For the last three and a half years, I have been a TURO host, providing a unique car-sharing experience akin to Airbnb for cars. I left my teaching career to pursue my dream of owning my own business, and while it's been challenging, it's a journey I love and believe in. However, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is now threatening to ticket and tow any TURO cars on their property starting August 7th.

Currently, TURO claims that MYR is unlawfully refusing to grant a peer-to-peer car sharing permit, while MYR insists negotiations stalled because TURO wouldn't move forward in good faith. This lack of transparency and cooperation is troubling, especially when TURO operates successfully in about 130 airports nationwide. MYR's claim of insufficient space is unfounded, as there's plenty of parking except during peak times like the week of CCMF and July 4th, when all TURO cars are rented.

This decision is particularly disheartening after a summer of car rental shortages and sold-out signs at rental counters, highlighting the need for alternative options like TURO. I deliver cars to the airport's economy lot, paying the same fees as everyone else. This benefits everyone: the airport gets parking revenue, shuttle drivers earn tips, and guests are satisfied. So, who's being harmed?

TURO cars likely represent about a tenth of the total rental cars in the area. Our guests not only rent cars but also patronize local businesses, from beach houses and condos to shops and restaurants. Without access to TURO, how will these visitors explore and enjoy our area? Uber and Lyft are great but don’t offer the same freedom and flexibility for spontaneous stops and local exploration that a rental car provides.

If you live or work in Horry County, tourism impacts your life in some way. The airport's decision threatens not only TURO hosts but also the broader local economy. Imagine the effect on your business when 1 out of 10 visitors can't find a car to rent next summer.

To give you a glimpse of what our guests think, here are some reviews:

• "Host was great. Awesome communication. This is the second time I rented from this host and it’s the easiest, most convenient process." - Michael, June 2024.
• "Loved the Jeep, easy rental process and Matt was awesome to deal with. Highly recommend!! Will definitely be renting from him next time we come to Myrtle Beach!" - Joann, April 2024.
• "Matthew was great to deal with. Communication was great right from the start. He made it super convenient and easy!! I have bookmarked him to use for all our trips to Garden City!!!" - Travis, April 2024.
• "Matthew with Rent My Wagon provided a flawless rental experience with excellent customer service, a well-maintained vehicle, and seamless booking and return processes. Highly recommended for anyone needing a reliable car rental service!" - Megan, July 2024.
• "I have rented from Matthew more than once. I am always certain to tell my friends traveling with me and others to check him out first. Every car has been shiny clean, down to the tires being dressed. You get the opportunity to drive something much better than an average rental car, and can even pass it off as your own, cause there’s no rental car stickers all over it. 😉. We’ve never had an issue, but I’m sure if it had occurred, we would have been taken care of. Thanks Matthew, for contributing to another fantastic vacation! 😍" - Char, October 2023.
• "This was my first time using Turo. Matthew was beyond helpful with the whole process and explained every detail perfectly. Coming back to Myrtle in June and will be booking with Matthew again." - Michael, March 2024.
• "Car was great! Just what my sister and I wanted, but when our elderly parents joined us we needed something different. He was very accommodating in getting us another car to help them get in and out better. He even delivered it to the restaurant we were dining at! Thank you for making this family trip even better!" - Kelly, July 2024.
• "Matthew was great and the car was awesome. Nice ride. Very clean when picked up. Matthew's instructions were very clear and easy with pick up and drop off. Will definitely be using his service again on our next trip back to MYR! Thank you, Matthew!" - Michele, July 2024.
• "Nice clean vehicle. Check-in and out was a breeze. Matthew was very easy to work with and did exactly what he said. That’s a huge compliment these days! We will rent from him again! Don’t waste your time standing in line for the car you 'thought' you booked only to get something else. Get this vehicle and cruise away while everyone else is standing in line! Highly recommend!" - July 5, 2024.
• "Matthew is a wonderful host - this was our second trip with him, and there's no reason to try anyone else!" - Tamara, May 2023.
• "Matthew was a perfect host!! I give him the highest recommendation. The vehicle was clean and smelled great! Every time my granddaughter got in the car she said, 'I love the way this car smells!' Matthew was kind, courteous, and attentive, always responding quickly to any questions. He made the drop-off and pick-up experience easy and stress-free. I can’t say enough good things about the experience! I will definitely rent from Matthew again when in the area. He has earned my trust and respect." - Jan, June 2024.

We need your support to urge the County Council and County Administrator to reconsider this decision. Tell them how this impacts you and your community. Let’s push for transparency and a solution that benefits everyone.

Please sign this petition and share it widely. Together, we can make our voices heard and advocate for a fair and workable solution for all TURO hosts and the visitors we serve.