Uber, Lyft resuming pickups at Asheville Regional Airport

ASHEVILLE — Uber and Lyft again can pick up passengers at Asheville Regional Airport after officials reached an agreement that includes fees and designates an area for the ride-booking companies.

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"We have been working diligently with rideshare organizations to establish a mutually agreeable solution at the airport that would be equitable for all," said Lew Bleiweis, the airport's executive director. "Travelers prefer ground transportation choices, and the Authority is pleased that a solution has been established that is returning more choice of ground transportation providers at the airport."

The airport's announcement Friday comes nearly two months after officials said all ground transportation services, including Uber and Lyft, need to pay per-trip pickup fees and follow new monitoring systems. Uber and Lyft initially declined to pay the fees, raising concerns among their drivers that the change could cut off a major source of income.

They still were allowed to drop off passengers.

Officials said Friday, however, that all ground transportation providers pay operating fees.

"We are pleased to announce with the Asheville Regional Airport that we have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement and are thrilled to be resuming operations," said Michael Black, general manager at Uber Technologies, Inc. "We are looking forward to building off this partnership to provide great service to all of those looking for affordable, reliable transportation options to or from the airport."

The newly designated pickup area for Uber and Lyft is located past the north end of the airport terminal, according to the news release. All other ground transportation, such as taxis and shuttles, picks up passengers on the terminal's south end near baggage claim.