Uber given permission for pickups at airport

January 20, 2016 1:03 AM

Uber given permission for pickups at airport

Dave Gong | The Journal Gazette

Uber drivers can now pick up passengers at Fort Wayne International Airport.

Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority officials announced Tuesday an agreement with the ride-hailing service Uber, which will allow drivers to take fares at the airport. The Airport Authority had been in discussions with Uber since November, and the agreement was signed late last week, said Scott Hinderman, the Airport Authority’s executive director.

“Now that Uber’s here, we now have another option for passengers,” Hinderman said. “They can either take a taxi or take an Uber. They can park themselves, rent a car, or take a hotel cab. Our passengers now have yet another option for their ground transportation needs, whether they’re coming home or if they’re a guest in northeast Indiana.”

Individual drivers won’t need to register with the airport authority but will need to carry their Uber credentials with them as they respond to ride requests. 

Despite some concern from Fort Wayne’s taxi companies regarding Uber’s arrival in the city last May, Hinderman said he thinks the new agreement is a positive.

“Surely, another ground transportation option is competition for those who are here already,” he said. “But competition is what makes us great. I have no doubt that the taxi cabs here will perform and provide a very similar service to Uber and get passengers where they need to go. I think it’s a good thing.

“If you’re in the U.S., you have to enjoy and like the concept of competition. It makes us all better.”