CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Yeager Airport officials plan to speak with Uber about a deal, but problems surfaced after the ride-sharing service was cited for operating at the airport without a contract.
“They failed to sign on with us, but they’re still continuing to pick up and drop off up here and they should not be doing that,” said Terry Sayre, executive director at Yeager.
Last month, the Yeager board proposed a six-month contract that includes a $3 service fee for each Uber vehicle that services Yeager. Uber would receive parking spaces and signs.
“We haven’t heard back from them,” Sayre said. “We plan to talk to Uber, the corporate headquarters, to try to work out some sort of agreement.”
Two Uber vehicles were cited and more would be fined if the issue continues, Sayre said. When MetroNews asked if airport leaders would be willing to decrease the $3 fee, Sayre said Uber reps “need to come to the table. I can’t negotiate with someone that’s not there.”
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed a bill this year allowing for companies like Uber and Lyft to offer rides in West Virginia. The law took effect July 1.
Yeager has sent Lyft a contract, with the goal to begin operating by next month. Sayre said all other transportation companies have signed a contract, and Uber should too.
“We have agreements with C&H (Taxi), limousine providers, hotels, shuttle services. We have agreements with everyone that comes here except for Uber,” he said.
“We’d love to have Uber here. We want our customers to have every convenience possible.”
Charleston was the first city in West Virginia to welcome Uber rides last month.