App-based taxi services at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) claimed that they are facing huge issues after airport authorities suddenly decided to limit the types of vehicles allowed inside the airport.
A spokesman for the taxi services said the Airport and Aviation Authority told the App-based taxi services to stop using small cars such as hatchbacks for picking up passengers at the airport. Only sedans or bigger vehicles are now allowed.
He said the reason for this rule has not been clearly explained. Taxi companies believe it might be to reduce traffic or for other business reasons.
Earlier, the airport removed the parking passes for app-based taxis because some drivers did not follow the new rule. But after discussions with senior personnel, parking was temporarily allowed again, as long as only sedans and bigger vehicles are used for pickups.
“Most people use small cars to get to and from the airport because they are cheaper. Stopping them will cause problems for many passengers, especially at night or for people travelling alone,†a spokesman for the services said.
Right now, passengers who book small cars through these apps can no longer meet their drivers inside the airport. Instead they would have to walk outside the airport area to do so.
“This is hard for the elderly, women travelling alone, and those new to the airport. There’s also the risk of being pestered by unlicenced drivers,†the spokesman added.
App-based taxi services can still send small cars, but not inside the airport pickup area. This means cheaper rides for passengers are being pushed out.
It is still not clear why the airport came up with this rule. Some believe traditional taxi groups or other business deals might be the reason behind it. Until a final decision is made, app-based taxis are only allowed to park under strict conditions, and both passengers and drivers are confused about what will happen next.
This sudden rule change affects not only travellers but also the growing app-based taxi business in Sri Lanka, which now faces unfair rules at a major public place.
However, several attempts to contact the Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited regarding the incident were unsuccessful.
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