Now Clear For Takeoff: LA City Council OKs Uber, Lyft To Pick Up Passengers At LAX
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — As more people turn to Uber and Lyft for rides, many were frustrated to learn that those drivers weren't allowed to pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport.
That changed Tuesday when Los Angeles City Council gave the ride-hailing services the green light for LAX arrival terminals.
The permit process is expected to take up to 30 days.
Up until now, only taxis and motorists not affiliated with the companies were allowed for airport pickups. Travelers couldn't circumvent the rules if they had tried because apps' software made it impossible to select LAX as a pickup address, whether you typed it in or pinned it on their maps.
Customers praise Uber and Lyft for offering quick pick-ups at what's usually a substantially cheaper fee than taxis.
In the city of Los Angeles, drivers who wish to operate a taxi must show proof they're licensed and insured to the L.A. Department of Transportation and the Board of Taxicab Commissioners. Those agencies also set the fee for customers.
With the advent of smartphone technology and apps, ride-hailing services allowed people to get around those fees and government approval.
Uber and Lyft say they inspect all new drivers' vehicles and verify they're licensed and insured. But they don't follow the city's taxi rates.
Depending on who you talk to, Uber drivers say the company takes between 20 to 25 percent of their earnings as a flat commission. Lyft reportedly has a tiered commission system, with the company taking lower and lower commissions depending on how many hours the driver clocks in per week. The commission starts at 20 percent and can drop down to 5 percent.
The rate which customers pay with Uber and Lyft varies depending on the day and demand.