Order 2023-08-S. 160
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Lot Page 1 of 2
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ORDER 2023-08 5
AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 6
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…to pilot a program with Transportation Network Companies that 8
expands the geographic area where drivers can enter the queue to 9
pick up customers at SEA. 10
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PROPOSED 12
JUNE 13, 2023 13
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INTRODUCTION 15
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Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA) ground transportation access for customers is supported by a 17
robust fleet of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and drivers. TNC drivers queue up at a 18
staging lot commonly known as the South 160
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Lot. TNC drivers assemble in the lot and are 19
dispatched to pick up passengers. This lot is close to terminals and allows drivers to quickly 20
respond to customers. 21
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TNC drivers provide an important and valuable transportation alternative for SEA customers. 23
TNC’s provide as many as four million total pick-ups and drop-offs per year, generating close to 24
$20 million in revenue. 25
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To serve airport customer demand for efficient transportation options, TNC drivers gather daily 27
well in advance of peak times to ensure access to opportunities for rides. Because of current rules 28
intended to prevent drivers from circling on the airport drives, drivers must queue in the S. 160
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Lot, which on some occasions results in up to four-hour long wait times for drivers before being 30
assigned to a TNC customer. To ensure their place in line, drivers must take all needed rest breaks, 31
meals, and restroom breaks in the lot. 32
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The Port recognizes that when drivers choose to wait in extended lines for customers, drivers need 34
a sheltered space for breaks; and that clean, functional restrooms are critical to maintaining a safe 35
and healthy workforce. In response, the Port is planning to install industrial style bathrooms and 36
ten electric vehicle chargers in the lot. The Port has also developed several options for a sheltered 37
break and rest area for drivers. However, the installation of a permanent shelter will take significant 38
time and cost. Therefore, the Port intends to work with TNC’s to reform the current TNC staging 39
and create a pilot program to allow driver access to necessities while in the community, rather than 40
being limited to facilities at the S. 160
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Lot. 41
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With customer service and the well-being of drivers in mind, this Order directs the Executive 43
Director to develop a pilot program with TNC’s that allow drivers to enter the virtual customer 44
pick-up queue at offsite locations. Aviation staff shall also consult with driver advocates on the 45
development of the program. This pilot will allow drivers to access amenities in surrounding 46
Agenda Item No.: 10a_Order
Meeting Date: June 13, 2023
Order 2023-08-S. 160
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Lot Page 2 of 2
communities rather than waiting for hours in the S. 160
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Lot. The Port will also engage with 47
drivers’ advocates and surrounding communities to understand how this change functions 48
practically in the communities where drivers gather and access amenities. 49
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TEXT OF THE ORDER 51
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The Executive Director, or delegate, shall implement a one-year pilot project to reduce congestion 53
in the S. 160
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Lot at SEA. 54
This Order directs implementation of a pilot program to expand the geographic area in which TNC 55
drivers can enter the virtual queue to pick up customers at the airport. This pilot is intended to help 56
address the current congestion, wait times, and lack of amenities at the S. 160
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Lot while a long-57
term solution is being pursued. The outcomes of the pilot will inform the need for permanent 58
shelter and amenities within the S.160
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Lot and highlight partnership opportunities with local 59
municipalities to ensure drivers can meet customer demands while having safe places for break 60
times and to access community amenities. 61
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The pilot program will be implemented as soon as it is feasible from an operational, contractual, 63
and technological standpoint and/or may be included in a new agreement intended for 64
implementation January 1, 2024. Port staff shall conduct a review of the pilot one year after 65
implementation. 66
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER 67
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The Port of Seattle has a history of working with drivers, organizers and TNC companies to 69
improve conditions and provide efficiency. This Order will help direct a mutually beneficial 70
arrangement to support improved working conditions for TNC drivers at the airport. 71
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TNC drivers provide a valuable service to airport customers and do not currently have ready access 73
to facilities and amenities available to other airport service providers. TNC operating companies 74
likewise benefit from drivers being able to stage close to airport customers. Collaborations and 75
exploration of cost-sharing opportunities could benefit both parties. 76
