Juneau airport prepares for Uber’s arrival

Juneau airport prepares for Uber’s arrival

With Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft on the verge of returning to Alaska, Juneau organizations are beginning to prepare.

At its meeting this week, the Juneau International Airport Board of Directors approved a proposal to allow TNCs to operate at the airport, but also imposed fees for the ride-sharing companies. The companies are required to pay a $100 annual permit fee to operate at the airport, as well as a fee of $3 per trip. A trip, as defined by the airport, is “any instance that a driver enters the Juneau International Airport Premises.”

The Alaska Legislature approved House Bill 132 in May, which allows for TNCs to operate in Alaska, leaving final approval up to Gov. Bill Walker.

The public comment period now begins for the airport’s regulation change, as members of the public may share written comments with the board until June 21. The board is aiming to have another meeting June 22, Airport Manager Patty Wahto said via email, but that date is tentative at the moment. At this meeting, the board may change or modify the regulation change.

If the board approves the regulation change at that meeting, it will go before the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly at its June 26 meeting, Wahto said.

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