Syracuse taxi drivers are continuing to protest what they are calling a lack of a free market. Our Alex O'Toole found out what's driving them to such lengths.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- "To the customer of the city of Syracuse airport: you are being ripped off by our government," 488 Taxi Services owner Jon Perrigo said.

Independent taxi drivers, owners and managers took to City Hall on Wednesday morning to protest what they call the lack of a free market in the local taxi industry.  

Suburban Transportation is currently the only company being allowed to serve Hancock International Airport, according to a contract that expired at the end of July.

"I should be able to choose, I think that's my right," Syracuse resident Gwendolyn McKenzie said.

"Well, competition is always worthwhile in our system," airport patron C.B. Bassidy said. "If there are other cab companies that could come here, why not?"

Many taxi drivers say the current market is making it increasingly difficult for those in the industry to support themselves and their families. That includes former employees of Century Taxi, which was the previous contract holder with the airport.

"I'll be broke in about five months. There'll be food stamps and the whole bit. I'm ruined. I'm totally, completely ruined," said Bill McClellan, former Century Transportation operations manager at Hancock Airport.

Protesters also brought up the issue of unfair rates. They say that customers are being charged $15 to be taken from the terminal to the end of the airport road, which is just over one mile. Under city ordinance, the rate is $3.20 a mile, so the numbers just aren't adding up.

"It would be $2.80 to get in the cab, $3.20 a mile," Perrigo said. "You figure out the math."

Airport officials say that they evaluate all assigned contracts as they near expiration to determine the best way to obtain those services for their passengers. Those at the protest say that ending this "monopoly" at the airport will be the best way to get passengers serviced.

"Open it up and there will always be cabs there," Yellow Taxi manager Frank Manzi said. "You know-,if the airport was open, you'd have 30-40 cars there every day, all day long, waiting for these rides."

The 250 licensed drivers are anxiously awaiting a resolution.