The New W ashington Flyer Taxi

The NewWashington Flyer Taxi

Washington Flyer Taxi2007 Solicitation

Washington Dulles International AirportBill Lanham

Background• Established in the mid 80s

• One concessionaire

• On-demand availability

• Consistent professional service

• Safe/Clean taxicabs

• Regarded as one of the best

Washington Dulles International Airport

2005 Solicitation• April 2005 RFP issued• Received very few proposals• Many driver strikes• Incumbent terminated GM and

subcontractor• May 2006 solicitation

cancelled to conduct study of alternative options


Taxicab Options StudyObjective: Develop system that will provide a sufficient

supply of safe, attractive and convenient taxicabs that are available to promptly and efficiently meet the current and future demands of the Airport’s passengers.

• Surveyed 30 U.S. airports, local jurisdictions, incumbent taxicab contractor and Washington Flyer Taxi drivers.

• No “perfect” system was discovered.


Operating Concerns• Increased wait times• Declining passenger service• Declining minimum standards• Difficulty in controlling

contractor• Declining driver control• Increase in driver expense• Driver dissatisfaction


Options Considered• Open System - Service provided by local jurisdictions. • Hybrid System – Awards contracts to one or more taxicab

operators supported by permitted operators from local jurisdictions.

• Multiple Operator Dedicated System - Two or more operators provide service. A separate contractor provides curb and dispatch service.

• Existing System - One operator • Two Concessionaire Dedicated System - One operator

supplies all taxicabs. A separate contractor provides curb and dispatch service.


Option Selection ProcessOption Selected: Multiple Operator Dedicated SystemDedicated fleet with multiple taxicab companies and a separate taxicab dispatch company

Criteria: • Level of service - minimal wait times for customers• Service standards – customer service, vehicle standards• Provides drivers with the ability to make a reasonable

return on investment• Driver perception and satisfaction with the operation


Option Selection Process• Compatible with existing operational facilities• Minimizes impact on Authority staff and financial resources• Solicitation process issues• Provides flexibility to Authority management• Minimizes time required to implement option


Contract Structure• Authority to purchase AVI dispatch system• Management contract for curb dispatch• Change to access fees rather than % of Gross• All companies independent from each other and the

taxicab dispatch company• Equal opportunity for cab companies


Taxicab RFP• Bid Annual Fee per taxicab• Collect Access Fees from drivers and pay to the

Airports Authority• Manage 24 hour inbound dispatching• Driver training/quality assurance • Maximum $100 Stand Due Fee per week (established

by Authority)• $2.50 Airport Access Fee per trip from Airport

(established by Authority)• All other fees determined by companies


Taxicab Dispatch RFP• Bid management fee• Manage AVI/Taxi Dispatch • Manage customer inquiries and complaints• Taxicab loading/pedestrian crosswalk control• Maintain Drivers Lounge/Dispatch Building• Operating expenses reimbursed by the Authority


2007 Solicitation• Released solicitation January 2007• Strong competition received• Award made to 3 taxicab companies and 1 curb

dispatch company July 2007• Contracts to begin December 2007


Questions?


Documents

The New W ashington Flyer Taxi