Dispute Between Newark, PA Over Uber Continues

The agency that operates Newark Liberty Airport isn’t backing down in its dispute over the city of Newark’s agreement to collect $10 million over 10 years from Uber to operate at the airport.

The Port Authority contends that laws in New York and New Jersey give it the sole right to enter into agreements that affect the airport’s operation. The agency sent letters on Tuesday to city attorneys for Newark and Elizabeth. The airport sits within both cities’ boundaries, and the Port Authority leases the land.

Last month Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced a deal with Uber that initially required the company to pay $1 million per year for 10 years for the right to operate at the airport.

Last Wednesday he announced the company would pay the city $3 million up front as part of the 10-year, $10 million agreement. The deal also prohibits Uber drivers from waiting for riders in designated taxi areas and requires the company to provide $1.5 million in commercial liability insurance for drivers and to conduct driver background checks.

The Port Authority’s letter asks for assurances the city won’t take enforcement actions against companies like Uber at the airport.

Newark Airport handles more than 30 million passengers annually and is among the 20 busiest U.S. airports.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the May 6th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.