Airport parking rates are changing

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 | 9:28 a.m.

The Clark County Commission decided Tuesday to raise rates for parking in the garage closest to McCarran International Airport, but those willing to take a shuttle from what used to be called "remote" parking will get a price break.

Aviation Department Director Randy Walker said the problem with the existing parking charges isn't revenue, but accessibility. Too many people are now using the parking garage at $10 a day rather than the remote lots, now renamed the economy lots, at $8 a day. Those people who are running late and really need the convenience of the garage sometimes can't find a spot, and some people have missed their flights, Walker told the commission.

"We're really not doing this to raise revenue," Walker said. He explained that the airport could raise terminal rates a couple of dollars for the airlines and make the same money.

The commission considered the airport's request to raise rates to $14 a day for the long-term parking garage, but instead bumped the new rate up to $12 maximum per day. Those who can live with their cars parked in the economy lots, served by a shuttle 24 hours a day, will save an extra two bucks a day since the commission lowered the rate from $8 to $6.

The new "rationing," Walker said, should help ensure that those who really need the spaces closer to the airport will have them. He said if the new rates don't achieve the goal, the airport could ask for a new rate system.