'This Has To Be A Joke': Logan Airport's Earth Day Tweet Sparks Criticism

BOSTON (CBS) -- A social media message from Boston's Logan Airport ahead of Earth Day attracted plenty of criticism on Monday. The airport's post encouraged travelers to park their cars close to their terminal.

"For those traveling, parking at the airport brings you close to your terminal and reduces the impact on the environment," the airport tweeted, using the hashtag #EarthDay.

Hundreds of people quote tweeted and replied to the airport's post. It was deleted hours later.

"This has to be a joke," one user wrote. "Driving to and parking at the airport is awful for the environment. This post is just factually untrue."

The photo shared by the airport, which is operated by Massport, shows a car entering Logan's Central Parking Garage. The rate to park at the garage is $38 per day, and it's advertised as "convenient to all terminals." Logan also offers parking at an economy lot with free shuttle bus service to all terminals.

On its website, the airport states "The MBTA is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to get Logan."

Another user questioned why the airport wasn't advertising its Logan Express service as opposed to parking at the garage.

"Compared to what? Idling your car at passenger pickup the entire time you're gone? Don't you guys have a really nice bus you can plug instead?" they wrote.

"Did a parking garage write this?" another person added.

In a statement to WBZ, a spokesperson said parking is better for the environment than being picked up and dropped off by loved ones, and better than taxis or ride-hailing services if they went to Logan and left without a passenger.

"Passengers who park generate two car trips vs four for pick up/drop off," the spokesperson said. "HOV options including Logan Express, the MBTA and private bus are still the best in terms of environment impact."

Earth Day 2021 is Thursday, April 22.

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• Logan Airport