Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Taxi Service

Toronto Airport taxi companies are not allowed to line up in front of the Pearson Airport Arrivals doors. They are only called by the Commissionaires security personnel upon request by a passenger. These taxis line up to the left of the terminal, just 200 metres away, but are not obvious when you exit from the Pearson Airport and most travellers first see the more expensive limousine option. By and large, the limousines are older vehicles than the taxis and do not give you any more comfort and style than the cheaper taxi option. Based on research and comments from fellow travellers, it is unclear as to whether this is a deliberate act by the Pearson Airport authorities or simply to maintain an orderly flow of pick-up traffic.

There is also a more recent scam (aptly called 'mo money') that occurs across the city where Toronto Ambassador Taxi will indicate to you upon arrival at your destination that they accept cash only and will play the shocked and helpless charade when you only have a credit card. This is a scam to avoid them paying credit card processing fees and they are placing the inconvenience on the customer. Be warned this is a common occurence and can frequently happen at any locations in and around Toronto, including those taxis waiting for customers outside major hotels. The taxi operator will indicate that they are 'independent' and therefore are 'not affiliated with credit cards'. It is strongly encouraged that if you experience this situation that you record the taxi number, license plate and register a formal complaint with the taxi company or the hotel you are staying with. You can rightfully refuse to pay and the taxi driver will eventuallly pull out the credit card processing machine.