Flat rate for airport-to-Waikiki cabs good for Hawaii’s image

The recent introduction of Honolulu City Council Bill 54, proposing a flat-rate taxi cab fare between the Honolulu airport and Waikiki, is an idea whose time has come for a world-class destination.

We should create an environment where our visitors (and the thousands of Waikiki residents) have a reliable and predictable price for a cab ride in and out of Waikiki.

The rudiments of the bill have stimulated much dialogue about the taxi industry. To clarify, a proposed flat rate is not targeted at the cab drivers and their hard-earned take-home pay. A price can be set that is fair and reasonable for all concerned.

Recent editorials and opinions have surfaced surrounding the role of government in regulating taxi fares. Some have said the government shouldn’t mandate rates. The reality is that rates are in fact mandated today; rates are set by regulation. The intent of Bill 54 is to create certainty for the consumer, the visitor and taxi drivers.

Many other popular destinations, such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York, require flat-rate taxi fares. For example, a taxi ride to and from Manhattan and the John F. Kennedy International Airport is $52. A flat rate allows the visitor to be prepared with the funds needed for their transportation needs and properly manage their vacation budget; no surprises. It’s all about setting expectations.

Hawaii competes against many other destinations around the world for the same customer. We need to be competitive and offer Hawaii visitors the best experience possible at all points of engagement. Delivering expected levels of service and quality of products heightens a visitor’s experience. Knowing what the taxi fare will cost, or, what the hotel room will look like, gives consumers certainty and a sense of relaxation so that they may enjoy the rest of their vacation. A flat-rate taxi fare, for the trip between the Honolulu airport and Waikiki, is a great beginning for any visitor’s journey to Hawaii.

Taxis are essential partners in the visitor industry. For the thousands of visitors who travel to Hawaii each year, the taxi cab and its driver are a visitor’s introduction to Hawaii’s hospitality. A consistent flat-rate fare would help with this first impression.

In addition to the discussion about fares, there are other components of the ride that would enhance this first impression, such as the quality and cleanliness of the cab, and the length of the wait time at the curb. Both are currently inconsistent. The hospitality industry should stand together with the cab companies, the drivers and the airport to help improve the overall product.

The taxi itself and the cab drivers are important ambassadors of Hawaii, passing on Hawaii’s history, culture, and current events to the visitor during the ride to Waikiki. A suggestion is that cab drivers invest in enhancing their ambassador skills, as the tour bus drivers have, with the "History and Culture of Hawaii — Tour Guide and Driver State-Certification Course" offered at Kapiolani Community College.

Finally, for everyone’s safety, tightening up on the background checks of cab drivers would put a gold star on the entire program.