ATLANTA — The city of Atlanta took some initial steps in considering allowing rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, to pick up passengers at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.
Transportation Committee Chair Felicia Moore told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri these are early discussions as the city looks at the best way to implement the new forms of ground transportation at the airport.
"I think it is bound to happen. The question is how, and that's what we want to find out. How we're going to be able to do it here in Atlanta," Moore told Viteri.
Moore hosted a work session where she invited concerns and feedback from all parties who feel the change could affect them before the city takes a look at policy.
Passengers and Atlanta residents told Channel 2 Action News they would welcome more choice.
"If it came, I would use it, and then I would have other choices alongside them," said Atlanta resident Kim Wood. "They're cheaper."
"The more options the better," said traveler Brianna Matthews.
Currently, Technology Networking Companies, like Uber, are not permitted to pick up at the airport.
An investigative report Channel 2 Action News did in May showed a police enforcement unit citing and impounding drivers caught picking up passengers.
Uber Representative Bill Gibbons told Viteri the company is working closely with city officials, and in a statement added:
"We believe Uber offers safe, reliable transportation options for travelers and will benefit both the airport and the city as a whole as we work toward a formal agreement."
Moore says she's heard other transportation providers worry about the number of new permits that could be issued to other drivers and the impact on their profits. But passengers say they deserve a choice.
"That's a big part of it letting the customer have their own options as to what type of transportation they'd like to take," said Nichole Barnes.
Moore said Friday's work session was a chance to put all the issues on the table, and the Council will take a look at the proposal when the reconvene in late August.