New parking system at McAllister Field
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- More than 120,000 people go through the Yakima Airport every year. McAllister Field's parking is now under new management and Republic Parking is making some notable changes.
The biggest change is that people must prepay for parking and they now have just two parking options.
You can either pay a dollar for up to two hours or $8 for an entire day.
Airport administration mentioned that people no longer have to wait in a long line to pay the parking attendant to leave. Administrators say prepayment should cut down on traffic in the lot.
"It’s obviously helping the airport get into the 21st century as far as getting their parking service automated and more user friendly for passengers," said Airport Assistant Manager Rob Peterson.
People are beginning to notice the big blue machines. While some people find it more convenient, others say it’s confusing.
"It's complicated," said one passenger.
"Hard to read the prompts," said another.
"It’s good to talk to somebody, but this wasn't too bad. I got my receipt," said passenger Dr. Bob Lantrip.
Clearly some are having better luck than others.
"A four-and-a-half-year-old did it," said another.
"I've used it once and it's worked pretty good. I got here late at night. I was able to zip right in and out," said Chris Reinmuth.
The airport says it’s meant to get people in and out of the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Airport parking brings in a little over $300,000 annually. The airport currently has more than 200 parking spaces, but has added an area for people to park and use their cell phones.
The biggest change is that people must prepay for parking and they now have just two parking options.
You can either pay a dollar for up to two hours or $8 for an entire day.
Airport administration mentioned that people no longer have to wait in a long line to pay the parking attendant to leave. Administrators say prepayment should cut down on traffic in the lot.
"It’s obviously helping the airport get into the 21st century as far as getting their parking service automated and more user friendly for passengers," said Airport Assistant Manager Rob Peterson.
People are beginning to notice the big blue machines. While some people find it more convenient, others say it’s confusing.
"It's complicated," said one passenger.
"Hard to read the prompts," said another.
"It’s good to talk to somebody, but this wasn't too bad. I got my receipt," said passenger Dr. Bob Lantrip.
Clearly some are having better luck than others.
"A four-and-a-half-year-old did it," said another.
"I've used it once and it's worked pretty good. I got here late at night. I was able to zip right in and out," said Chris Reinmuth.
The airport says it’s meant to get people in and out of the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Airport parking brings in a little over $300,000 annually. The airport currently has more than 200 parking spaces, but has added an area for people to park and use their cell phones.
