Sheldon S. Shafer

The Courier-Journal

Operations of Lyft%2C Uber drivers restricted%2C pending state%2C city regulations

Apps used to connect people needing rides with nonprofessional drivers

The Regional Airport Authority has advised Uber and Lyft drivers who work for the ride-sharing programs that they cannot pick up passengers at Louisville International Airport.

The independent, nonprofessional drivers for the companies can, however, drop off passengers at the airport, said Regional Airport Authority spokeswoman Trish Burke.

Uber and Lyft use mobile apps to connect users who want a ride and operate in Louisville and many other U.S. cities.

Burke said airport officials met recently with Uber and Lyft representatives and advised them that companies must have permits issued by the state and by Louisville Metro Government to pick up airport passengers.

She said the authority asked Lyft and Uber "not to pick up passengers until such time as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Louisville Metro issue appropriate regulations, and we can enter into a business relationship with them."

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That probably would include establishing fees for them to operate at the airport and perhaps require a contract, she said. Burke said the authority is waiting for regulations governing the ride-sharing operators to be developed by the state and city. Both governments are weighing permitting procedures.

Burke said the authority is abiding by regulations governing passenger pickups that have been in force for many years.

The Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport also has prohibited pickups by Uber and Lyft.

The Courier-Journal reported in June that Uber and Lyft had begun shuttling people around Louisville during Kentucky Derby week.

According to Uber's terms and conditions, "the company does not provide transportation services, and the company is not a transportation carrier."

It has not been subject to the same regulations as a traditional cab company. In Kentucky, cab companies require drivers to have taxi driving permits and a commercial license and to get vehicle inspections.

Uber and Lyft allow users to drop a GPS marker in a mobile app, allowing them to connect with a driver. Once picked up in the driver's personal car, users are shuttled to a destination confirmed in the app.

Another tap processes a credit card payment and no cash changes hands.

Lyft and Uber officials could not immediately be reached for comment late Wednesday.

Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at (502) 582-7089. Follow him on Twitter at @sheldonshafer.