NYC Airport Rides Get Pricier: Fee Hikes Loom

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is preparing to implement fee increases for ride-share and taxi drivers picking up or dropping off passengers at LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty International Airports. These new charges, scheduled to rise over three annual steps beginning in March, are intended to fund improvements for drivers, who have become crucial to the region's air travel. Current fees for ride-share services are $2.50 per pickup and drop-off, while taxis pay $1.75 per pickup. The proposed increases would raise ride-share fees to $5 and taxi fees to $2.50.

Uber has formally protested these proposed hikes, arguing that doubling the fee to $10 round-trip for ride-shares is unfair compared to the significantly lower charges for taxis. This move comes as the airports anticipate a record 5.7 million travelers between December 22 and January 4. The increased costs are anticipated to be passed directly to passengers, who already contend with substantial fares, including surcharges and potential congestion pricing in New York City.

The Port Authority is also investing in initiatives like "Operation Legal Ride," a $100 million, 10-year plan to combat unlicensed drivers, often referred to as "hustlers," who prey on travelers. This effort includes advanced technology to identify and deter such drivers, aiming to ensure a safer and more regulated travel experience, particularly for foreign visitors. The agency continues to support the taxi industry through improved facilities, acknowledging their role in providing regulated transportation options.