Committee opens debate on airport rental rules after Turo agreement and industry objections; no vote taken

The Transportation and Commerce Committee on Oct. 11 reviewed a committee substitute to Board Bill 25, an ordinance that would change how rental activity — including peer-to-peer car sharing — is regulated on St. Louis Lambert International Airport property. The committee did not vote; the item will return for further consideration.

Committee members heard three positions: airport staff raised operational concerns and asked for further review; peer-to-peer car-sharing representatives urged flexibility and argued their model differs from traditional rental companies; and incumbent rental industry representatives asked the committee to extend existing airport rules to all rental activity so the city can collect consistent fees and enforce safety and operational standards.

Rob Salerno, airport property manager, and Antonio Strohond, deputy director of finance and administration, told the committee the airport is reviewing the committee substitute and that several provisions merit more discussion.…