Local Cab Companies Upset Over Not Being Allowed To Pick Up Passengers at Airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Local cab companies are speaking out and hoping to get the attention of city leaders Monday night.

After they say they are getting kicked to the curb, by officials who aren’t letting them service the airport.

Rudolph Kirkpatrick with Diamond Cab Company says “We are treated like we don’t matter.  That’s our biggest point, I don’t think its fair that the local people should at least be given a couple spaces at the airport.”

Kirkpatrick  and several other cabbies plan to take the fight to city council.

The City limits the number of permits allowing taxis to pick up airport passengers.
“You got 170 spaces none of us could get 10 or 15 spots each? Think that would’ve been fair and I knew it was going to be fair when it came out,.” says Kirkpatrick.

After years of not being able to pick up passengers at Charlotte Douglas airport, cab companies were given a chance in April to apply.

Kirkpatrick was among those denied.

“They locked us out for 5 long years and now this contract will lock us out for another 6 years.  It’s going to put a lot of local companies out of business and we know this isn’t fair,” Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick says he’s also upset that ride sharing apps you can book on your phone, now have a spot at the airport.

“We have to qualify but Uber and Lyft don’t, I don’t understand how a local cab has to qualify to work in their local airport,” says Kirkpatrick.

Charlotte City Council will meet Monday to discuss the contracts for ground transportation at the airport.