Airports Board Says 'Yes' to Uber, Lyft at Reagan National, Dulles

Air passengers will soon have an alternative to taxi cabs when it comes to getting a lift to and from the Metro DC airports, Reagan National and Dulles Washington International.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority formally adopted new regulations Wednesday that allow car services such as Uber and Lyft — as well as limousines — to operate at the airports.

The new regulations were approved by the Airports Authority’s board of directors at their monthly meeting Wednesday, they said in a news release.

“For passengers at Reagan National and Dulles International, this change means they will see a broader variety of ground transportation options quickly and readily available,” said Airports Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Margaret McKeough.

Under the final regs, transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, as well as traditional limousine and car service providers, will be allowed to operate on the two airports if:

• they are authorized to operate by a state or local government in the Washington metropolitan area
• obtain an operating permit from the Airports Authority
• pay an access fee, similar to any other business operating on airport property.

Areas will be created on airport property where transportation network company vehicles and limousines will be able to wait and arrange trips with passengers, increasing convenience for passengers by having cars available nearby when requested.

The final regulations are the result of a review of public comments, industry case studies and an analysis of the operating requirements of the two airports, the board said. The new regulations are effective November 1.