Uber Becomes Latest Ride-Share Service To Begin Pickups At LAX
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Ride-hailing company UberX will begin making passenger pickups at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday morning, joining competing service Lyft as the only such services offering pickups at the airport.
"We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for -- better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport," Mayor Eric Garcetti said. "Tomorrow, those options expand dramatically with the arrival of UberX."
Uber drivers were similarly excited by the announcement.
"I'm loving it," said a driver who works for both Uber and Lyft who identified himself only as Zach.
Passengers were hoping the increased competition will possibly drive down prices.
"I would imagine it would possibly drive (prices) down," passenger Chris Irvine said.
Lyft began pickup service at the airport on Dec. 23. Ride-share companies had previously been restricted to dropping off passengers at the airport.
The ride-hailing service must pay the airport a $4 service charge per trip, a cost that will likely be passed onto passengers.
The UberX service, which connects passengers to drivers giving rides in their privately own cars for a fee, will make pick-ups and drop-offs on the Upper/Departures Level.
Uber had already been operating its Uber Black, Uber SUV and Uber Luxe services in the Lower/Arrivals Level using company-owned limousines, towncars and other vehicles.
Airport officials said other companies such as Wingz and Opoli are also applying for permits to do pick-ups at LAX.
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