In early 1997, the County of Allegheny Department of Aviation was experiencing problems with the commercial vehicle curbside area at Pittsburgh International Airport. These problems included pre-arranged limousines from more than 20 companies doing business at the Airport, with drivers improperly soliciting passengers; lack of curbside enforcement; and Airport staff having to spend increasing amounts of time responding to questions generated by commercial ground transportation providers.

Leigh Fisher Associates was retained to determine how to end these problems, and more efficiently manage the commercial vehicle curbside. Several tasks were completed in pursuit of this goal, including a review of existing commercial ground transportation services and facilities at the Airport, an evaluation of ground transportation management options, and a survey of ground transportation programs at other airports.

Following the initial evaluation, it was recommended that the Airport form exclusive service agreements with several ground transportation providers. Following a decision by the Department to pursue this course of action, Leigh Fisher Associates prepared a Request for Proposals for an exclusive taxicab provider agreement and for exclusive shared-ride van provider agreements based on service area.

Next, Leigh Fisher Associates proposed an updated commercial vehicle curbside layout, including areas for the new exclusive taxicab and shared-ride van providers.

Leigh Fisher Associates also proposed several measures to enhance Airport revenues from commercial vehicle operators. These measures included increasing rates to reflect the benefit the Airport provides to commercial vehicle operators and charging a privilege fee to exclusive-service providers.

Client
County of Allegheny
Department of Aviation

Services
-Ground Transportation and Parking Planning