The days of driving taxis in shorts and sandals are coming to an end for Montreal’s airport cabbies.
A new dress code for taxi drivers at Trudeau Airport will establish strict rules around what drivers can and cannot wear on the job.
The style code, which will be implemented this fall, asks drivers to don professional attire such as polos, collared shirts and long pants.
What’s out: jeans, baseball caps, sandals and Bermuda shorts.
“We’re actually the first contact for people coming from all around the world, and when we are improperly dressed we give a misinterpretation of what Montreal is,” cab driver Stanley Bastien told CTV News’ Maya Johnson.
“Basically people will have to dress as if they’re going to a restaurant.”
Bastien worked alongside the airport authority to develop the dress code, which goes into effect Nov. 15, 2015. The rules come alongside efforts to build a greener fleet with a goal of 35 per cent hybrid and electric cars. The authority also wants newer cabs, with no vehicle older than four years hitting the road.
The snappy new uniforms will likely help airport cabbies stand out from UberX drivers, who offer stiff competition. In May, provincial authorities raided a Montreal Uber office after allegations that the ride-sharing program violated Quebec tax laws. At least 40 UberX vehicles have been seized by the City of Montreal’s taxi bureau this year.
Uber has said it will fight back against the city in court.
According to airport administration, the fashion guide was designed with the city’s image in mind.
“At the airport there is over a million pickups a year and we thought it would be very interesting to make the dress code a bit better so it’s a better welcome for the tourists,” Christiane Beaulieu, vice president of Public Affairs and Communications for Aéroports de Montréal, told CTV News Montreal.
Many cab drivers seem open to the change.
“Shorts aren’t necessary. Are we at the beach? No,” one driver told CTV News.
“For me, honestly, it’s normal,” said another.
Passengers agreed.
“It would probably make them a little more trustworthy and seem professional and safe,” one female traveller said.
“As long as he’s clothed, I’m in on it,” said a man outside the terminal.
With files from CTV Montreal
