Mayor Kasim Reed announced that the City of Atlanta has approved a plan to legalize ride-sharing and to establish a safe, modern, and consistent regulatory environment for taxis, ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft, and limousines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The City’s plan allows taxis and ride-share companies to pursue either for-hire endorsement or utilize a private background security check, consistent with state law. Companies choosing to use private security checks will be required to pay a security surcharge of $2.35 per ride. The plan will increase passenger confidence in transportation providers and enhance public safety in ride-sharing. The Atlanta City Council voted 14-1 to approve the plan during today’s meeting.

“The City of Atlanta’s first-ever ride-sharing plan at the world’s busiest and most efficient passenger airport is the result of a collaborative process with all stakeholders. This process was designed to develop a safe, competitive and leading system, and I believe we have accomplished those goals,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The safety and security of our residents and the 100 million passengers who travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport each year is a top priority. This new plan enhances public safety for travelers, residents and workers.”

City officials explored best practices for ride-sharing, held numerous meetings with taxi and ride-share companies and expert consultants, and researched ride-sharing agreements in other cities across the U.S. The City’s plan addresses concerns from all parties and is consistent with state law.

Highlights of the ride-sharing plan include:

• Transportation providers will be required to apply for an annual permit of $50 per vehicle, up to $100,000 annually.

• Administration will accept either for-hire endorsement or private security checks with a security surcharge of $2.35.

• Security surcharge, which will fund security enhancements at the terminal, including additional Atlanta Police Department officers.

• Per-ride fee of $1.50 will be maintained for taxis and limos and implemented for ride-shares.

• Ride-sharing vehicles and taxis will be subject to a seven-year age limit.

• Drivers will wait for customers in a designated ride-sharing area supported by innovative geo-fencing technology.

• All vehicles must display a decal while providing transportation services at the airport.

“We are pleased with the vote and look forward to working with the ride-share companies so they can begin operating at the Airport soon,” said interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. “Ultimately, this is about providing additional transportation choices for our passengers and we believe this will be an added benefit to the customer experience at Hartsfield-Jackson.”

The plan will take effect on January 1, 2017. The City will conduct a review of the permit and security fee structure one year after adoption.