by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Thu January 21, 2016
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
On Thursday, Los Angeles International Airport officially began allowing ride-sharing service Uber to pick up and drop off passengers from the facility.
According to Uber's official website, the ban on the ride-sharing service at the airport was lifted at 8 a.m. local time on Jan. 21, and Uber now joins Lyft as viable alternatives to traditional taxi companies allowed to operate at LAX.
Lyft had already gained approval from the airport and began operating at the airport on Dec. 23.
The approval of service at Los Angeles International Airport is huge for Uber, as the airport reported 74.5 million travelers through the facility in 2015. Uber will operate UberX vehicles to and from the airport's upper level, and Uber Black, SUV and Luxe will work the lower level.
All fares to and from the airport will have an extra $4 fee added to the bill.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told Chris Woodyard of the USA Today, "We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for - better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport. Tomorrow, those options expand dramatically with the arrival of UberX."
Los Angeles World Airports CEO Deborah Flint commented on the success of Lyft thus far, saying, "Data from the first two weeks of the service show there were nearly 50,000 drop-off and pick-up trips. Travelers benefit, as well as the airport. Revenue generated will be invested to continue improving LAX."
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