There really is no comparison when it comes to value, when deciding on whether to hire a limo service, taxi or an airport shuttle . With an airport shuttle, it is the only option that can provide a comfortable ride, safety and security and convenience at an affordable and reasonable rate. They are transport vehicles that most can appreciate – always clean and well-maintained. Alhough it can be convenient to ride in a limo, it is not always an affordable option, especially for individuals who are traveling on a tight budget. In terms of costs, the airport shuttle service is less expensive when comparing to the cost of a limo service. In fact, it is considered as one of the cheapest airport transportation services. Taxis, on the other hand, are less costly but their limited space does not provide its passengers with the same level of comfort that a shuttle can provide.

Airport Shuttle Versus Airport Parking

One expense that has steadily been on the rise is airport parking fees. In many areas of the country, it is just not economically feasible to leave your vehicle at the airport parking facilities because the cumulative fees can easily exceed what your transportation costs to and from the airport would be. Before you decide to drive yourself to the airport, check out the parking fees in advance and compare those fees to what you would pay for an airport shuttle service. You will probably find out in a lot of cases that the shuttle service will be the most economical. Just the thought of leaving your car at airport parking can be a concern. When your time is consumed worrying if your vehicle will be safe, you are probably not enjoying your vacation. When using an airport shuttle service, knowing that your transportation to and from the airport is taken care of in advance and in good hands, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation and also save on parking fees that can become quite expensive if you are parked for more than several days.

Airport Shuttle – The Logical Choice for Airport Transportation

Getting transportation to the airport can add a little stress to your trip if you are relying on friends or family to get you there. The uncertainties are usually: 1) Will they arrive on time? 2) What if their car breaks down. 3) What if they forget you need to be picked up. All the stress created from this arrangement can be eliminated by hiring an airport shuttle. They are very affordable, reliable and on schedule.

In our servicing area, which includes Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze and Navarre, the Pensacola Beach area is generally where you will find the largest crowds in any one area, especially during periods such as Spring Break during March and April and holiday weekends such as Fourth of July Weekend, Blue Angel Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. Consequently, with a large concentration of people, you have a large concentration of Pensacola Beach taxis roaming the area. This area does not require taxi companies to purchase medallions as is common in some of larger U.S. cities. So what does this mean to you as the customer? In areas that have a medallion requirement or other laws to restrict the amount of taxi companies, you can often rely on name recognition or at least have a certain level of comfort knowing that a taxi company has a on official medallion number on the car. The lack of such requirements in this area mean there are is an unusually large number of taxi companies relative to the geographical area being serviced. Having a large number of taxi companies does present challenges to the customer that go beyond service issues. These problems usually stem from flagging down a taxi. There are risks associated with flagging down a taxi and is not the preferred method of hiring a taxi unless you absolutely have to.
Use Caution When Flagging Down a Taxi
Losing Valuables

Many tourists lose valuables in taxis and are never able to retrieve them because they have taken a number of different taxis in a day and have a difficult time remembering which taxis they used. Many taxi drivers make an honest attempt at getting valuables back to their owners, but alot of fares are from business to business and the customer sometimes uses a public phone to call the taxi. These situations make it virutually impossible to track the owners of valuables down.
Unlicensed Taxis

This area has no specific department per se that regulates taxis. Because of this and the sheer number of taxis in this area, you are more likely to have an encounter with an unlicensed taxi than you would in other areas of the U.S. The unlicensed taxi may be operating soley for the purpose of collecting illegal fares. However, they could be operating for purposes of a more malicious nature. For this reason, it is preferable to call a taxi as opposed to flagging a taxi down.

Safety Tips When Taking a Taxi:

Never Take a Taxi That:

• Does not have a taxi meter. – Any taxi operating in the Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze and Navarre area is required by law to have a taxi meter.
• Does not have a phone number on each side of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle. – legitimate taxi companies promote their company through advertising on their vehicle. Lack of phone numbers should be an obvious indicator that they are trying to do the opposite – not be noticed.
• Does not have inside door handles. – even though there may be no malicious intent on the part of the taxi company, you should should never get in a vehicle without inside door handles as you would not have an easy exit from the vehicle in case of an emergency.
• Has illegible decals on the vehicle. – Just as lack of company phone numbers should indicate that company is trying to “fly under the radar”, illegible decals should prove the same.
• Has no company lettering or logos (an unmarked car). – the lack of any markings on the vehicle should raise a huge red flag.
• Does not appear roadworthy. – the danger of getting in a vehicle that is not roadworthy should be obvious.

Avoid Taking a Taxi:

• If you are a woman alone (especially if you are intoxicated) – unless you are familiar and comfortable with the company or driver.
• If it has no taxi light – taxi lights are not required by law in this area, but the more reputable companies have them.

Safe Ways to Order a Taxi:

• The Internet. – The more reputable companies will appear on the front page. Search Examples:
  Pensacola Beach Taxi
  Taxi Pensacola Beach
  Gulf Breeze Taxi
  Taxi Gulf Breeze

• The Yellow Pages.
• Have a policeman flag a taxi down for you if needed.