Following months of back and forth from multiple parties, the lower-cost option of Uber's ride share service, UberX, is now eligible to pick up passengers at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
For the past two years, Uber has been able to pick up and drop off passengers at LAX, but only with the higher-end, more expensive car service. While full access for the app-based service was approved by city officials in a July 2015 vote, negotiations had delayed the measure taking effect. Uber's main competitor, Lyft, has had access since December.
"We're very excited to play a part in simplifying and modernizing the LAX experience," said Christopher Ballard, general manager of Uber Southern California, in an interview with The Los Angeles Times.
According to a policy by LAX, Uber driver are only allowed to enter if they have a specific airport decal on their windshield. Uber and Lyft pay the airport at least $25,000 per month for the right to pick up at LAX.
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Ride sharing services have become prized by many as lower-cost alternatives to traditional cabs. While the typical taxi price from the airport to downtown LA runs around $50, an Uber to the same destination will often be around $30. Peak travel times, though, can prompt Uber's surge pricing, leading passengers to pay up to 9.9 times more than the original price. Surge pricing is the company's way of "ensuring reliability when demand cannot be met by the number of drivers on the road," according to Uber's official website.
Uber drivers around LA are looking forward to the potential for new business now that they can service LAX.
"I just picked someone up at LAX," said Stevie, a long-time Uber driver. "I just got my sticker so it's going to be a great help."
Reach staff reporter Erika Lee here.
Annenberg Media