Despite already charging the highest ground transportation taxes of any of the top 30 airports in the country, MCO is targeting The Parking Spot and other ground transportation operators for yet another large tax increase via proposed changes to the existing ground transportation rules and regulations. This proposal, which is being brought forth to subsidize the North Terminal construction costs, would also magnify congestion outside baggage claim by prohibiting ground transportation companies from dropping off their guests outside the departure level ticket counters. For an airport that claims to \"create an experience the traveler and customer see as safe, secure, comfortable, efficient and affordable,\" this misguided proposal seems to miss on all fronts. Economic Impact The publicly owned and operated MCO airport employs thousands of Orlandans and is a major center of commerce for myriad businesses that operate there. However, the Ground Transportation Committee (GTC) proposal could debilitate a number of the ground transportation operators through an excessive increase in both taxes and per trip fees. MCO already charges an 8 percent gross receipts tax and a $0.65 cent/trip fee for shuttles. This double taxation is unique to MCO as none of the top 30 airports in the US charge both taxes. The Parking Spot believes that ground transportation companies should pay their share for using the airport, and charging per-trip fees makes sense because these fees are a function of the ground transportation companyâ

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