Unlicensed taxis allegedly overcharging customers at Pearson airport

By Nitish Bissonauth and News Staff

It’s been a problem at Toronto Pearson International Airport for years – passengers solicited by so-called taxi drivers in the arrivals area before they can even make it out the door.

An airport employee reached out to CityNews about the issue, but asked to remain anonymous. According to him, if passengers aren’t careful, they can be scammed into paying twice as much as they should for a ride.

“These people are so slick, it’s been going on for years,” he said. “They hide when they see security, lay low and then start all over again.”

The airport employee told CityNews about one particular “scooper” who regularly waits outside door B at the terminal three arrival area.

CityNews attempted to seek him out, but that wasn’t necessary – he found us.

The alleged “scooper” approached CityNews reporter Nitish Bissonauth asking if he needed a taxi and then instructed him to follow his associate outside. The driver took Bissonauth to a location far from the taxi pick-up and drop-off area.

When asked for credentials, the driver failed to provide legitimate licence stickers and in-cab licenses. Instead, he presented an unofficial laminated card with a City of Toronto logo. He then quoted $70 cash to go downtown – a ride that usually costs between $50-$60 in a licensed cab.

But the airport employee says he’s heard of some drivers who charge double or even triple the usual rate.

“I heard of one lady who was charged $100 just to go to Square One,” he says – a drive that’s approximately 15 minutes from the airport and should cost around $40.

CityNews reached out to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) about the ongoing issue. They responded saying they are well aware of what’s going on.

In a statement they said they do take steps to discourage unlicensed taxis and inform passengers of legitimate services.

“To deter such activity, our private security provider monitors the public arrivals areas at both airport terminals for unlicensed taxi drivers and we use public education to inform passengers of the licensed options when they arrive. We also cooperate with Peel Regional Police on this matter, who can lay charges against unlicensed drivers.”

Peel Regional Police could not provide a statement or interview regarding the matter.

For travelers who might be unaware, there a few ways to tell if a driver and vehicle is a legal taxi service:

  • Look for license stickers and in-cab licenses.
  • Remember – only licensed operators are permitted in the designated taxi pick-up and drop-off area.
  • Legitimate taxis will not solicit business in the arrivals area or ask you to follow them into a parking lot.

 

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