As a public entity charged with an economic development mission, we take seriously the economic well-being of our tenants, our vendors, and all who are part of our airport community.
We hear the fear and uncertainty from drivers and have shared our concerns over the fleet reduction proposal. We support the drivers’ desire for a process that is fair and transparent.
The challenges for taxi drivers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reflect challenges all over our region and country.
Ground transportation economics changed in the last few years, but taxi regulations stayed the same. Our customers benefit when we can offer high quality service from a range of transportation choices, including flat-rate, for-hire, TNCs like Lyft or Uber, airport shuttles or public transportation.
The Port of Seattle has an obligation to meet the varied needs of the 46.9 million people who use our airport and 1 million passengers who use our cruise terminals. In the fall of 2016, the Port proposed to work with Seattle and King County for regional collaborations on policies and regulatory strategies for ground transportation services. We again call for efforts with regional regulators and policymakers to seek regulatory updates that maintain choice and competition in ground transportation.
The Port of Seattle is committed to real solutions to address taxi driver concerns over economic well-being, as well as fair treatment.
