Thrift to pay for TIA parking

Balancing out higher rates for short-term and valet parking will be a $6-a-day satellite lot.

By JEAN HELLER

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 6, 2000

TAMPA -- Drivers already annoyed with the cost of parking at Tampa International Airport aren't going to like this news: The board of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority probably will approve a rate increase today.

But at the same time, for the thrifty, the airport will begin offering a parking alternative cheaper than anything available now.

On Aug. 15, TIA will open its new remote parking lot, which will provide 2,100 spaces that should alleviate overcrowding of the short-term and long-term garages during peak travel times. It will cost $6 a day and a maximum of $30 a week, which is the same as paying for five days and getting two days free.

At the same time, valet parking would increase in price from $14 to $16 a day. Short-term parking, which now costs $9 a day for the first two days and $12 a day thereafter, would become $12 a day across the board. Hourly rates for those using the garage briefly to pick up a passenger or visit the airport would not change. Long-term parking would remain at $8 a day.

"It remains to be seen how heavily the remote lot will be used, how price-conscious people are," said Joe Hills, director of parking and ground transportation at TIA.

"It's my gut feeling the business traveler will still go for the closer-in, covered parking."

The airport opened a temporary remote lot to get through the last Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday rush, and it was heavily used. The lot also was used with good results nearly a decade ago when the long-term garage was under construction, Hills said.

"But we found that half our overnight inventory was still up in the garage, paying twice the price," he added.

Shuttle buses will carry passengers back and forth between the terminal and the remote lot, which willbe next to the post office just to the east of the George Bean Parkway at the airport entrance.

"I'm sure in the beginning everything will be a test to determine how many stops the buses have to make," said TIA spokeswoman Brenda Geoghagan. "There will be sheltered waiting areas at the remote lot, and enough of them that no matter where you park you don't have to walk very far from your car."

The system is geared for minimum waiting times, Hills said.

"Nobody is supposed to wait anywhere on the system for more than 10 minutes," he said. "We won't run on time 100 percent of the time, but we think we can come close."

The Aviation Authority will buy four natural-gas fueled buses similar to those used by rental car companies. A fifth bus will come later.

They will be operated by Republic Parking, the airport's parking manager.

"I can't imagine needing more than four and a backup," Hills said. "It's not that long a trip."

The money from the higher rates will help pay the costs of the new buses and remote lot.

The airport has had the remote lot in its plans for years, and the need for it has been underscored by the facility's record growth. TIA is the third fastest-growing airport in the nation.

All summer, Republic Parking employees have been out on the slabs and ramps of both parking garages helping drivers find places to leave their cars and making spaces where there are no spaces, sometimes in locations where parking is normally illegal.

It has been the only way to deal with the crush of people leaving the area on summer vacation.

"The remote lot will require a little effort," Hills said. "The buses will not be able to take people to their cars if it's raining. They will drop you at a shelter, and you have to wait it out or get wet. It will take some extra planning to get to the airport early to leave time for the shuttle service, and your car will be out in the sun.

"Because it is less convenient -- and we hope not too inconvenient -- it will be cheaper."

Higher prices?

Officials will vote today on a parking rate increase at Tampa International Airport to start Aug. 15.

Short-term parking

Now: $9 a day for the first two days, $12 a day thereafter.
Proposed: $12 a day. No change in hourly rate

Long-term parking

Now: $8 a day.
Proposed: No change

Valet parking

Now: $14 a day.
Proposed: $16 a day

Remote parking

Opens Aug. 15
Rates: $6 a day, $30 a week

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