Ride Sharing App-Based Company Uber, Lyft and SideCar to Operate in Chicago City Airport and Tourists Areas

Ride sharing companies, Uber, Lyft and Sidecar finally had the permission to operate their services in Chicago City airports and other tourists' areas as part of the city's budget negotiations this 2016. The drivers from the ride-sharing companies can do pickup services without requiring chauffeur licenses.

According to CNET, it was approved on Wednesday however, it will take effect on the upcoming 2016. Uber, Lyft and Sidecar ride sharing company drivers will be able to access and pick up passengers from the city's main areas such as O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, the McCormick Place convention center and popular tourist destination Navy Pier.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel had been pushing for the permission. Though, it may look like a great concession, riders from ride sharing companies would be charged an additional 2 cents per ride, with the proceeds going to defray some costs taxi drivers are required to shoulder in order to be eligible for O'Hare pickups, the Chicago Business Journal reported.

The Chairman of the City Council Transportation Committee, Ald. Anthony Beale said, "I would not say it's a total compromise, but it's a huge, huge step in the right direction to bringing parity to these two industries that are trying to co-exist."

Ald. John Arena, who was opposing to the plan and claims the Mayor, is favoring the ride-haling companies since his brother is an Uber investor, according to Chicago Sun-Times. Arena said, "This was the mayor's proposal. He baked it into the revenue for the city. And they're very concerned about making sure they meet those revenue goals." 

The Cab Drivers United also said that the amendment fails to level the playing field between professional Chicago cab drivers and giant corporations like Uber that profit from providing the same service without following the same rules. Lyft and Uber have not given any comment about the matter.