RDU Airport, NC — Uber and Lyft drivers that serve Raleigh-Durham International Airport may now drop off and pick up their fares in the “pre-arranged services” zone of the commercial curb in front of both terminals under new service agreements. The agreements were approved today at the Airport Authority board’s monthy meeting.
Under the agreements, Uber and Lyft and their drivers are authorized to operate at RDU. Individual drivers are no longer required to register individually with the Airport Authority. Drivers will display a 7×7-inch company identification sticker, such as the Uber “U,” on the passenger side of the front windshield.
Passengers can access Uber or Lyft services by opening the ride-sharing app on their phone and choosing a car. The staging lot for the vehicles is less than five minutes from the terminal curb, so access is quick and easy.
New service agreements between RDU and the two ride-sharing companies spell out how their services can operate at the airport following a new state law signed by Gov. Pat McCrory in September that changes the way ride-sharing services operate in the state. The law authorizes airport authorities to regulate the way these ride-sharing companies operate on airport property.
“Our goal with this agreement is to ensure that all of our passengers can access transportation to and from the airport with ease, so we work continually with service providers to ensure we have safe, reliable transportation options and that passenger loading and unloading areas operate as seamlessly as possible,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.
The old state law required any vehicle offering transportation services for a fee to have a commercial license plate and commercial insurance. RDU required ride-sharing service drivers to comply with the state law and obtain a commercial license plate and insurance, as do limousine services. Under the new law, privately licensed vehicles may provide paid transportation services as part of a transportation network company (TNC), such as Uber or Lyft, which provides the insurance for them.
RDU charges ride-sharing companies a $1 fee for every vehicle with five or fewer passengers, $1.50 for vehicles than can carry six to 11 passengers.
Drivers receive airport procedures from their companies, Uber or Lyft, and do not need to contact the airport directly. However, those with questions may contact RDU’s Ground Transportation Office at (919) 840-7840.
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