FRESNO (KMJ) — A proposal to add a $3 charge for every pick up and drop off made by ride-sharing companies at Fresno Yosemite International – has failed.
The matter was heard Thursday morning at Fresno City Council, removed from the Consent Calendar by District 6’s Garry Bredefeld.
“My problem with this is that we’re then adding on another fee, a tax, $3 for the drop off – $3 for the pick up, which will obviously be passed on to the customer which will make it more difficult for the drivers in terms of their economics. That’s my problem,” detailed Bredefeld.
But the City of Fresno’s Assistant Director of Aviation revealed that allowing firms like Uber and Lyft to operate at Fresno Yosemite International had an affect on parking revenue.
Dan Weber told the council that the financial impact on the airport, per ride-sharing transaction, was $4.63. That prompted officials to seek an extra charge.
“We did some sensitivity analysis, compared it what was going on across the state, and we settled on $3 as being a fair and reasonable fee.
“If the airport is denied the ability to capture a legitimate revenue stream, then that revenue stream will be lost forever to the airport. We’ve got to able to capture these revenue streams.”
But Councilmember Oliver Baines stated that he would not be supporting the proposal, as the airport was not currently charging taxis or hotel shuttles for access.
“The logic there for me is – I can’t follow that logic stream,” announced Baines. “It’s almost like we’re just going after low hanging fruit here.
“I won’t to be able to support this item, but I wanted you all to know why I don’t. If we’re not charging the taxis and the shuttle services, I’m not exactly sure it’s fair.”
The resulting vote saw the item fail to pass.
It means ride-sharing companies can continue to service passengers at Fresno Yosemite International – without having to pay an extra fee to do so.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
