LAX board approves major Uber, Lyft fee increase – ABC7 Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Using Uber or Lyft to get to or from the Los Angeles International Airport will soon cost more. On Tuesday, the Board of Airport Commissioners approved hiking fees for all rideshare services.

Under the increase, pickup and drop-off fees at LAX for taxis, limousines and rideshare vehicles such as Uber and Lyft would go from $4 to $6 at the rideshare lot and from $5 to $12 at the main terminal.

It is the first fee increase of its kind in 10 years.

Officials say this move is aimed at reducing traffic in the airport’s central terminal.

Drivers told Eyewitness News the proposed changes could make it harder for them.

“A lot of drivers quit around New Year’s time… A lot of drivers left because of this,” taxi driver Arnold Markaryn said. “It’s not fair. They cannot afford to lose their time. If you don’t make money you can’t make living, that means you are getting behind.”

Airport officials say the long-term goal is to encourage travelers to use the SkyLink trains, or people mover, once it opens. The fee increase would take effect once the Skylink train is operational, which is a few months away.

“To be able to be dropped off there will be a $2 increase to the ride-share companies,” said Vanessa Rodriguez with Los Angeles World Airports. “As the new front door to the airport, essentially a traveler will be able to get on the SkyLink train and do the full loop of the horseshoe in 10 minutes.”

Being dropped off at the airport’s terminal area will be more expensive.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, Uber criticized the proposed increases, saying the changes “would punish travelers, working families, and seniors who depend on affordable, reliable transportation.”

“Uber supports improving LAX, but not on the backs of the people who keep it running,” the company said.

Lyft said the decision should have taken into account the voices of rideshare drivers and riders.

“Lyft actively engaged with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to negotiate reducing the proposed fees – which started far higher – but even at this rate, LAX will become the nation’s most expensive airport for rideshare travelers,” the company said in a statement.

No opening date has been set for the SkyLink train.