The Phoenix Sky Harbor airport has a problem. They are out of parking spaces. Read about it here. Wow!!! what to do — I know, they are going to raise the rates a bit. Yep that will solve the problem. But how much is enough.
If you read the entire article, you find that their rates are well below those of most major airports, by about $10 a day. You will also find that many travelers use the parking rather than Super Shuttle because the parking is cheaper and more convenient.
You will also learn that employees are parking in the close in terminal lots (moved there after 911) and are fighting the concept of moving back to the outlying lots and being shuttled in.
I think the problem is easy to solve. The employees can park close in if they are willing to pay for the privilege. Those that want to park in the airport lots will pay what it costs to do so, and the rest will find a way to get to the airport without parking. Raise the rates and let the chips fall where they may.
Of course the airport is currently studying the problem.
JVH
One Response
John, again you are right on the money. At the end of the article there is a clear indication from users of the airport that they are willing to pay higher rates for the convenience of parking at the airport lots and not having to take a shuttle. Imagine the premium they would be willing to pay to park at the “close in” spaces. Issues like this would be so easy to resolve if government agenices would be willing to let the market set the rates instead of trying to be all things to all people.