Mangaluru International Airport is among the airports in the country chosen by the Airports Authority of India for allowing operation of app-based taxi services, according to V.V. Rao, director of the airport.
Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, he said that a maximum of two app-based taxi operators would be allowed to operate along with existing conventional airport taxi service providers after selecting them by inviting bids.
“Its modalities are now being worked out,” he said adding that the AAI is expected call the bid after a month.
The director said that earlier the AAI had allowed app-based taxi services in five airports in the country on a pilot basis. Mangaluru airport has been chosen in the second phase as part of the policy decision taken on allowing app-based taxi services in airports earlier. It would help passengers.
To a question, he said that the Goa International Airport has allowed app-based taxi services with conventional airport taxi services.
Referring to complaints on the contract agency of the AAI collecting excess parking fee from people, the director said that he issued on Tuesday a notice to the agency asking to pay a fine of ₹2.58 lakh. The agency would have to respond to it.
In addition, the agency was instructed not to collect the parking fee from anyone visiting the airport on Tuesday. All were allowed to park their vehicles freely on Tuesday.
The two steps were part of the action initiated against the agency to adhere to the conditions of the contract. After hearing the version of the agency, the AAI would take a call on whether to terminate the contract or allow to continue by collecting heavy fine.
He said that the AAI has plans to provide free Wi-Fi facility to passengers at the terminal building for 45 minutes.
