Cabbies Again Suing Chattanooga Airport

A taxi company has sued the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, claiming the panel has exceeded its power to oversee cabs.

Millennium Taxicab brought suit in Hamilton County Circuit Court alleging airport rules regulating taxis and other vehicles approved last year discriminate against cabs not permitted by the facility.

However, Airport Authority attorney Hugh Moore said the courts have upheld the panel's right to regulate taxis.

"We think the regulations are reasonable and appropriate," he said.

The suit filed by attorney William Killian said an age limit imposed on taxis does not apply to other commercial vehicles such as courtesy vehicles and buses servicing the airport.

"This regulation creates a discriminatory classification without justification by safety concerns or on any other basis," the suit said.

Also, the suit said taxis not permitted by the Authority are prohibited from picking up passengers at the terminal curb side while other vehicles can wait for 10 minutes.

The suit said nonpermitted taxis can drop off passengers curbside but are required to park in short-term parking to be able to pick up passengers.

The lawsuit said the Authority discriminates in enforcing regulations by targeting Millennium's taxis and allowing other vehicles to violate the rules.

Mr. Killian said the suit is asking that Millennium's taxis be treated just as other vehicles.

The suit is the second brought by Millennium against the airport in the last two years. Earlier, a Hamilton County judge upheld the airport's authority over taxis and dismissed a suit bought by the company.

Tim Duckett, CEO of the taxi company, said the company is not seeking the privilege of having its cabs sit in the cab lane at the airport.

But he said Millennium ought to be allowed to pick up fares as long as it's not using the restricted zone.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.