Sounds like the cabbies and limos may be loosing some of there steam...read on
Cab, Limo Drivers Stage Protest At Orlando International Airport
POSTED: 4:11 pm EDT October 17, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Finding a cab or limo at the airport was supposed to be more difficult Monday. Dozens of drivers decided to protest an agreement with Disney that they claim is hurting their business and families.
Disney's Magic Express buses are big, nice and new. Plus, they are free and they have some people crying foul.
"We want Disney to keep their nose out of the transportation business," said limo owner Amir Sharif.
At issue is the deal that Orlando International Airport struck with Disney and its subcontractor Mears, a deal that allows passenger's to forego rental cars and cabs.
"Our problem, all these guys are starving, Disney is loading 5,000 rides a day," said protest organizer Edward Korgan.
The rides aren't cheap in one of the cabs. In fact, it's one of the best fares a driver can get, $50 to $70 each way. Instead, thousands are riding for free.
"They need to stop that, because people have families. They need to support their families, too," said Sharif.
But tourist Heather Marfitamo, mother of two, said her family has tried their way and likes the new way.
"If they could be as easy and as carefree as this all is, that would be awesome. You wait 10-20 minutes, you spend half your vacation waiting in line or to get your cab or your car," Marfitamo said.
Those involved in the protest realized that the only impact would be if people waiting for cabs couldn't find one. With more drivers taking to the streets Monday than the protest, that may be a difficult task.
A spokesperson for Mears said they are just a subcontractor, but added that the success so far of the Magic Express will keep the program running. Disney did not return calls for comment.
Cab, Limo Drivers Stage Protest At Orlando International Airport
POSTED: 4:11 pm EDT October 17, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Finding a cab or limo at the airport was supposed to be more difficult Monday. Dozens of drivers decided to protest an agreement with Disney that they claim is hurting their business and families.
Disney's Magic Express buses are big, nice and new. Plus, they are free and they have some people crying foul.
"We want Disney to keep their nose out of the transportation business," said limo owner Amir Sharif.
At issue is the deal that Orlando International Airport struck with Disney and its subcontractor Mears, a deal that allows passenger's to forego rental cars and cabs.
"Our problem, all these guys are starving, Disney is loading 5,000 rides a day," said protest organizer Edward Korgan.
The rides aren't cheap in one of the cabs. In fact, it's one of the best fares a driver can get, $50 to $70 each way. Instead, thousands are riding for free.
"They need to stop that, because people have families. They need to support their families, too," said Sharif.
But tourist Heather Marfitamo, mother of two, said her family has tried their way and likes the new way.
"If they could be as easy and as carefree as this all is, that would be awesome. You wait 10-20 minutes, you spend half your vacation waiting in line or to get your cab or your car," Marfitamo said.
Those involved in the protest realized that the only impact would be if people waiting for cabs couldn't find one. With more drivers taking to the streets Monday than the protest, that may be a difficult task.
A spokesperson for Mears said they are just a subcontractor, but added that the success so far of the Magic Express will keep the program running. Disney did not return calls for comment.
, having stayed off property for my last three trips, because of DME. So I really don't think Disney will risk losing the resort business (which I think is hugely profitable for them and easily compensates their investment in DME) by charging for DME.:wave:
