Los Angeles World Airport: LAWA Welcomes “rematch” Functionality To Lax; Uber And Lyft Get Green Lig

As part of continuing efforts to further reduce traffic at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officials have authorized Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) Uber and Lyft to implement "Rematch" functionality for their drivers operating at LAX. The feature allows TNC drivers who are concluding drop-off trips in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) to immediately pick up new passengers following drop-off and start a new trip. Rematch allows two trip transactions to occur within one circuit of the CTA, increasing the number of passengers who can be picked up during a single circuit. This differs from the standard operating procedure of drivers performing only a single pick-up or drop-off per CTA circuit trip. LAX officials anticipate that this will positively affect traffic congestion by reducing the number of overall vehicle trips made into the CTA, and no actions are required on the part of LAX guests to benefit from Rematch functionality.

"Traffic reduction is an essential part of improving the guest experience at LAX, and Rematch offers a new way to further reduce the amount of traffic in the CTA," said Keith Wilschetz, LAWA Deputy Executive Director for Operations and Emergency Management. "For the past month, Lyft and Uber have been fine-tuning Rematch ahead of the Labor Day weekend to ensure that our guests have the best experience they can in their travels to and from LAX, and we're encouraged by the initial results. We thank them both for their continued commitment to pursue innovations like Rematch, and look forward to what they have in store for the future."

"Lyft is committed to improving people's lives with the world's best transportation. As part of that mission, we're excited to work with LAX on this program, which will reduce congestion, improve the passenger experience, and help drivers maximize their earnings."

Rematch works by increasing the number of persons who can be picked up during a single TNC driver's trip into LAX. Under regular TNC operating policies, TNC vehicles can enter the CTA only to pick-up or drop-off passengers, but not both. For TNC companies authorized to use Rematch technology, following a drop-off trip, TNC drivers may see a Rematch notification informing them of a passenger pick-up before exiting the CTA. If there is no Rematch notification, then the driver will exit the terminal area following his/her drop-off. Rematch requests will only be issued within the CTA, and only to vehicles with confirmed drop-offs.

Uber and Lyft drivers may pick up passengers at five locations designated on the airport's Upper/Departures Level only at locations designated by capital "A" through "E" letters for ease of visibility. Additionally, TNC drivers are not permitted to remain in the CTA in order to reduce congestion.

Lyft began operations at LAX in December 2015, with Uber following in January 2016. Both TNC operators pay LAWA a fee of $4 per pick-up or drop-off at the airport. This fee is similar to fees paid by other airport transportation providers, and pays for roadway maintenance and other traffic reduction measures in and around LAX.