Auckland Airport announces new taxi and shuttle licences

Auckland Airport today announced that, following a competitive tender process, it has awarded new licences for taxi and shuttle operators. The new licences mean that eight operators will now have a presence at New Zealand’s biggest gateway.

Auckland Airport general manager retail, Nick Forbes, said, “The new taxi and shuttle licenses provide excellent choice, capacity and convenience for travellers. We are delighted with the selection. It is important to us to have highly regarded and credible operators with proven service standards”

The licences have been granted to Auckland Co-operative Taxis, Quality Cabs, Citi Cabs, North Shore Taxis, Corporate Cabs, Alert Taxis, Maxi Taxis and Supershuttle. The licence agreements will run for two years from 17 September 2008.

“Auckland Airport is continually striving to improve the traveller’s experience. In 2007 alone there were over 550,000 taxis or shuttles leaving Auckland Airport. This demonstrates the importance of ensuring customer needs are met. We believe that the new international terminal forecourt environment, due for completion in September 2008, will also help ensure that there is a smoother, more convenient experience for arriving travellers.”

The award of the new taxi and shuttle licences coincides with the redevelopment of the international terminal forecourt at Auckland Airport, which will provide improved visibility and access to taxi and shuttle services for travellers.

The selection criteria for the new licence were aimed at ensuring an alignment between each taxi company and Auckland Airport’s strategy to deliver outstanding customer service, provide a warm welcome, and help support New Zealand tourism and business. Other important criteria included the health of the taxi business, their approach to environmental sustainability, their customer payment options, and the safety and security of the taxi operation.