Massport approves proposed changes to Uber, Lyft at Boston's Logan Airport

Massport voted Thursday on a deal that will make rideshares more expensive, but easier to access at Boston's Logan Airport. While Uber and Lyft praised the efforts that went into making a plan, some customers are not enthusiastic.

Massport said the impetus behind this fee increase is the congestion at Logan, which has gotten to a point that is unsustainable.

Massport’s board passed the rideshare tax increase unanimously on Thursday morning.

So what does that mean for you?

Well, the tax for rideshare pick ups and drop offs increases from $3.25 to $5.50 per trip. Shared rides would remain at a $1.50 fee per trip to try to encourage travelers to share an Uber or a Lyft to reduce congestion.

Passengers and drivers aren’t thrilled to see these costs go up.

“I think in this economy, paying anything additional is not good," said Ashley Spears, a regular rideshare customer.

“I understand why they do it, but it doesn’t seem great," another customer said.

“If the customers see the price getting high, they’re going to see another way, they are looking for another way home or to get out from the airport or going to the airport,” said Aquiles Burgos, a member of the App Drivers Union.

While customers were lukewarm on the deal, Uber and Lyft were generally positive about the agreements.

"Lyft appreciates the productive conversations we've been able to have with Massport since their initial announcement," Lyft Public Policy Manager Brendan Joyce said in a statement. "While we still have concerns about increasing fees on riders, this is a step in the right direction. It allows us to improve the rider experience at Logan as we continue to look for ways to equitably fund the airport's future success."

"We are pleased to have negotiated this compromise with Massport that will get passengers to and from Logan Airport more efficiently, while at the same time reducing congestion in the area," said Josh Gold, Uber's senior director of public policy and communications, in a statement. "We will continue to work with Massport to get travelers as close to the curb as possible and will always advocate for the best service for riders and the best platform for drivers."

Massport reduced its original proposed fee schedule after coming to terms on a compromise agreement with the rideshare companies.

The goal is not only to reduce congestion, but to raise revenue that will improve airport infrastructure.

That includes piloting new services and technologies that Massport says essentially expands curbside access but still not direct curbside access to rideshares.

The agency said it needs to raise $1.5 billion dollars to help the infrastructure at Logan keep up with demand.

“Nobody on this Board wants to raise fees, but to do nothing right now could be a disaster waiting to happen," board member John Nucci said. "It’s almost irresponsible not to do what’s needed here today, to raise these fees for so many reasons.”

The airport tax increase goes into effect July 1.