Uber Becomes New Operator of Taxi Service at Prague Airport

Uber becomes the new operator of the taxi service at Václav Havel Airport Prague from the spring of 2023, having won the concession procedure entered by two bidders.

The winner of the tender guarantees a fixed fare price quoted in advance, 24/7 service availability, and a fleet of up to five-year-old mainly upper middle-class cars.

“Taxi service is key for us. In the concession procedure, we emphasised the requirements of passengers, who above all want to know the price in advance. The new taxi operator will provide its services under the constant control of the airport. All rides, even those outside of Prague, must comply with the maximum price regulation,” Jakub Puchalský, Member of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, said.

The current operators’ contracts terminate in January 2023. The new taxi operator will start preparations immediately after signing the agreement so that they can offer their services as soon as possible after the end of the existing cooperation.

The operator will have the obligation to determine the final price before each ride, which will be calculated by their software. The resulting fare must not exceed the agreed price, even when changing the route or waiting in a traffic jam.

Easy order

Passengers will be able to order a taxi ride using their phone without the need to download an application, via the web interface, and at kiosks in the arrival halls at both terminals.

Based on the contractual conditions, the operator will work with drivers who will ensure the required quality of services and traffic safety. The operator will also ensure the drives have all valid permits, speak Czech, and have at least a basic knowledge of English to be able to carry a basic conversation with the customer. They must also wear job-appropriate attire. The customer will always have the option of contactless payments.

It will also be possible to pair a ride with a specific car through a PIN code, sent through to the passenger upon ordering their ride. They will then be able to choose any car standing in front of the terminal. The operator uses this technology at other airports, where waiting times have been reduced by an average of 50 percent.