Expansion of Sea-Tac's Central Terminal Approved by Port Commission

Construction necessitates move to a central Ground Transportation Center

(Seattle)--Starting Tuesday, travelers needing shuttles, limousines or taxis to reach their final destination from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will find most ground transportation services located on the third floor of the airport's garage.

The move to a single Ground Transportation Center is necessary because airport construction projects will permanently displace the current commercial vehicle holding areas at the north and sound ends of the main terminal.

"Hotel shuttles have operated effectively from the third floor of the garage for many years," said Rod Hilden, Manager of the airport's Landside Line of Business. "It makes sense to have our other transport services join them in an area dedicated to that purpose."

The only ground transportation services not moving to the garage are full-size buses, including public transit, which are too tall for the structure. They will continue to operate on the airport's baggage claim drive.

Airport staff will spend Monday night putting up the remainder of 200 signs that will direct passengers to the new Ground Transportation Center. Starting Tuesday, airport staff will also be available to direct passengers to the new location.

"Any change can be stressful to travelers," said Hilden. "We think we can manage this change effectively, and that passengers will eventually find the arrangement both comfortable and convenient."

Under construction now are rest rooms and heated waiting areas, amenities not previously available in the garage. Those should be coming on-line starting in June.

Under this arrangement, the airport's valet parking service will move to the 4th floor of the garage, and be accessed from a ramp off the airport's ticketing drive.