Permit process for Lyft and Uber approved for John Wayne Airport

Contact: Jenny Wedge, (949) 252-5182, JWedge@ocair.com

Process Approved for Transportation Network Companies to Serve John Wayne Airport

(Santa Ana, CA) — The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved an operating permit that will allow Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), which include “ridesharing” services such as Uber and Lyft, to begin serving John Wayne Airport.

Under regulations set by the California Public Utilities Commission, TNCs may not operate at airports unless specifically authorized by the airport authority. Board approval of the TNC permit process will lead to TNC drivers being able to pick up passengers who have arranged for rides as well as drop off passengers.

“TNCs are a new and innovative business model that provides a popular transportation option for many of our travelers,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Spitzer. “It is important for us to find ways to accommodate this new technology.”

Supervisor Michelle Steel, whose district includes John Wayne Airport, made the motion to initiate the permit process. “It is important that we allow a free and fair market for these providers, but also that we take steps to ensure a safe environment for passengers,” she said.

John Wayne Airport staff will review all ground transportation operating permit applications to ensure applicants are in compliance with state and local regulations before issuing an operating permit. TNC drivers are not authorized to pick up passengers at the airport until the company receives a permit.

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