New York is considering raising the fees charged for trips to and from area airports in taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and limousines. If the proposal is approved, travelers could pay up to an additional $4 per ride, according to the New York Daily News.
The increase appears in an internal memo from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The memo describes a plan to apply the higher fee to pick-ups and drop-offs at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Similar airport surcharges are already imposed at major hubs such as Los Angeles International and Chicago O’Hare.
Port Authority officials said the extra revenue would be dedicated to airport improvements, including investments in a new taxi dispatch system and other infrastructure upgrades designed to streamline ground transportation operations.
Industry reaction was mixed. Representatives from the New York taxi industry and Uber criticized the proposal, arguing that it would further increase already high fares and could reduce drivers’ tips. A Lyft spokesperson, however, suggested the fee might help by formalizing ride-sharing operations at the airports and creating a clearer framework for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
If adopted, the fee change would affect many travelers who rely on for-hire vehicles to reach area airports, potentially altering the cost comparison between public transit, shuttles and private rides. The Port Authority’s next steps would include public review and a formal approval process before any new charges take effect.