LAWA ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF UBERX TO GROWING LIST OF AIRPORT PICK-UP OPTIONS
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has announced that Uber will begin passenger pickups at LAX starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, January 21, 2016. UberX -- the world’s largest ride-service provider – becomes the second such operator to be authorized for LAX pickups, giving travelers expanded transportation options.
"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 Mayor Eric Garcetti. “As we invest billions to make LAX one of the world’s great airports — and welcome more travelers than ever before — my administration is ensuring the best experience possible for all our visitors.”
T he arrival of Uber – and specifically the company’s UberX service – is a key milestone as City officials work to provide additional services and convenience at LAX. Pickups by transportation network companies, or TNC’s, was allowed after a thorough policy development process that included input from stakeholders such as passengers, neighborhood groups, transportation network companies, taxicab and limo companies, and disability and environmental advocates.
"Uber has changed the way Angelenos and visitors to Los Angeles move around our city. Over the last year we have worked to bring Uber to LAX in a way that is regulated, monitored, and above all, safe. As we continue to break records at LAX, I’m proud to finally welcome Uber and its users to Los Angeles International Airport. It’s what people want, expect and deserve,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, the chair of the Los Angeles City Council’s Innovation, Grants, Technology, Commerce and Trade Committee, which oversees the airport.
Uber’s service begins as passenger activity at LAX hits an all-time high. Last week, Mayor Garcetti and airport leaders announced that in 2015, an estimated 74.5 million people passed through LAX, more than ever in its history.
"L.A. is continuing to lead the way in passenger convenience by allowing ride-hailing companies to operate at LAX," said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents LAX and nearby neighborhoods and who led the Council's effort to allow ride-hailing companies to have access to the airport. "Ride-hailing companies like Uber add more options for passengers, making it easier and more convenient to get to and from the airport. The agreement negotiated by the Board of Airport Commissioners protects nearby neighborhoods with technology that prevents drivers from parking on their streets while they wait for calls. This is great news for both passengers and neighborhoods."
The announcement comes at a critical moment in LAX’s history. The airport is currently undergoing an $8.5-billion modernization program to renovate nearly every terminal at LAX. Another $5 billion will be invested over the next few years in bringing rail to the airport, and adding a consolidated rent-a-car facility. Now, with Uber beginning pickups, passengers will have even more options for transportation from the airport.
“Mayor Garcetti and the Board of Airport Commissioners have made improving customer service at LAX a top priority,” said Sean Burton, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “Companies, such as Uber, use cutting-edge technology to give passengers an innovative and efficient alternative for leaving their cars at home – enhancing their experience, lessening traffic, and improving the environment for everyone.”
The San Francisco-based company becomes the second ride-service provider to be licensed at the airport, following Lyft’s launch on December 23. Uber will pay the airport $4 per trip, similar to fees paid by other airport transportation providers to maintain roadways and to reduce traffic congestion in the Central Terminal Area.
Deborah Flint, chief executive officer of Los Angeles World Airports, said, “Ride-hailing services are proving to be very popular with our airport guests. Data from the first two weeks of the service show there were nearly 50,000 drop-off and pick-up trips. Travelers benefit, as well as the airport. Revenue generated will be invested to continue improving LAX.”
"We are thrilled to help simplify and modernize the airport travel experience with the launch of UberX ride-service pickups at LAX. Angelenos asked -- and Mayor Garcetti and city leaders listened -- and now the millions of travelers 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," said Christopher Ballard, general manager of Uber Southern California.
UberX, the service that contracts with owner-drivers of private vehicles, will pick up and drop off passengers on the Upper/Departures Level ONLY at curbside signs in front of each terminal marked “Ride Service.”
Uber Black, Uber SUV, and Uber Luxe services – which use vehicles of commercially licensed partners (such as limousine and towncar providers) – will pick up passengers on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the fifth busiest airport in the world and second in the United States. LAX served nearly 70.7 million passengers in 2014. LAX offers 692 daily nonstop flights to 85 cities in the U.S. and 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries on 59 commercial air carriers. LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with over two million tons of air cargo valued at nearly $96.3 billion. An economic study in 2011 reported that operations at LAX generated 294,400 jobs in Los Angeles County with labor income of $13.6 billion and economic output of more than $39.7 billion. This activity added $2.5 billion to local and state revenues. LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
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