Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that pick-ups from transportation network companies (TNCs) officially launched at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Dec. 23. Lyft is the first TNC to be licensed for this service at the airport.

“… We will have ‘Lyft-off’ at LAX, giving our passengers what they have been asking for, another safe and convenient way to get to and from the airport," said Mayor Garcetti. "As we continue rebuilding nearly every terminal at the airport, and work to bring rail to LAX, our passengers deserve access to all available options to ensure they have an excellent experience.”

Now allowed to pick up passengers on the upper departure level of LAX, TNCs who complete the application process will pay the airport $4 per trip, while following rules to reduce congestion in the central terminal area, according to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

The Los Angeles City Council approved the license agreement earlier this year, paving the way for TNC pick-ups at LAX.

"I am stoked that we are leading the way in passenger convenience by allowing Lyft to operate at LAX," said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents LAX and nearby neighborhoods. "Lyft will broaden the range of choices for passengers, making it easier to go to and from the airport. The agreement negotiated by the Board of Airport Commissioners protects nearby neighborhoods with technology that prevents drivers from parking on their streets while they wait for calls. This is a 'win-win' for passengers and neighborhoods that we should all celebrate."

Other TNCs are in various stages of LAWA’s application process to obtain a license agreement, according to LAWA. Before issuing a license agreement to a TNC, LAWA reviews each application to ensure the TNC and its drivers are able to comply with the rules and regulations necessary to ensure safe and reliable service for passengers at LAX.

"LAX passengers can now make use of the same transportation options at the airport that they already have throughout Los Angeles,” said Deborah Flint, executive director of LAWA. “The license agreement governing Transportation Network Companies was designed to benefit travelers, help decrease traffic congestion at the airport, promote fair competition among transportation companies in both regulations and fees, and generate revenue from commercial users of airport property that can be invested to further improve the guest experience at LAX.”