Council Says Ridesharing Firms May Operate at Houston Airports

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The Houston City Council has approved allowing ridesharing companies such as Lyft and Uber to operate at airports.

Council members adopted rules that such vehicles would need city and airport-specific permits.

The Houston Chronicle reports Uber and Lyft arrived in Houston in February, hoping to persuade city officials to modify paid ride rules to accommodate them.

Council members revised the rules in August, setting up a process by which the companies could continue to operate. Those rules took effect Nov. 4.

App-based companies must build a virtual fence and pay set fees for rides originating from Houston Airport System facilities. The companies must pay the same fees as cabs — $2.75 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and $1.25 at William P. Hobby Airport per departing ride.