Airport seeks funding for dozens of sworn officers, to pilot premium curb pricing for Uber and Lyft

San Francisco International Airport officials told the Board of Supervisors’ Budget & Finance Committee they plan to raise sworn officer staffing over the next two years and pilot premium curbside pricing for ride‑hail pickups to ease congestion.

Ivar Sattero, speaking for the airport, said the request stems from passenger growth and capital investments tied to “the $7,200,000,000 capital program,” and that a 0‑based staffing analysis recommends a higher complement than the department’s current budgeted level. “So we're trying to go from 142 officers to 229 over the next two years,” the airport said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the airport operates largely on its own revenue and contributes to the general fund; increasing sworn staffing and new traffic-management programs affect the city’s policing footprint and curbside operations at a major gateway for visitors and residents.

Airport officials described new functions tied to the staffing increase: bicycle patrols for outlying areas, perimeter security, a doubled ground‑transportation unit and added motorcycle officers for traffic enforcement. In answer to supervisors’ questions about congestion created by TNCs, the airport described a two-stage approach: an incentive to move pickups into the garage using a modest premium for curb use ($1–$2), followed by a possible larger move of pickups into garage staging later in the summer. “The premium pricing will go into effect July 1,” airport staff said.

The Budget and Legislative Analyst (BLA) told the committee the sworn headcount provided to the office shows a large percentage increase in lieutenants, sergeants and officers; BLA staff recommended approximately $3.0 million in reductions yet observed the department could still grow by roughly 12.3% in FY18–19. BLA also said the airport plans to fund academy slots to add the new officers but will provide more analysis in the June budget report.

Supervisor questions focused on whether the airport’s academy‑funding plan would deplete the city’s seasoned officers through transfers, and on how the city will time transfers so district stations do not lose senior staff. The airport’s deputy chief said transfers are scheduled across the year, and that airport‑funded academy classes are intended to increase total officers in the city, not simply relocate experienced staff.

Next steps: the committee accepted BLA recommendations as departments come forward and deferred final action on some items to the chair’s call for inclusion in June budget deliberations. BLA will supply follow‑up analysis on the airport police staffing and timing in June.