PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport officials want to increase pick up fees at the airport. Shuttles and transportation services like Uber and Lyft would be charged every time they pick passengers up.
Many airport parking companies that offer shuttles to the airport say the fees are unfair, but the airport says more fees are needed to maintain the roads, curbs, and staff at Sky Harbor.
"It's extremely desperate, we will literally go out of business if they pass these fares," said David Warren, owner of Blue Sky Airport Parking.
The fees would target all ground transportation companies. Fees range from $4 to $11 for each pickup, depending on the size of the vehicle. The cost would be phased in over three years starting next year. Airport officials say they need to close a nearly $4 million budget gap.
"We don't have any local tax dollars that come into the airport, we have to repave and repair Sky Harbor Blvd, pay for employees to go out and work the curb," said Julie Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the airport.
Officials say for Sky Harbor say Taxis and Super Shuttle have been subsidizing newer options such as Uber and Lyft, and that is why they say they are proposing the new system.
"The taxis and Super Shuttle are paying the majority of fees at Sky Harbor, this new system would make it fair for everyone," said Rodriguez.
Some customers who chose the cheaper options like Uber and Lyft are worried any fees will be passed onto them.
"I think they just keep asking for more money and don't use the money wisely," said Libby Rodgers.