Fourth Ward Councilman Ian Thomas wants to implement a parking fee at the Columbia Regional Airport to help support the city’s public transit system, which is facing imminent budget cuts.
Thomas said funding for the airport should be weaned off the transportation sales tax. He called the tax “regressive” and said it is funded mostly by poor residents who don’t actually use the airport. Business travelers could easily afford to pay a daily parking fee, which could reduce the airport’s reliance on the tax, he said.
This would free up more funding to support public transit, specifically the bus system, Thomas said.
Thomas is advocating for the idea after subscribers to his newsletter expressed their support for it.
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