LAX board approves fee hike for companies like Uber, Lyft and others

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Your next trip to or from LAX might soon get more expensive if you’re grabbing a taxi or turning to a phone app for a ride.On Tuesday, board members for the Los Angeles World Airports approved a fee hike for private transportation companies that pick up and drop off passengers at Los Angeles International Airport.The access fee increase affects companies such as Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi and limousine companies that operate at the airport.

The fee increase is not set to go into effect until the airport’s long-awaited automated people mover, known as Skylink, opens in the summer.Airport officials said the rate increase, as well as Skylink, are part of a plan to ease congestion inside LAX as passengers try to access terminals and to encourage alternatives such as Skylink.But some drivers, passengers and ride-hailing companies are already fretting the prospect of pricier rides.

“L.A.residents shouldn’t have to pay a premium to visit their own airport,” said Brandon Bailey, a resident who spoke against the rate hike at Tuesday morning’s meeting.

“It’s a tax on workers trying to get home.”The popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft opposed the rate hike, and a spokesperson for Uber said passengers would see the effects of the rate hike in the cost of their rides.“Today’s vote significantly increases the cost of getting to and from LAX,” said Danielle Lam, head of local California policy for Uber.

“A 140% fee hike will directly impact riders and reduce demand for drivers who rely on airport trips.We support investments that improve the airport experience, but they must be transparent and balanced.”A spokesperson for Lyft said the company had worked directly with LAWA on a proposed rate hike, but criticized the increase approved by the board Tuesday.

“Even at this rate, LAX will become the nation’s most expensive airport for rideshare travel...