Bytes from the Back Seat

Here is a copy of my contact with Perth Airport Corp following on from my post regarding the difficulties of obtaining change for the exit barriers at both the domestic and international taxi ranks.

—–Original Message—–
From: perthairport@globaldial.com [mailto:perthairport@globaldial.com]
Sent: Friday, 6 April 2007 18:55
To: Jennifer Walsh
Subject: Feedback for Perth Airport

FullName: Nathaniel *****

Email Address: nathaniel73******.***

Contact Number: **********

Comments: I drive a taxi on the night shift for Swan Taxis. I was
considering the situation of needing coin change for the exit barriers
at both the domestic and international airport taxi ranks.

Even though we pass on the $2 fee to our passengers we don’t receive it
back in change rather in EFTPOS, credit or note form. This leaves us
with the problem of having enough change for both the exit barriers and
for our customers.

I would like to make a suggestion of installing a change machine at the
drivers rooms (domestic and international) to provide coin change.

The change could be limited to $2 coins thereby limiting the usage by
drivers seeking change but not working the airport .

With the amount of change you are currently receiving from drivers the
machines should almost supply themselves.

I hope you give this serious consideration.
—–End Message—–

I received a follow up email dated 10th April

Good Afternoon Mr *****

Thank you for your email. Your comments have been forwarded to the
Ground Transport Department at Perth Airport for their information.

Kind regards
Jennifer
____________________________________________
Jennifer Walsh
Marketing & Media Officer
Perth Airport
IT’S HAPPENING
Baker Road (opposite Domestic Terminals)
Perth Airport WA 6105
Ph: +61 8 9478 8888 Fax: +61 8 9277 7537
jennifer.walsh@wac.com.au | | www.perthairport.com

Then on Wednesday 11th April I received a phone call from Ground Transport explaining that they will be looking into the possibility of installing the change machines, although they are concerned with the possibility of vandalism. I suggested they locate them somewhere else for example at the shed at the domestic terminal although I did explain that my reasoning for suggesting the drivers rooms is it will eliminate any hold ups with drivers accessing the machines and delaying other drivers from moving up to the rank.

They assured me if they install the machines it will happen sooner rather than later.

I have to admit to feeling a bit surprised that something looks like being done to improve the situation and all it took was 1 email from a taxi driver. While I realise I wasn’t asking for the world I was surprised nonetheless.

Update: Well it’s been 5 months since I spoke with the representative of the Airport and nothing has changed at either terminal. I guess it was just easier for them to continue on as before and bugger the cab driver.