The ride-hailing company UberX began making passenger pickups at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday, joining competing service Lyft as the only such services offering pickups at LAX.
“We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for — better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said, adding that, with the advent of UberX, “those options expand dramatically…”
Lyft began pickup service at the airport on Dec. 23. Ride-hailing companies had previously been restricted to dropping off passengers at the airport.
The ride-hailing services must pay the airport a $4 service charge per trip, a cost that is passed onto passengers.
The UberX service, which connects passengers to drivers giving rides in their own cars for a fee, will make pick-ups and drop-offs on the Upper/Departures Level.
The same company had already been operating its Uber Black, Uber SUV and Uber Luxe services in the Lower/Arrivals Level using company-owned limousines, towncars and other vehicles.
Airport officials said other companies such as Wingz and Opoli are also applying for permits to do pick-ups at LAX.
