BUSINESS

CVG clears Uber to begin airport pick-ups

Bowdeya Tweh
btweh@enquirer.com
PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, is further preparing for the opening of their full-service maintenance base at CVG by hosting an open house career fair, August 19.

Ride-sharing platform Uber has been cleared to pick-up passengers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Uber Technologies is the latest company to secure an operating agreement under CVG's new ridesharing policy, CVG officials said Thursday.

"CVG joins a growing number of airports across the country to recognize formally the benefits of offering travelers a new way to grab a ride through their smartphone," said Candace McGraw, CVG's chief executive officer. "With millions of travelers passing through CVG each year, additional transportation options can help to improve the passenger experience."

McGraw said CVG is the first airport in Ohio and Kentucky to have an official operating agreement with Uber. In July, CVG approved Uber competitor Lyft to provide its ridesharing service at the airport.

Uber joins other ground transportation options including rental cars, taxi cabs, on-demand van and shuttle service and TANK.

Last fall, CVG officials posted signs around the terminal informing fliers about ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft being prohibited from picking up passengers. At the time, officials said the services were banned in the interest of customer safety and security and ensuring that the drivers are properly insured and licensed.

The startup companies rely on part-time, non-professional drivers who use their own vehicles to provide taxi-like service. Customers can summon and pay for rides with the tap of a smartphone app. No cash changes hands; tips are not required.

"We're excited to formalize an agreement with CVG, giving the tens of thousands of Uber users in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, along with visitors to the area, access to the convenience of Uber upon arrival," said Casey Verkamp, Uber general manager.

More details about ground transportation options can be found at cvgairport.com/trans.

Enquirer Reporter Jason Williams contributed to this report.