SEATAC, Wash. — It is a monopoly Yellow Cab has enjoyed for the last five years, the only authorized taxi service from Sea-Tac Airport. But its multi-million dollar contract expires on Oct. 30. And Yellow Cab and other taxi-only services find themselves in the fight for their professional livelihoods.
"Taxi drivers are rules followers," said Yellow Cab dispatcher Sheila Stickel. "They invest a lot of money. They take their job very seriously and at Sea-Tac I believe we have the best people in the country."
"Ground transportation companies should meet high standards for customer service and transparent prices," argued Stita driver Paul Dhami.
In their crosshairs are ride-share services like Lyft and Uber.
"What Uber tries to present is that it's a perfectly safe company," Aarma Khan, a Yellow Cab driver. "When in reality it is not."
The Port of Seattle commissioned a study last May to determine the best options to get you a ride from Sea-Tac. Yellow Cab is the only taxi company allowed. But Uber does have a foothold here. Uber drivers with permits on file with the airport are allowed to pick up passengers.
But most Uber drivers like Larry Green want to be able to pick up passengers there, too.
"There is accountability on both ends for the driver and the company," said Green. "There are background checks. We do follow rules."
Yellow Cab pays nearly $4 million to be the exclusive taxi company at Sea-Tac Airport.
But Port Commissioners hinted that may soon be coming to an end.
KIRO
