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SFO Airport Commission Says Cab Program Isn't Safe

SAN FRANCISCO INT'L AIRPORT (KCBS) -- An incentive program for cab drivers that rewards them for doing short runs at San Francisco International Airport has come under scrutiny.
Airport officials are concerned the program may create safety hazards and that it isn't working as designed.

For almost a decade, cab drivers whose trips are less than 30 minutes have been able to move to the front of a special line of drivers once they return to the airport.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports :

SFO spokesman Mike McCarron said some drivers are rushing to get back to the airport to beat the clock.

"We're really concerned about the safety of the passengers and we don't want the cab drivers speeding," said McCarron.

McCarron said the Airport Commission wants to drop the program and pose a flat fee on drivers and allow drivers to charge a minimum fare of $17 no matter the distance, whereas the San Francisco Cab Association would rather have a $20 minimum.

He recalled the days of when pizza delivery drivers used to guarantee quick pizzas or it was free.

"They had people being killed by this, so they had to drop that policy," justified McCarron.

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