Updated at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 16 with a statement from Uber — Uber and Lyft will now be able to pick up passengers at St. Louis-Lambert International Airport.St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, Comptroller Darlene Green and Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed all voted on Wednesday to authorize permits for ride-hailing companies, which cost $15,000 for two years.
Airport officials said Lyft had signed its operating permit, but had not yet paid the fee. An Uber spokesperson said in a statement that the company was "still in the process of reviewing the agreement" and hoped to start operating at the airport soon.
Our original story
Ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are considering the terms of a proposed agreement that would allow them to operate at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. A $3 per trip fee was approved by the city's Airport Commission Wednesday as part of a plan to allow the competition to traditional taxi service.
The so-called Transportation Network Companies would also have to pay $15,000 every two years to do business at the airport.
But there are still a few steps before the rules are finalized. St. Louis' Board of Estimate and Apportionment has to sign off on the regulations. It is slated to meet later this month. The ride-hailing companies also have not announced if they will agree to the terms.
In a statement to St. Louis Public Radio, Lyft says it supports the agreement, but it wants to renegotiate at the end of two years.
An email from Uber says it is reviewing the deal. Uber has previously stated in emails to St. Louis Public Radio that it was "eager to reach an agreement with Lambert International Airport." It wanted to make sure any deal would provide "reliable and affordable options."
The St. Louis Metropolitan Taxicab Commission has been an opponent of Uber and Lyft setting up in the city. The commission has contended it wouldn't be a level playing field, considering the regulations taxi cab drivers go through to receive their permits. It is not commenting on the airport commission decision.
State lawmakers passed a bill this year allowing Uber and Lyft to operate throughout Missouri. Gov. Eric Greitens signed the law, which goes into effect later this month.
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