Airport Taxi Drivers Balk at Cheaper Fares

The 30-percent-cheaper fares for airport taxi trips announced last week made travelers happy, but those who make their living driving taxis experienced different emotions.

They are angrily opposed to it, according to Globes on Sunday, saying that it will cut into their income. They are particularly incensed about the new fee they must pay when taking passengers out of Ben Gurion Airport.

Hadar Taxi had a monopoly on airport service until a recent bid for government permits shared with Gett called for a reduction in fares by a whopping 30 percent.

As of now, negotiations are taking place between Hadar Taxi and the drivers in order to find a solution that will avoid damaging the drivers’ livelihood. The Israel Airports Authority has given Hadar management and the drivers until 2 p.m. Monday to work out an agreement.

In other air travel news, Icelandic low-cost airline WOW Air has announced direct flights from Ben Gurion to the U.S. and Canada.

Prices start at $150 one way to New York and $200 one way to Los Angeles (as of September), luggage fees not included. It will also fly via Reykjavik.