Los Angeles Airport Votes for Uber, Lyft Passenger Pickups

The Los Angeles Airport Commission unanimously approved the non- exclusive license agreement, despite objections by dozens of speakers, many of whom work for taxi companies, which must follow stricter regulations than ride- hailing companies. On Wednesday, for instance, the California Public Utilities Commission recommended Uber be fined some $7.3 million and be suspended from operating in California.

The decision could take effect as early as late August, pending approval by the city attorney, the Times says. “Supposedly, this would be a convenience for some travelers”, said Councilman Paul Koretz, who has long been supported by taxi companies.

Finally, after being in the works for months and proposed in Mayor Eric Garcetti’s State of the City, Uber and Lyft will be able to pick you up from LAX starting next month. Uber has said it will appeal that too.

The Los Angeles Times reports (http://lat.ms/1Jk70v7 ) the proposal includes a digital “fence” that would tell the airport when a driver from one of the services enters or leaves the terminal area.

“Ride-sharing is becoming popular in Los Angeles and we want to give LAX passengers the same transportation options that they have throughout our city”, Garcetti said in a statement. But airport authorities prohibited them from picking up passengers, reserving that service for taxis, limousines and shuttle buses. Under the proposed changes, they’d have to pay a $4 fee to pick up or drop off.

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