February 12, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Uber, Lyft Celebrate As LAX Passenger Pick Ups Now Permitted:

The Los Angeles City Council cleared the way today for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to pick up passengers directly from LAX as soon as this fall.

The City Council voted 9-6 to affirm the Airport Commission’s July 16 decision to adopt the language of an agreement allowing ride-hailing companies to legally operate at Los Angeles International Airport.

Up to now, LAX passengers have been able to use ride-hailing companies to get dropped off at the airport, but only transportation companies with permits could legally make pickups.

Ride-hailing companies will now join other transportation providers — such as taxis, shuttle vans and limousines — that now serve LAX.

The City Council re-examined the commission’s decision after some council members raised concerns that ride-hailing companies do not employ adequate background checks for drivers.

The council did agreed to explore a possible city ordinance to require ride-hailing driver background checks to include fingerprint-based screening, and to urge the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates ride- hailing companies, to adopt new policies that require fingerprinting.

One of the council’s options was to veto the plan, which would have required the support of 10 members. The veto was supported by only seven members.

Councilman Paul Krekorian, who had called for the City Council to intervene in the Airport Commission’s action, said today that companies like Uber and Lyft should add “Livescan” fingerprinting to their background checks.

Krekorian said the step is required for opening a game arcade, a dancing academy or a skating academy, as well as “if you want to volunteer in your neighborhood park.” But the process used by ride-hailing companies “allows random strangers to pick up people throughout our city and now at LAX without the person getting in the car having the slightest idea what that person’s record is and who they are.”

“Hardly anyone hitchhikes anymore because of the danger of getting into a stranger’s car, but as soon as that stranger responds to us over our smart phone, suddenly that becomes a safe thing? No it isn’t — not without a fingerprint based background check,” he said.

Taxi drivers who must adhere to stricter city regulations have lobbied against allowing ride-hailing companies in the city and at LAX. One cabbie told the council that with ride-hailing companies allowed at the airport, “I’ll no longer be able to make it as a professional cab driver.”

Councilman Mike Bonin, who supports ride-hailing services at LAX, said fingerprinting-based background checks can be flawed and defended the Airport Commission’s decision as a “great work of problem-solving.”

“Customers or passengers at our airport have suffered for too long with too few choices, and they demand more choices,” he said.

Bonin said Uber and Lyft have been “enormously popular” and “people are baffled by the fact they can take a rideshare to the airport but can’t take one home from the airport.”

Councilman Paul Koretz, who has long been critical of ride-hailing companies, said allowing Uber and Lyft at city-owned LAX was a rare opportunity for city leaders to consider stronger regulations for such companies and urged his colleagues to use that as leverage.

The city is otherwise powerless to improve upon regulations adopted by the PUC, which has jurisdiction on the companies, Koretz said.

Ride-hailing customers are eager for pick-ups at LAX to begin. Passengers frequently cite the lower cost and ability to book trips and pay for them via their phones.

Because ride-hailing companies are not allowed to pick up passengers directly from the airport, their passengers skirt the restriction by arranging to be picked up at locations near LAX.

To obtain a permit under the Airport Commission-approved agreement, ride- hailing companies will need to have an active permit from the PUC, carry sufficient insurance coverage, pay a $4-per-trip fee and a monthly licensing fee and follow other requirements.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced in his “State of the City” speech in April that ride-hailing companies should be allowed to pick up passengers at LAX. He called the ride-hailing agreement approved by the Airport Commission “part of my agenda to make getting around L.A. easier, faster and more affordable.”

in News
<>Related Posts

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...

Preferential Parking Enforcement to Resume in Santa Monica

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Residents in need of permits can apply in person at the Parking Operations Office The city of Santa Monica will...

 (Video) Beaten Dead Body Found on Santa Monica Shore

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene. pic.twitter.com/88huU3goOO — Santa Monica...

Worker Relief Fund Launched for Those Impacted by Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

In addition to direct relief, the county is seeking donations for the fund Los Angeles County has launched the LA...

How Much Have Palisades Property Values Slipped After the Fire?

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Property prices drop as sellers and buyers remain at odds in post-fire market Property values in Pacific Palisades have taken...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Community Protest and Petition Against Controversial EPA Plan For Hazardous Waste Site

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

CD 11 City Councilmember Park to Hold Community Town Hall on Will Rogers Site Protesters marched against the Environmental Protection...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

Mysterious Death Near Santa Monica Shoreline, Police Investigating

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

SMPD Seeks Information About Victim With Facial Trauma  The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the death of a woman...

Burned Palisades Lot Sells for Nearly $1M: REPORT

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Aerial images show the property was among several homes in the neighborhood destroyed by the fire A vacant lot in...

Palisades Symphony to Host Benefit Concert to Support Displaced Musicians

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Several members of the Palisades Symphony lost their homes in the fires, making this concert a deeply personal effort The...