Local taxi drivers fear job losses after losing Luton Airport contract to London firmHackney carriage drivers have been operating at the terminal at Luton Airport officially for 10 yearsTAXI drivers at Luton Airport fear they could be out of a job after losing a contract to ferry passengers from the terminal.
Luton Hackney Carriage Association has operated a taxi rank outside the terminal for the last 10 years - but drivers within it have covered the airport for 40 years.
But Luton Airport has decided not to renew the contract which ended in February, and following a tendering process has awarded it to London-based firm Addison Lee for five years.
Workers from the new company will begin work at the airport in June, but it spells big problems for drivers based in Luton.
Waqaas Mohuyddin, 37, is a representative for the taxi association, and the third generation of his family to cover the airport.
He told Luton on Sunday: "We have been based at the airport for the last 40-50 years.
"Basically the impact is going to be huge - there are 167 livelihoods at stake and we could become unemployed. There's also the family commitments those drivers have.
"We are all worried about what we are going to do. But we're looking at signing on because there's nothing in the town centre for us.
"I am the third generation of my family to work the airport, and I know people who have done it their whole lives."
An online petition protesting against the decision has reached nearly 900 signatures.
But Luton Airport has said that drivers from other firms could still pick passengers up from drop-off zones and car parks, and the decision to award Addison Lee the contract was to 'ensure passengers receive the best service'.
It is understood - although not confirmed yet by Addison Lee - that the firm has indicated they want to operate a mixed fleet of Hackney Carriage, private hire and executive vehicles.
Hackney Carriage taxis use ranks to attract customers, whereas private hire vehicles have to be pre-booked.
It's also believed that there is a possibility of local drivers leasing vehicles from Addison Lee when the contract begins.
Speaking about the decision to award them the contract, a Luton Airport spokesman said: "The taxi area outside the terminal has been operated on a concession basis for the past ten years. It helps ensure we always have taxis outside the terminal and our passengers receive the best possible service.
"The current contract with Luton Hackney Carriage Association expired in February 2015 and we're required by law to put contracts up for tender.
"We want to guarantee a high level of service to our passengers so the tender required the winning taxi firm to offer specific benefits for passengers, such as fixed price fares, maximum waiting times, modern vehicles with free Wi-Fi and driver uniforms.
"These criteria proved decisive and Addison Lee was awarded the contract.
"The contract with Addison Lee is for the use of the taxi area in front of the terminal building. Taxis from any company will still be able to pick up and drop off passengers using the airport's drop-off zone and car parks and drivers can meet and greet passengers in the arrivals hall.
"We understand why local drivers are disappointed - but this has been a fair and open tender process which began in December last year.
"We understand Addison Lee is talking to the local drivers to discuss potential employment opportunities. Our priority will be to ensure our passengers receive the best possible service."
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http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Local- ... z49DUYobg9
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