Uber, Lyft can now legally pick you up at the Atlanta airport
The days of drivers asking passengers to pretend they’re friends and avoid suspicion will soon be over
The reason behind this awkward interaction: the use of Uber and Lyft, arguably the Coca-Cola and Pepsi of the ride-hailing apps, has long been verboten at the world’s busiest airport. That changed yesterday when the Atlanta City Council approved new regulations covering taxis, limos, and ride-share companies at Hartsfield-Jackson, and effectively legalized the use of Uber and Lyft at the aviation hub. The new rules take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
For years the city has debated how to regulate ride-share companies at the airport. The city originally wanted Uber and Lyft drivers to undergo fingerprint background checks, as taxis and limos have done, but met pushback from the technology companies.
Under the proposal approved 14-1 on Monday, ride-hailing companies can conduct their own background checks in exchange for paying a $2.35 “security” fee per ride. Ride-share vehicles picking people up from the airport must pay a $1.50 fee per ride, the same amount taxis pay. That brings the total charge to a ride-share passenger to roughly $4.
Ride-share companies must pay an annual $50 fee per vehicle and vehicles must display a decal while serving the airport. The policy creates a seven-year age limit for cars serving the airport and requires passengers using the services to wait for their ride in a specific area “supported by innovative geo-fencing technology.” Ride-share vehicles could be subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the new ordinance.
“The City of Atlanta’s first-ever ride-sharing plan at the world’s busiest and most efficient passenger airport is the result of a collaborative process with all stakeholders. This process was designed to develop a safe, competitive and leading system, and I believe we have accomplished those goals,” Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement. “The safety and security of our residents and the 100 million passengers who travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport each year is a top priority. This new plan enhances public safety for travelers, residents and workers.”
Not everyone was thrilled with the proposal, however. Councilwoman Felicia Moore was the lone vote against the package, saying on Facebook that the legislation was rushed and not properly vetted. Taxi company representatives also expressed concern about the age limit on vehicles.
In a statement, Uber Atlanta General Manager Luke Marklin said the approved package “is largely consistent with Georgia’s comprehensive law and ensures travelers will have the access to Uber they have come to expect. While there are some outstanding logistical concerns, we look forward to working with the airport on the details of implementation to ensure a smooth experience for both riders and driver-partners.”
If all of this is too confusing, MARTA fare from the airport costs $2.50.