Curbside Uber, Lyft Pickup Could Come Soon To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Published: Monday, February 29, 2016 - 8:46am
(Photo by Lauren Loftus - KJZZ)
The Uber mobile app opened at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Phoenix City Council members will discuss an overhaul of Sky Harbor's ground transportation policy which includes background checks and a new fee system.

The plan would allow ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to pick up passengers without having to undergo the same fingerprint-based background checks as taxi and shuttle drivers have used for years.

Instead, all drivers would have three choices for background checks and if they opt not to supply their fingerprints, they would have to pick up passengers farther away from the curb and undergo audits.

The policy also calls for a new system that charges drivers per trip based on the number of seats in their vehicle. Some shuttle companies that have been paying a flat, annual fee have said their costs will skyrocket.

The changes are to to be discussed during a city council policy session on Tuesday.

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