For the first time, a ride-hailing company will be allowed legally to pick up and drop off riders at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
On Friday, the city of Fresno reached an agreement with the Ride-hailing company Lyft to allow their drivers to run to and from the airport.
Previously, because of Public Utility Commission rules only taxi companies had official permission to operate at the airport. Lyft is now agreeing to follow all the same rules. The deal takes effect immediately.
In a statement, Mayor Ashley Swearengin celebrated the agreement saying it “provides more choice for travelers while also creating opportunities for local residents to increase their income on their own time.”
In the same press release airport Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle said:
“We are pleased to facilitate this added transportation option to and from the Fresno Airport as part of our continued commitment to enhance services for the traveling public. There has been significant interest in ride sharing access at the airport and we expect it to be very popular.”
Officials with Lyft also applauded the arraignment.
The agreement is only for one year to allow the company and the airport to track how many travelers are using the service. A long-term deal would later be based on that data
The city is also currently in talks with Lyft’s competition Uber to reach a similar dea
