"No more driving in circles at Oakland airport"

Thursday, August 19, 2004
 
No more driving in circles at airport 
New parking lot at Oakland International means those picking up won't have
to do laps 
By Paul T. Rosynsky
The Tri-Valley (CA) Herald


OAKLAND -- The annoying routine of driving in circles while waiting for a
friend or loved one to reach the curbside at Oakland International Airport
seems to be coming to an end. 

Thanks to a new "Park and Call" lot that opened recently, those picking up
passengers can park their car there for free up to a half hour. The reserved
lot is about 300 feet away from the airport's two terminals. 

"Usually you drive around in circles until you turn to butter," said Francis
Parker, 65, who was waiting for his brother Wednesday. "Every airport should
be required to have one of these." 

Hoping to reduce traffic tie-ups on its "loop" road and give customers a new
benefit, Oakland Airport officials decided to create the free lot several
months ago. 

It's between the two terminals in a section of a parking lot formerly used
by rental cars. Drivers can easily get to it by driving in the far left lane
just past Terminal 1. 

"It's the closest parking to the terminal," said Steve Grossman, the
airport's director. 

The only rule: You must stay with your car and leave after 30 minutes. 

"Obviously, it's a great idea," said Dave Winters, 40, of Oakland, who has
already used the lot twice. "It beats driving around in circles and not 
knowing when or where the person I'm trying to pick up will be on the curb."


Grossman said airport officials came up with the idea after hearing about
similar lots in other airports around the country. 

Although some have complained there aren't enough signs to let people know
about the perk, Grossman said the "Park and Call" lot already has been a
success. 

On Wednesday afternoon, about half-a-dozen drivers were taking advantage of
the spot. But Grossman said that during peak times as many as 80 cars have
been seen in the lot, which can accommodate about 150 vehicles at a time, he
said. 

In addition to the "Park and Call" lot, the airport has guaranteed all
passengers economy parking spaces. 

The emergence of private off-airport parking lots has slowly created stiff
competition for parking business. Hoping to win some customers back, the
airport will offer patrons economy prices in its daily lots when the economy
lot fills up. 

Currently, the airport charges $17 a day in the economy lot just off Airport
Drive near the Ron Cowan Parkway. Its daily lot, in the center of the
airport loop road, costs $20 a day. But if the economy lot is full,
passengers can park in the daily lot for $17 a day. 

Both perks are expected to remain in place for a while, Grossman said.


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