Cabbie: Exclusive BWI contract keeps cabs nice
Johnny Mattei, who says he's an owner operator for the incumbent BWI taxi contractor, says my column advocating deregulation of BWI cabs ran out of gas. Having an exclusive deal keeps cabs clean and safe, he says, and the drivers can't pick up fares anywhere but BWI. Mattei:
I am a owner/operator of a BWI Taxi and I feel your article is worthless!! All of our cabs are subjected to twice a year inspections for cleanliness and serviceability! Have you ever taken a county cab or city cab and see how they look and smell? We wear uniforms and are presentable and make our customers happy and want to use our service time and time again! There are close to 400 drivers at BWI who have families and mortgages, all of our work comes from BWI and BWI only we are not allowed to pick up in the city or surrounding counties! The city has their cabs, the counties have their cabs and the airport has their own! That is just the way it is!! People will pay for comfort and convenience!!
The Board of Public Works meets Wednesday to again consider awarding a new contract to Dulles Airport Taxi. Liz Kay covered Tuesday's driver protest against the deal, which drivers say would put their jobs and income at risk.






