costs 30 to 40% less than gasoline and 50% less than diesel.  The alternative fuel is also produced domestically in the U.S.  Vehicles will be refueled at the company’s onsite autogas station and or from numerous public refueling stations located throughout the Phoenix area.

Super Shuttle Discount Code Coupons
If you are going to and from the Phoenix Airport, the ground transportation provider advertises a Super Shuttle Discount Code to travelers which offers a shuttle discount of up to 15% OFF or more on transportation to and from 39 U.S. Airports.  Refer to www.SuperShuttle.com for a list of airports served.

Recent Super Shuttle Ground Transportation News

Colorado SuperShuttle: Driver Killed in Shuttle Crash

New Orleans City Council recently ruled that all taxis which operate at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport must comply with new city rules.  The new regulations will mandate that all New Orleans taxis be equipped to accept debit and credit cards, install a global positioning system (gps) and security cameras and will also limit the vehicle age of the taxicab to a maximum of 11 years.  In 2014, the age restriction will decrease to 7 years.

There are currently 459 taxis permitted to operate at the New Orleans Airport.  No new permits or decals have been issued by the airport over the last seven years.  The new regulations will open up airport access to all competing taxis which operate in the metro area.  Taxis which comply with the new rules may apply for a new airport taxi decal.  There are approximately 1,551 taxis which operate in the New Orleans metro area.

The new airport taxi rules are scheduled to take effect in early 2013.

Recent New Orleans Ground Transportation News

Judge Lifts Restraining Order on New Orleans Taxicab Reforms

The city of Atlanta council’s Transportation Committee recently voted not to cancel the curbside management contract at the Atlanta International Airport.  The contract is currently held by A-National Limousine which also owns and operates shuttles and limousines from the Atlanta Airport.

The curbside management service provider is also responsible for dispatching vehicles and provides transportation options to travelers at the airport’s curb which are seeking ground transportation assistance.

A study commissioned by the airport and conducted by consulting firm Ricondo & Associates found that the contract gives “a perception of, if not a real, conflict of interest.”

Since 2010, A-National Limousine has had an exclusive contract with the Atlanta Airport to provide shuttle service to downtown, midtown and buckhead on an interim basis.  The ATL Airport is in the process of rebidding the shuttle contract.

Related News Around The Web:

Study Critical of Shuttle Service at Hartsfield

Airport Shuttle Lawsuits Feared

The St. Louis Airport Authority has recently decided to delay it’s proposal to increase ground transportation access fees for taxi, shuttle, limousine and charter-bus companies operating at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.  The increase in fees were scheduled to take effect starting January 1, 2013.

According to the STL Airport, some of these ground transportation fees were last changed in 1998.

The proposed fee increases are projected to increase revenue $132,000 a year starting in 2013.  The St. Louis Airport wants to increase non-aeronautical revenue in order to reduce airline landing fees and lease costs in order to attract and retain air service.

Proposed STL Ground Transportation Access Fees

- STL Taxis:  Starting in 2016, the trip fees are scheduled to increase 50% from $2.00 to $3.00.
- STL Limousines:  Starting 2013, the monthly rate would increase about 17% from $150 to $175 and the per vehicle rate would increase about 17% from $30 to $35.  Operators pay the greater of the monthly rate or the per vehicle rate.
- STL Charter-Buses:  Starting in 2013, trip fees would increase 40% from $25 to $35.

Recent St. Louis Ground Transportation News

St. Louis Gets More Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis

The Nevada Taxicab Authority (TA) has recently stepped-up it’s enforcement of long-hauling by Las Vegas taxi drivers at the McCarran International Airport.  In the past three months, the authority has issued 155 long-haul citations which is nearly double the number of citations written all of last year which totaled 89.

The practice of long-hauling is illegal and occurs when a Las Vegas taxi driver takes a longer route without the prior permission of the rider in order to increase the cost of the fare.  For taxi rides to the Las Vegas strip, this usually occurs when the taxicab driver takes the passenger south to the airport connector tunnel, then west before heading North on Interstate 15.  As result, a typical fare of $16 could increase to $26 or more for the traveler.

It is estimated by Las Vegas taxicab drivers that up to 50% or more of the rides from the McCarran Airport involve excess mileage where drivers do not take the most direct route to the traveler destination.

Earlier this year, the taxicab authority began setting up temporary airport checkpoints in June to discourage drivers from engaging in the illegal practice.  Officials now have stopped settling citations for less than the statutory penalties. Fines range from $100 for the first offense to $350 for the fourth offense. Additional offenses can result in revocation of their license.  The TA is also recommending that hearing officers suspend the driver’s taxi license for 3 to 10 days for a second offense.

Las Vegas taxi companies are not currently fined when their driver’s engage in long-hauling.

Recent News on Las Vegas Taxis Long-Hauling from McCarran Airport

FOX5 Investigation: Revisits Las Vegas Taxis Long-Hauling from McCarran Airport

New Administrator to Address Long-Hauling by Las Vegas Taxicab Drivers

Las Vegas Taxi Companies Oppose Flat Rate Proposal

A recent crackdown by LAX Airport police and partner agencies resulted in numerous citations against many California ground transportation operators including shuttle, limousine and charter bus companies.  275 commercial vehicles were inspected during the four hour operation at LAX Airport.  A total of 71 citations were issued, 26 vehicles were removed from service and 1 vehicle was impounded.

The multi agency effort was conducted by the Los Angeles Airport Police, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), LAX Officials and by the California Public Utilities Commission which regulates ground transportation companies throughout the state.

Know Before You Go – Powered by GroundSafe™
Illegal ground transportation companies may operate vehicles which are unsafe, not insured and operated by unlicensed drivers.  TransportationReviews.com offers travelers a web based tool called GroundSafe which enables travelers to verify the operators permit status in real time before you book your reservation.  Searches can be conducted by either a phone number or company website address.

Recent California Ground Transportation News

Board Considers Multiple Operators for SMF Airport Taxi Contract

The Allegheny County Airport Authority which operates the Pittsburgh International Airport recently increased airport access fees for ground transportation operators including taxi, shuttle, limousine and charter bus carriers.  Airport access fees doubled from $1.00 to $2.00 for trips to and from the PIT Airport as of May 1, 2012.

Jamie Campolongo who is the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Transportation Group, stated “the increase is unfair and came in the May bill with virtually no warning or discussion.”

The Pittsburgh Transportation Group is the largest ground transportation company in Western Pennsylvania and operates SuperShuttle, Yellow Cab, and Embassy Coach.  The company plans to request a fare increase with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission which is responsible for the regulation of ground transportation companies.

Super Shuttle Discounts
Refer to our Super Shuttle Discount Code page for airport shuttle discounts up to 15% off the shuttle fare going to and from the Pittsburgh Intl Airport.  The SuperShuttle coupon codes are also valid for shuttle service to and from 39 U.S. airports.

Recent Pennsylvania Ground Transportation News

Philadelphia Taxis to Charge a Floating Fuel Surcharge

The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is considering implementing a $3.00 airport trip fee for Cleveland ground transportation companies including taxi, shuttle and limousine operators which access the CLE Airport.  Currently operators are charged an annual fee of $500.00 per vehicle.

Airport access fees would be calculated by use of airport surveillance cameras which record license plate information.

The Cleveland Airport currently receives about $100,000 per year from about 200 permitted commercial vehicles.  According to the airport director, Ricky Smith says he wants to raise revenues from sources other than airlines.

Changing the airport access fee system for operators will require City Council approval.

The Orlando Intl Airport (MCO) offers many ground transportation options to and from the MCO Orlando Airport to the Walt Disney World resorts.  Disney Magical Express service, is a free airport shuttle service offered by Disney World for hotel guests.  Travel distance from MCO Airport to the Walt Disney World resort is approximately 25 miles with an average drive time of 34 minutes.  Refer to our Orlando ground transportation directory for additional transportation options including taxi, shuttle, and limousine operators.

Advanced reservations are required in order to use the Disney Magical Express service.  Advanced reservations of at least 30 days is recommended.  Once you have confirmed your Disney resort hotel reservation, call 407-827-6777 to schedule your reservation for the Disney Magical Express service.  A Transportation Booklet will be mailed to you which includes luggage tags for complementary luggage pickup and delivery from the Orlando Airport to your Disney resort.  The Booklet will arrive one week prior to arrival (U.S. and Canada residents only).

The Disney Magical Express service operates 7 days a week from 6:00am thru 11:00pm via  motorcoach.  Approximate travel time is 45 to 75 minutes and generally includes up to 4 additional stops before reaching your Disney resort hotel.

Recent Florida Ground Transportation News
AAA Taxi Awarded Exclusive Taxicab Contract at Port Canaveral