When travelers fly into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and ask about the best way to get into town, curbside workers are instructed to give options that include MARTA, cabs and shuttles, according to the airport.
But travelers may not know that the person explaining the options works for a company that also operates shuttles.
A study commissioned by the airport found that gives "a perception of, if not a real, conflict of interest." The curbside management company, A-National Limousine, also handles curbside traffic congestion and operates limousines.
In response, City Council member Felicia Moore proposed a resolution to cancel the curbside management contract held by A-National. But a council committee voted Wednesday to reject the resolution, in part because council members were advised that they don't have grounds to cancel the contract.
Prohibitions cover conflicts of interest involving a city employee or elected official, but city code does not bar so-called "organizational" conflicts of interest between two companies, according to an attorney for the city. Council member Yolanda Adrean said she plans to work on the issue.
Some disagreed on whether it is a conflict of interest. The airport said it is addressing the conflict by stipulating that the company awarded the shuttle contract cannot also manage curbside operations.
Copyright 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
