Kenner City Council raises New Orleans airport rates for Uber and Lyft

On Thursday, June 2, Kenner City Council approved an ordinance that would require Uber Drivers to obtain an occupational license and increase pricing to continue servicing the New Orleans International Airport. Kenner City Council approved the ride-hailing ordinance 6 to 1.

Under the new regulation, ride-hailing services such as Uber would still charge the base fare of $33 for two passengers or less. For three people or more, the rate is $15 per passenger. The new rate required by City Council reflects a similar pricing structure used for taxis during airport pickups.

If the ordinance remains, there will be at least a six month grace period before the regulations go into effect.

So far, the ordinance directly affects Uber. The ride-hailing service Lyft is prohibited from serving the New Orleans International Airport.

The Advocate reports that The Mayor of Kenner disapproves the current ordinance approved by City Council last week. The Mayor scheduled a special meeting to reconsider the new regulation at 3:30 p.m. today.

An official spokesperson of Uber’s Southeast division told Nola.com that an ordinance like this could ultimately end Uber operations at the airport.

In an interview with WDSU, Kenner City Council member Mike Sigur said that requiring occupational license would force ride-hailing service drivers to have background and drug tests.

• Kenner council to reconsider controversial Uber, Lyft ordinance [The Advocate]
• Kenner approves ride-booking law; Uber rep calls it harmful [Nola.com]
• Kenner City Council passes ordinance to regulate Uber, Lyft [WDSU]