UberX allowed at Monterey airport after new agreement

Starting Oct. 1, travelers can request an UberX ride from the Monterey Regional Airport.

“There are a number of people that use Uber exclusively and we want them to have that opportunity to use that here as well,” said airport executive director Michael La Pier.

Just like taxi drivers, Uberdrivers will pay a fee for picking up ridersbut they can only pick-up pre-arranged rides. They can’t wait at the airport like a taxi cab.

“We’re glad that at least it’s going to be a level playing field because
Uber drivers have been coming here illegally,” taxi cab driver Alec Stefan said.

According to Uber, before the new agreement UberBlack drivers have been permitted to pick up and drop off at the Monterey Airport.The company has blocked off the airport with a geofence that does not allow riders to request an UberX ride from the airport. All requests go through the app, so there are no street hails with Uber.

In a statement released by Uber, Wayne Ting, Uber Bay Area General Manager said, “We have rapidly expanded Uber’s service to airports throughout California this summer and we are thrilled to kick off the fall by adding the Monterey Airport to that list. Thanks to the leadership of the Monterey Regional Airport Board, travelers will now have access to Uber’s safe, reliable rides, making this great airport even more convenient.”

Still, taxi drivers like Stefan said they’re not looking forward to the new competition.

“Uber drivers are notorious for breaking the law. So we’ll see if they
actually do follow the laws and regulations of the airport,” said Stefan.

With Uber’s popularity growing worldwide, airport officials said they’re just keeping up with the times and catering to their customers.

“We want them here. We want to be able to provide that new level of choice
for our customers,” said La Pier.

The Monterey Regional Airport is now the smallest in the state with an Uber permit.