Baltimore taxi drivers blasted an exclusive contract granted to a single city company to pick up passengers at the Hilton Hotel Wednesday morning.
Angry drivers said the Yellow Cab Company’s exclusive deal that allows only their drivers to pick up passengers at the new Hilton Hotel is putting them out of business.
“We’re just hard working people trying to feed our families,” said Michael Okolie 45, a Diamond Cab driver while standing outside the Hilton. “All cab drivers who have a medallion should be allowed to pick up passengers. It’s not fair.”
“This hotel was built by the city and it should be open to all drivers,” complained Folarin Folawiyo, another Diamond Driver. “Who is getting paid to give these contracts to Yellow? Why do they get all of the business?”
The Hilton borrowed $300 million from the city to build the hotel.
In the past decade, Yellow Cab has locked down exclusive deals with some of the most heavily traveled hotels in the downtown area including the Marriott Waterfront, Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, and the Renaissance Hotel. The company also has exclusive deals with many of the major hospitals, including Mercy Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Penn Station also has an exclusive deal with Yellow Cab.
“How are we supposed to survive if all these places are off-limits?” Okolie asked.
Yellow Cab officials said the exclusive contracts guarantee hotel operators quality service, insuring that drivers are properly trained and accountable.
But Howard Fuller, another Diamond Cab driver said all drivers are licensed and regulated by the Public Service Commission.
“Every one of these drivers is hardworking and honest, and deserves the chance to earn a living,” he said.
City Councilman Bernard C. “Jack” Young (District 12) said Yellow Cab’s exclusive contract with the Hilton Hotel was not fair, but stopped short of saying that city would look into the matter.
“I think in this case the hotel should be open all licensed cab drivers in the city,” Young said. “I understand there are concerns about just anyone driving up and picking up a passenger, but if they’re properly licensed they should be allowed to compete.”
