Ben Gurion Taxi Fees Slashed 12 Percent

While regulatory authorities sort out a permanent solution, the rate charged for taxi rides from Ben Gurion Airport will come down by 12 percent as of Monday, Globes reported.

The temporary rate reduction followed a decision by Israel Airports Authority to eliminate fees charged to drivers of NIS 5 under the Supervision of Commodities and Services Ordinance and a special NIS 5.80 fee included in the current tender.

Rates were initially set to plummet by 31 percent after Gett and Hadar-Lod Taxis jointly won bidding for the tender. But opposition – including a strike at the airport on May 29 – from drivers  who complained that the steep reduction would cut into their take-home pay scuttled the plan.

The Airports Authority stipulated that the new 12-percent reduction will remain in effect until a new tender is published and the results are known.

Only duly registered taxis in compliance with current regulations will be permitted to operate at the airport. The Authority says it is determined to do away with rogue taxis. In a statement, it warned:

“As part of the struggle against unregistered taxis, in addition to the supervision team, a forklift tow-truck will be used … that tows away unregistered taxis. The towed taxis will be charged NIS 600 (including a towing fee).”