Lyft Drivers Now Legally Allowed To Pick Up, Drop Off Passengers At LAX
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The ride-sharing company Lyft legally began Wednesday to pick up passengers from Los Angeles International Airport, just in time for the holiday travel season.
Drivers started picking up travelers starting at 8 a.m. from six designated areas located on the upper departure level.
Passengers who request a ride from the airport will be charged a $4 fee to use Lyft, which uses a pink mustache displayed on the dashboard of each vehicle to help passengers identify their driver.
Mayor Eric Garcetti made the announcement Tuesday, explaining Lyft was the first 'transportation network company' (TNC) to be licensed for this service at LAX.
"We will have 'Lyft-off' at LAX giving our passengers what they have been asking for, another safe and convenient way to get to and from the airport," said Garcetti. "As we continue rebuilding nearly every terminal at the airport, and work to bring rail to LAX, our passengers deserve access to all available options to ensure they have an excellent experience."
Ride-hailing companies were already able to drop off passengers at LAX, but were unable to legally make pick-ups. Some ride-hailing companies worked around the restriction by picking people up just off airport property.
Uber, another popular rides-hare service, has not yet received full licensing for all of their transportation options.
"We're excited that L.A. visitors and residents will be able to get a Lyft ride to and from LAX, just in time for the holiday season," said Bakari Brock, Lyft's Senior Director of Business Operations. "This is a big step forward for consumers and we want to thank the Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners and Mayor Eric Garcetti for their work to bring modern transportation options like Lyft to the airport."
LAX estimates a record 3.5 million travelers will pass through the airport this holiday season and 232,000 on Wednesday alone.
CBS2/KCAL9's Kristine Lazar reports from LAX on what is supposed to be the second busiest day of a record holiday travel season.
