RDU says Uber and Lyft drivers breaking airport taxi rules
By Andrew Kenney, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The services, which connect passengers with private drivers, are barred from business at RDU because they have not applied for commercial vehicle permits there, according to
Both Uber and Lyft operate nationally and launched here during the spring. Uber promises fares that are 30 percent cheaper than a traditional taxi and has hundreds of "driver partners" in the local market.
Their drivers have been appearing at RDU for several months, and RDU police have issued warnings to some, according to Hamlin.
"The goal of the permits is to ensure the companies have the adequate insurance needed to safeguard our passengers," Hamlin said, adding that the authority also requires safe vehicles and commercial qualifications.
It's not clear yet whether individual drivers or the services themselves would need permits, or whether the services would even qualify for permits, Hamlin said.
Uber representatives say the company interviews all its drivers in person and, in
It may be difficult for RDU police to spot drivers with the service, as their business is phone-based, and cars often are unmarked, Hamlin said. However, Lyft cars do wear giant pink mustaches.
Taxi permits at RDU cost
Uber will pay the fines and legal costs for any of its "driver partners" cited at the airport, a spokesman wrote in an email.
The company also "will work with airport authorities to find the best permitting process,"
A spokeswoman for Lyft didn't immediately reply to a request for comment.
The city of
Kenney: 919-829-4870; Twitter: @KenneyNC
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