LAX approves major rideshare fee increase that could reshape airport transportation economics. The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved raising rideshare fees from $4 to as much as $12 per trip, representing a 140 percent increase. Under the new structure, rideshare vehicles pay a $6 base fee to enter LAX, with an additional $6 fee for pickups or drop-offs at the Central Terminal Area. Airport officials cite traffic congestion reduction and promotion of the upcoming SkyLink automated people mover as justification. However, Uber warns the hike will directly increase fares for passengers and significantly impact driver earnings, estimating drivers could lose approximately $1,000 per quarter. The fee would nearly triple the $4.24 average across major U.S. airports, potentially reducing demand for rideshare services at the nation's fifth-busiest airport.
