Riverton approves Turo peer‑to‑peer pickup/drop‑off at airport after debate over oversight and fees

The Riverton City Council voted Oct. 21 to allow Turo Inc., a peer‑to‑peer vehicle‑sharing platform, to facilitate vehicle pick‑ups and drop‑offs at the Central Wyoming Regional Airport. Under the agreement, Turo will collect a 10% concession fee on gross operator revenue for airport pickups/deliveries and remit that fee monthly to the city. The agreement prohibits storage of vehicles on airport property for more than two weeks and requires operators to maintain records for audit.

Public works staff and the airport manager described the program as an app‑based marketplace that connects vehicle owners (hosts) with renters through Turo’s booking network. Turo will remit 10% of gross revenue automatically to the airport’s account and will not require the airport to perform billing functions; the agreement includes a right for the city to audit operator records with 14 days’ written notice. If an audit shows underreporting of gross revenues by 3% or more, the operator bears the cost of the audit.

Council members raised concerns about Turo’s national complaint record and consumer service issues, the lack of a centralized inspection regime beyond initial checks, possible parking congestion if vehicles are left at the airport, and whether listing Turo on the city’s web page could be construed as city endorsement. Councilwoman Karen Johnson said during the discussion, “They could put it next to the lollipops if they wanted to,” warning against allowing machines or services that could appear without age verification in locations accessible to children; the remark addressed analogous concerns about gaming devices at other hearings and was used to emphasize the need for local control and oversight.

The city’s draft agreement requires operators to evaluate vehicle safety (vehicle identification number checks, recall status, title branding) and to keep vehicles in good, mechanical condition, and reserves the city’s right to restrict or revoke use if operations unreasonably interfere with airport use. Council also discussed the practicalities of key handoffs, remote vehicle access technology and available remedies (towing or suspension of host privileges) for vehicles that impede airport operations.

After extended discussion and requests to ensure parking fee parity and audit rights, council approved the concession agreement; the roll call recorded one nay and one council member voiced opposition, but the motion passed. Council directed staff to finalize administrative details and monitor operations, with the right to revoke operator privileges if contract terms are violated.