Los Angeles International Airport Implements Steep Fee Increase for Rideshare Companies
Los Angeles International Airport officials have given the green light to a significant fee hike for rideshare companies dropping off passengers at the airport.
The decision was made by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, who unanimously approved the measure in an effort to alleviate congestion at LAX and generate funds for airport upgrades.
The new fees will entail an additional $12 per trip for drop-offs in the airline terminal area, with airport officials emphasizing that Uber and Lyft should absorb the costs rather than passing them on to passengers.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Nicholas Roxborough criticized Uber for opposing the initiative, stating, “There’s just one enemy who is complaining.” He accused Uber of prioritizing profits and urged detractors to research the earnings of shareholders and the CEO for transparency.
Once the anticipated $3.5 billion airport people mover system, SkyLink, becomes operational, the fee increase could surge by up to 140%. Currently, travelers are charged $4 or $5 in base airport access fees for each leg of their journey.
If the larger hike is implemented, passengers currently paying $10 in fees could potentially see their costs rise to $24. In comparison, curbside services at San Diego and San Francisco international airports range from $4.50 to $6.
Following the launch of SkyLink, fees for curbside pickups or drop-offs at terminals 1 through 8 in the Central Terminal Area could escalate to $12.
