LAX Proposes Steep Rideshare Fee Hike

Airport officials aim to encourage use of new Automated People Mover train and reduce vehicle traffic around terminals.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles World Airports board is expected to vote on Tuesday to significantly increase the access fees for private transportation companies, including rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis and limousines, at Los Angeles International Airport. The proposed fee hike is intended to encourage travelers to use the new Automated People Mover train and reduce vehicle traffic around the airport terminals.

Why it matters

The proposed fee increase would make rideshare trips to and from LAX significantly more expensive, potentially impacting travel budgets for many passengers. Airport officials hope the higher fees will drive more travelers to use the new Automated People Mover train, but the timing of the proposal has drawn criticism as Californians face an ongoing affordability crisis.

The details

Under the proposal, the access fee for rideshare, taxi, and limousine companies to pick up and drop off passengers at LAX's central terminal area would increase from $4 to $12. The fee for using the new Automated People Mover train would be $6. Airport officials also want to limit pickups at the central terminal to 30% of total rides, with the remaining 70% happening at the Skylink station.

  • The Los Angeles World Airports board is expected to vote on the proposal on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Automated People Mover train is scheduled to open in early summer 2026, after facing significant delays.

The players

Los Angeles World Airports

The governing body that oversees operations at Los Angeles International Airport.

Uber

A major rideshare company that operates at LAX and has begun reaching out to customers to oppose the proposed fee increase.

Lyft

A major rideshare company that would also be impacted by the proposed LAX access fee hike.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles World Airports board is expected to vote on the proposed fee increases on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. If approved, the new fees could go into effect as soon as 30 days later, though airport officials have suggested they may delay implementation until the Automated People Mover train is operational.

The takeaway

The proposed LAX rideshare fee hike highlights the ongoing tension between airports' need to manage traffic and congestion, and the impact that such policies can have on travelers' budgets, especially during times of broader economic pressure. The outcome of this vote could set a precedent for other major airports considering similar measures.