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Uber gets the green light to pick up travelers at SLO Airport

Randol White - KCBX News
Travelers arriving at the SLO Airport will soon have Uber as a local ground transportation option

The ride-sharing company Uber received clearance late last week to begin pick-up operations at the San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP).

The County said Uber drivers will join the airport's ground transportation options within the coming days, once adjustments are made for local drivers within the company.

Uber—and other similar options—have been making inroads at airports throughout the state in recent months. including at the Santa Barbara and Monterey Airports, and larger operations like LAX and SFO.

Kevin Bumen is the General Manager of San Luis Obispo County Airports and told KCBX that ground transportation at airports is not what it used to be.

"It's a changing business place and certainly the transportation network companies have come in and disrupted in many cases," said Bumen. "They offer something that is unique and certainly separate themselves on many levels from the cab companies, so we've been working with all parties."

Ride-sharing companies have restrictions when it comes to picking up passengers at the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).

"Uber and Lyft are allowed to operate at SBA in the same fashion as Limos," said Tracy Lincoln, Airport Operations Manager in an email to KCBX. "...they provide pre-arranged rides only."

Prior to this new agreement at the airport in San Luis Obispo, Uber drivers were able to drop off passengers at the airport, but they did not have permission to pick up travelers.

All versions of Uber, including its bargain brand 'X' will be available for pick-up services as part of the deal.