Airport Ride Share Costs Set to Rise as Drivers Push Back Against Port Authority Plan
New Jersey and metro ride sharing drivers oppose a proposal to substantially increase airport pick-up and drop-off fees, saying it could hurt drivers’ lives and passengers’ wallets. Uber, Lyft, and other app-based drivers are concerned about the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s long-term capital investment strategy months before a critical board decision.
Ride sharing cars’ airport entrance fee would rise from $2.50 to $5 per trip in March 2026. Drivers that pick up or drop off passengers at large regional airports pay this. A small annual rise would gradually raise taxi fares. Driver groups claim the rapid expansion of app-based services unfairly burdens low-wage workers.
The Independent Driver’s Guild says 200,000 New York–New Jersey ride share drivers are breaking even after gasoline, vehicle maintenance, insurance, tolls, and platform commissions. The group thinks the airport tax hike would cost drivers tens of millions yearly. Guild leaders see airport ticket prices rising and demand falling due to such expenditures.
Driver advocates officially asked the Port Authority to suspend its 10-year, $45 billion capital plan. We want more labor group meetings and equal treatment of all airport for-hire vehicles. Their primary gripe is that ride share drivers pay the airport access fee but not private and commercial cars. This favors wealthy vacationers and business users over suburban families and working drivers, say critics.
The capital plan hikes tolls and prices for bridges, tunnels, airports, and transport systems in addition to ride sharing costs. Starting in 2027, E-ZPass discounts will decline, tolls will rise with inflation, and PATH rail prices will climb. These projects should raise hundreds of millions for transportation improvements and services.
State leaders can act. Officials say commissioners decide Port Authority initiatives, but New York and New Jersey governors can reject them. Driver representatives claim they’ve informed state officials about regional jobs and tourists.
If approved, the airport price increase could affect travelers’ transit choices. Driver groups believe increased prices will drive consumers to other transportation alternatives, reducing ride share driver trip volume and pay. As the vote approaches, the disagreement highlights a deeper tension between funding vital transportation infrastructure and protecting workers who depend on it.
The Port Authority’s decision may affect regional transportation costs, so drivers, commuters, and lawmakers will watch.
Sources
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Independent Driver’s Guild
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
Office of the Governor of New York
