It’s about to get easier – and a bit more expensive – to Uber or Lyft from BWI Airport. Ridesharing giants Uber and Lyft have finalized a deal with BWI to formally authorize rideshare service at the airport, writes The Washington Post – and it will end up costing riders an extra $2.50 per ride. The companies must pay a per-trip access fee which will be passed along to riders. The increase goes in effect today this week.
From the article:
As part of the deal, the airport will create designated zones for pick-ups and drop-offs. Airport officials say the arrangement will establish a better mechanism for Lyft and Uber to operate at the region’s busiest airport. Last year, BWI served more than 25 million passengers.
Lyft and Uber have been available at BWI while airport officials worked through the details of an agreement with the two companies.
“Travelers have embraced easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable (rideshare) services,” Ricky Smith, chief executive officer at BWI said in a statement. “We want to ensure access to modern transportation options for local residents and visitors. This approval will help ensure convenient, safe ground transportation service for our airport customers.”
Lyft and Uber welcomed the new guidelines, saying they are pleased to reached a formal operating agreement after years of conversations with the airport. BWI joins more than 50 U.S. airports where Uber has a formal operating agreement.
The news comes the day after Uber announced that it has fired 20 employees following an internal investigation into sexual harassment allegations and other claims. That investigation worked in parallel with a broader investigation by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder into company culture and policies.