Uber, Lyft to start service at Palm Springs Airport in a month
The Palm Springs City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to allow Uber and Lyft to service their customers curbside at the Palm Springs International airport the ride-sharing services were still relegated to their usual place across the way on El Cielo Road.
The decision didn’t lead to an overnight change because there’s still quite a bit of work needed before cabs and ride-sharing cars co-mingle.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to get an Uber right up at the door when you’re traveling to the airport. That’s just what people expect. They don’t expect, I can not believe I’m walking off the premises, in shock. This is kind of embarrassing, whatever welcome to Palm Springs,” said Katleyn Palmer, who flew into Palm Springs from Georgia.
Palmer had requested an Uber from the airport but quickly realized she wouldn’t be getting picked up at the terminal.
“I mean this is pretty frustrating, ‘ve been traveling since 4 o’ clock this morning,” Palmer said.
“It’s a little chaotic, looking for your passenger not knowing if they’re on the left side of the street, the right side of the street, across the ways, finding your vehicle. It can be daunting for the passenger themselves and the driver,” said Layla Ghajarieh, an Uber/Lyft driver.
This was the first issue newly elected council member Christy Holstege took on. She says it has been on her radar since before she was elected.
“I’m the first millennial to be elected on Palm Springs city council and so it is something that’s important that I bring that other voice. We really want to stay up with the newest technology and the industry standards,” Holstege said.
Cab drivers like Bill Meyers are arguing about safety standards. Meyers said ride-sharing drivers should have to undergo random drug tests like taxi cab services.
“Not everyone should be able to drive you around. There are proven stories all over the internet of catastrophic things happening with drivers that are drunk and this is the best hammer they’ve ever come up with,” Meyers said.
City manager David Ready said the city will rely on the California Public Utilities Commission to screen Uber and Lyft drivers.
A second hearing will happen at the next city council meeting and that’s when the ordinance will be voted into law.
