Getting to and from Washington Dulles and Reagan National airports is getting easier.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has adopted rules that allow limousines and app-based transportation companies such as Uber and Lyft into the ground transportation operations at these facilities, including the creation of a designated waiting area so vehicles can be closer to passengers and a permit process for companies to operate at the airport.
“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. “The new regulations are the result of months of study, public input and review in order to determine how best to provide our passengers with access to these new ground transportation options they desire, while ensuring the airport operates effectively and equitably for everyone.”
Under the final regulations, which retain the basic approach included in proposed regulations first presented in May, transportation network companies such 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 and 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 new regulations are effective Nov. 1.
