LAX board approves major Uber, Lyft fee increase

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Using Uber or Lyft to get to or from the Los Angeles International Airport is going to 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.

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.

“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 amount to a 140% hike.

“Raising the LAX rideshare fee from $5 to $12 at the curb 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.

No opening date has been set for the SkyLink train.