Ridesharing service Uber says it is not conducting pickups at Asheville Regional Airport after changes to ground transportation operation procedures at the airport.
A spokeswoman for the airport detailed those changes as such - instead of picking up passengers on the curb of the terminal, ground transportation providers must now go to a lot with a gate arm next to baggage claim. To access that lot, each driver must obtain a key card from the airport, and they are then charged the per-trip fee for each pickup. The airport says the per-trip fee is a common industry practice, adding it was implemented because record passenger levels at the airport the past four years meant heavier traffic during peak times along the terminal curb. But in it's statement, Uber says no other airport uses this tracking system, calling the new lot "an additional layer of work for drivers." Uber says it's "committed to continued constructive dialogue with airport officials and hope to find a solution moving forward that both works for Uber drivers and is convenient for airport passengers.” An airport spokeswoman said the facility is "disappointed" by Uber's decision to stop pickups and is "hopeful that (Uber) will change course." The statement went on to say the airport has had 'good conversations' with another ride share provider about complying with the new rules. Drop-offs at the airport by Uber and other ridesharing services are not affected.