Uber starts service at Los Angeles International Airport
Starting Thursday, passengers headed through Los Angeles International Airport can finally hitch a ride from Uber.
The airport announced Uber drivers can start picking up passengers starting at 8 a.m. PT at the airport long known for expensive cab rides. Uber follows its ride-hailing rival Lyft, which began servicing the airport Dec. 23.
"We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for — better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport. Tomorrow, those options expand dramatically with the arrival of UberX,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement.
The entry of Uber into one of the nation's busiest airports -- LAX says 74.5 million people passed through last year -- marks another breakthrough for the digital service that connects passengers with drivers using their own cars.
"We are thrilled to help simplify and modernize the airport travel experience with the launch of UberX rideshare pick-ups at LAX. Angelenos asked -- and Mayor Garcetti and city leaders listened -- and now the millions of travellers who pass through LAX every year will have the option to push a button and get a safe, reliable and affordable ride when they land," says Christopher Ballard, Uber's general manager in Southern California.
UberX, the cheaper everyday service provided by Uber, will drop off and pickup passengers on the airport's upper level while Uber Black, SUV and Luxe will deposit and collect passengers on the lower level, the airport says. An extra $4 will be tacked on to fares that goes to the airport.
Airport officials say that ride-hailing apps are already proving popular, based on the initial experience with Lyft. "Data from the first two weeks of the service show there were nearly 50,000 drop-off and pick-up trips," says Deborah Flint, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. "Travelers benefit, as well as the airport. Revenue generated will be invested to continue improving LAX.”
The airport is in the middle of a $8.5 billion modernization program.