LA City Council Committee Recommends Allowing Ride-Sharing At LAX
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Members of a Los Angeles City Council committee voted support to allow ride-hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to pick up passengers from Los Angeles International Airport arrival areas.
Ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft are currently allowed to drop off passengers at the airport, however, only transportation companies can legally pick-up passengers.
In July, an Airport Commission ruling allowed for ride-hailing companies to make pick-ups at LAX alongside taxis, shuttle vans and other transportation services.
The proposal was discussed during a hearing Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles, and a vote is expected next Tuesday.
However, earlier this month, the council voted to re-examine the commission's decision after Councilman Paul Krekorian pushed to halt the plan over safety concerns for passengers.
"This motion is not intended to be an attack on an industry, it's not intended to be disrespectful to the board," Krekorian stated.
In response, members of the Transportation, Commerce and Technology committee are expected to further scrutinize passenger safety, disability access and other issues associated with the companies.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing drivers say their customers are eager for pick-ups to become approved at LAX due to low cost, payment methods and the ability to book trips on their cell phones.
In fact, many customers have reportedly skirted restrictions by arranging to be picked up at locations near the airport to avoid high costs of other transportation companies.
"I don't want to be holding this up or holding up customer or consumer choice..." LA City Councilmember Mike Bonin said.
In April, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced his support of the proposed plan during his State of the City speech.
To obtain a permit, ride-hailing companies would need to have an active permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and sufficient insurance coverage.
Drivers would also need to pay a $4-per-trip fee along with a monthly licensing fee.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)