Ridesharing Services Face LAX Crackdown, Again

www.dailybreeze.com

As we told you way back in February, rideshare services like UberX and Lyft are facing a crackdown by LAX officials. This has included fines in the past and, more recently, impoundment. In fact, NBC Los Angeles is reporting that more than 40 UberX and Lyft vehicles were impounded in the first week of July alone. These efforts took off after a cease-and-desist letter was issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

The CPUC regulates ride services, known as Transportation Network Companies. These TNCs are supposed to get permission to operate at LAX, but these companies have not. In addition to the companies already mentioned, the CPUC has banned SideCar, Summons, and Wingz from operating at the airport.

Cracking down on the drivers with impounding and fines is all well and good, but many people wonder whether or not the CPUC should go after the companies themselves. Ridesharing services coordinate drivers and passengers, but their drivers operate their own vehicles. Impounding hurts these drivers, but the companies have paid no penalties. Making matters worse for these companies – which are essentially unlicensed taxi services – are allegations of theft on the part of drivers. Coupled with the lack of regulation on these vehicles, LAX officials have been spurred to action.

Individual drivers can obtain licenses from the CPUC to pick up at the airport, but most continue to flaunt the rules. Avoiding the hassle that comes with using one of these rideshare services seems like a no-brainer. Instead of taking the chance that the UberX you’re getting into is about to be impounded, why not use a convenient airport shuttle service? Hilton LAX Parking offers free shuttle service to and from LAX, every 15-20 minutes. Your car will be secure in our covered lot, and you won’t have to worry about one of our drivers taking off with your things still onboard.

More Construction Delays En Route to LAX

Expect major delays if you are driving to LAX at the end of the month. Officials are reporting that what has been dubbed the “Century Crunch” will take place over the long weekend of July 25 to July 28, one of the busiest travel times of the year. The name comes from Century Boulevard, which serves as the main thoroughfare into Los Angeles International Airport. In fact, it is estimated that a full third of all traffic coming into LAX takes Century Boulevard.

The additional traffic and delays will be caused by the closure of Century Boulevard at Aviation Boulevard while crews demolish a defunct railroad bridge. The project is being undertaken to clear the way for the planned extension of the Crenshaw rail line, which will one day provide easier light rail access to the airport. The road closure is scheduled to begin Friday, July 25, at 9:00 p.m. and will continue until 6:00 a.m. the following Monday.

Fortunately, Hilton LAX Parking shuttles will remain unaffected by the road closure. The Hilton is located on the airport side of Century, meaning our shuttles won’t have to take the planned detours that will delay normal traffic. If you park with us, you can rest easy knowing that your shuttle will not be delayed or require you to embark any earlier than you would normally.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has maintained that the forewarned delays may never materialize, as was the case with the “Carmageddon” closure of the 405 Freeway. He also spoke of the new need for L.A. to have a “world-class transit” system. For now, however, travelers to LAX can at least rest easy knowing that the Hilton LAX Parking service is running shuttles ever 15 to 20 minutes, with no delays.