Uber and Lyft Collaborate with Logan Airport to Eliminate High Drop-Off Fees

Logan Airport, Uber, and Lyft Reach Agreement on Ride-Hailing Fees: A Win for Travelers or Just a Pit Stop?

Proposed fee hikes scaled back, but overall costs for airport access are still on the rise.

March 19, 2025

The deal: A Compromise or a Costly Convenience?

Boston’s Logan International Airport, a major hub for domestic and international travel, has reached an agreement with ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft to adjust fees and improve ground transportation. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), responsible for operating Logan, initially considered a significant fee increase for ride-hailing services. Though, after negotiations, a compromise was reached, averting what Uber representatives called the “highest in the world.”

Instead of the proposed $7.50 fee each way ($15 round-trip), the fee will increase from the current $3.25 to $5.50 each way,totaling $11 for a round trip. While this is less than initially proposed, it still represents a substantial increase for travelers using these services.

This agreement aims to balance the needs of all stakeholders: the airport, the ride-hailing companies, and, most importantly, the passengers.

Behind the Numbers: Why the Fee Hike?

The primary driver behind the proposed fee increase is the exponential growth in passenger traffic at Logan Airport. In fiscal year 2024, a record-breaking 43 million travelers passed through its gates. Massport aviation Director Ed Freni reported to the Massport board in February 2025 that trips are up more than 7% this fiscal year. A significant portion of these travelers, nearly 30%, rely on ride-hailing apps for transportation to and from the airport. This surge in ride-hailing usage has contributed to increased congestion, especially at curbside pickup and drop-off zones.

The revenue generated from these fees will be earmarked for much-needed infrastructure improvements. Think expanded roadways,improved passenger waiting areas,and streamlined traffic flow. These upgrades are essential to accommodate the rising number of passengers and maintain a smooth, efficient airport experience.

Massport CEO Rich Davey emphasized the need for these improvements, stating, “Massport’s new agreement with Uber improves the rider experience, establishes new, cheaper ways to get to Boston Logan and helps mitigate traffic around the airport and our surrounding neighborhoods.” He added, “As Boston Logan continues to grow, we expect even more travelers to use Ride Apps. We need to improve the infrastructure to support them, and also our other ground transportation services so we are able to move more passengers with the least impact.”

Beyond the Fee: What Else is changing?

The agreement encompasses more than just fee adjustments. Several key changes are aimed at improving the overall ride-hailing experience and reducing congestion:

• Expanded Curbside Access: Massport will pilot expanded curbside access for ride-hailing services, moving drop-offs and pickups from the central parking facility to more convenient locations. This mirrors strategies employed at other major U.S. airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), where designated curbside zones have significantly improved traffic flow.
• Ride-Sharing Options: Both Uber and Lyft will launch ride-sharing options at Logan. This initiative, designed “to put more people in fewer vehicles,” aims to reduce the number of individual trips and alleviate congestion. Similar programs have been triumphant in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco,where carpooling options are actively promoted.
• “Last Mile Program” with Logan Express: A collaborative “last mile program” will incentivize riders to use the Logan Express shuttle service, a more affordable option that connects the airport to various locations throughout the Boston metropolitan area. This strategy is akin to “Park and Ride” programs common in many U.S. cities, encouraging travelers to utilize public transportation for part of their journey.
• Increased Driver Eligibility for Pickup Requests: The agreement increases the time drivers dropping off passengers at the airport can be eligible for a new pickup request. This aims to minimize “deadheading,” where drivers leave Logan without a passenger, further contributing to traffic.
• Affordable Curbside Shuttle Service: Massport, Uber, and Lyft will jointly launch a shuttle service, providing riders with “an affordable curbside shuttle option while further reducing single-occupancy trips.”

shared trips will be subject to a $1.50 fee each way, providing an extra incentive for passengers to choose this more environmentally pleasant and congestion-reducing option.

Industry Perspectives: A Step Forward, But Concerns Remain

Representatives from both Uber and Lyft have expressed cautious optimism about the agreement.

Josh Gold, Uber’s senior director of public policy and communications, stated, “We are pleased to have negotiated this compromise with Massport that will get passengers to and from Logan Airport more efficiently, while at the same time reducing congestion in the area. We will continue to work with Massport to get travelers as close to the curb as possible and will always advocate for the best service for riders and the best platform for drivers.”

Brendan Joyce,Lyft’s public policy manager,echoed similar sentiments,saying,”Lyft appreciates the productive conversations we’ve been able to have with Massport since their initial declaration. While we still have concerns about increasing fees on riders, this is a step in the right direction. It allows us to improve the rider experience at Logan as we continue to look for ways to equitably fund the airport’s future success.”

though, the underlying concern remains: who ultimately bears the brunt of these increased costs?

The Ripple Effect: Other Fee Hikes on the Horizon?

The ride-hailing fee adjustment is just one piece of a larger puzzle. massport staff has proposed a series of additional fee hikes to address rising congestion and fund infrastructure upgrades at Logan Airport. these proposals, which require board approval, include:

Fee Type	current Rate	Proposed Rate
Employee Parking (Monthly)	$175	$275
Drive-Up Parking (Daily max)	$41	$51
Economy Parking (Daily Max)	$32	$42
Limo Pickup Fee	$3.25	$7.50
Taxi Fee	$2.25	$5.50

These proposed increases will impact not only travelers but also airport employees and businesses that rely on ground transportation services.

it’s significant to note that many of these fees have remained unchanged for several years. The current ride-hailing fees were set in 2019, employee parking fees in 2017, and limo and taxi fees in 2007. The proposed increases reflect the need to modernize the airport’s financial structure and address the growing demands on its infrastructure.

Option transportation Options: Navigating Logan Without Breaking the Bank

For budget-conscious travelers, several alternative transportation options exist to avoid the increased ride-hailing fees and parking costs:

• Logan Express: This shuttle service provides convenient and affordable transportation to and from various locations in the Boston area.
• Public Transportation (MBTA): The MBTA’s Blue Line connects directly to Logan Airport, offering a cost-effective option for those traveling from downtown Boston and surrounding areas.
• Commuter Rail: Several Commuter Rail lines connect to south Station, where travelers can transfer to the MBTA Blue Line for direct access to Logan Airport.
• Taxi: While taxi fees are also increasing, they may still be a competitive option, especially for shorter distances.
• Airport Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services for their guests.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Transportation at Logan

The agreement between Logan Airport, Uber, and Lyft represents a crucial step in addressing the challenges of rising passenger traffic and ground transportation congestion. Though, it is indeed just one piece of a larger, ongoing effort to improve the airport experience.

as Logan Airport continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to explore innovative solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and enhanced public transportation options, to ensure a enduring and efficient transportation ecosystem for years to come. The success of these initiatives will depend on collaboration between Massport, ride-hailing companies, government agencies, and, most importantly, the traveling public.

What innovative strategies can Logan Airport prioritize to deal with transportation and congestion issues beyond the increased ride-hailing fees?

Logan airport Ride-Hailing Fee Agreement: An Interview with Transportation analyst, Amelia Chen

Introduction

Archyde News: Welcome, Amelia. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent agreement between Logan Airport, Uber, and Lyft regarding ride-hailing fees. this is a hot topic for travelers in Boston.

Amelia Chen: Thank you for having me. I’m happy to provide some insights on this advancement.

The Fee Increase: A Compromise or a Burden?

Archyde News: Let’s start with the basics.Logan Airport is increasing the ride-hailing fees to $5.50 each way. While less than the initially proposed $7.50, it’s still a meaningful jump.What’s your take on this, considering the impact on travelers?

Amelia Chen: the increase is definitely a balancing act. On one hand,it’s a compromise that averts potentially higher fees. On the other,it’s an added cost for travelers. Considering the surge in passenger traffic, the airport needs to improve infrastructure. These fees are earmarked for that purpose. Whether this fee ultimately helps improve the rider experience and reduce congestion remains to be seen.

Behind the Fee Hike: Infrastructure Improvements and Increased Passenger Traffic

Archyde News: The article points to both increased traffic and the need for infrastructure upgrades. How crucial is the infrastructure component?

Amelia Chen: It’s vital. Logan’s passenger numbers are soaring. The influx of passengers means more congestion without improvements. The revenue generated from these fees, focusing on expanded roadways and streamlined traffic, should facilitate the improvements.

Beyond Fees: Expanded Curbside Access and Ride-Sharing Options

Archyde News: Beyond the fee, the agreement includes expanded curbside access, ride-sharing options, and a “last mile program”. How impactful are these changes?

Amelia Chen: These are critical, especially expanded curbside access, and rideshare potential to optimize the passenger experience while battling congestion. These efforts are instrumental, with lessons learned from other major airports, and a more comprehensive approach to dealing with Logan’s transportation challenges.

Industry Perspectives and the future of Transportation at Logan

Archyde News: Representatives from Uber and Lyft have expressed cautious optimism. Do you share their sentiment, and what are your expectations for the future of transportation at Logan?

Amelia Chen: Yes, I think cautious optimism is appropriate. This is a step, but it’s not a complete solution. We also need to start looking more towards long-term sustainable solutions like autonomous vehicles, expanded public transit, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Alternative Transportation options

Archyde News: For budget-conscious travelers, what other transportation options are available at Logan?

Amelia chen: Logan Express, the MBTA’s Blue Line, the Commuter Rail and good old taxis are all potential options. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles too. It pays to be aware of all the options available to avoid higher prices.

A Look Ahead – Questions for the Reader

archyde News: The agreement seems to be a work in progress. Looking ahead,what innovative strategies do you think Logan Airport should prioritize to deal with transportation and congestion issues? Do you believe these increased fees are justified to improve airport infrastructure and services? Let us and other readers know in the comments below.

Amelia Chen: I agree. Innovation is key. Thanks for having me.