Two weeks after Waco Regional Airport began charging for parking, some travelers say the rollout has been confusing — but city officials say improvements are already underway.
When Waco resident Cole Serota flew out of the airport earlier this month, the new paid parking system had just gone into effect. He says he almost missed it entirely.
“If I hadn’t known ahead of time it existed, I probably would’ve completely bypassed it,” Serota said.
Drivers entering the airport lots are met with temporary A-frame signs explaining how to pay through the ParkMobile app. Serota said those signs were difficult to see, especially during early morning flights, and the app itself was frustrating to use.
“I had trouble with the app since there was a seven-day limit,” he said.
Airport Manager James Harris said the system is still in a transition stage and that a few hiccups were expected after launch.
“We’re still getting questions from people about early morning flights,” Harris said.
He said the airport is addressing issues as they arise.
“Now you can book up to four weeks, and we’re pushing to get it even longer,” Harris said.
The A-frame signs are only temporary. Permanent signs were delayed due to supply issues but are expected to be installed soon.
Harris said the airport is also ramping up enforcement and currently catching about half of the cars parked in the lot. Parking costs $5 per day, but that rate will gradually increase to $9 per day over the next three years.
Serota said he hopes the new fees will help expand the airport’s services.
“It’d be nice if these extra dollars went toward expanding services — maybe adding a flight to Houston or something — rather than just nickel-and-diming for things that used to be free,” he said.
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