Uber says it’s ending service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The Phoenix City Council announced Wednesday it’s raising fees assessed to ridesharing companies who serve the airport — and Uber is hailing a ride out.
Holiday travelers need not worry, though. According to Fox News, Uber’s departure isn’t expected until January.
Fox noted that curbside pickup fees at PHX will increase from $2.66 to $4 starting in February. The city is also implementing a $4 drop-off fee — which raised 25 cents each year through 2024.
Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego said, “Phoenix is a global city. We want to invest in a first-class airport.”
(Maybe PHX passengers will want to consider parking at offsite hotels and using complimentary shuttles to/from the airport?)
Uber, for its part, said in a statement, “Our riders and drivers should not be treated as a piggybank to fill the airport’s budget holes. On behalf of the riders and drivers who rely on Uber, we cannot accept a partnership that unfairly burdens our shared passengers.”
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No word yet as to whether Lyft will follow Uber in the fast lane out of the airport. UPDATED: Twitter user @Morrisy18 said Lyft, too, will leave PHX. The AP reports something similar.
Uber quit serving Ontario (CA) International Airport (ONT) in September after that airport hiked pickup and drop-off fees from $3 to $4.
And in the UK, Uber is on thin ice after losing its license (a move Fortune surmised “may just be the beginning of a global ride-hailing backlash”). The company, though, continues to operate while the issue is under appeal. Indian ride-sharing firm Ola says its preparing to launch in London.
— Chris
Featured photo of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: ©iStock.com/BCFC
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What a terrible thing. The taxi lobbies must be loving this. Uber/Lyft are 100x better than taxis, but the airport and politicians only care about money.
This!
Take Uber to the car rental area and take their free shuttle.
Just out of curiosity, what do taxi cab companies pay for pick up and drop off fees to the city?
Mike Saint: more than they used to I’m sure. This is bought and paid for after all.