Uber and Lyft Can Operate at General Mitchell International Airport But with a Fee

Services like Uber and Lyft will now be a permanent fixture at General Mitchell International Airport.

The transportation committee voted today to allow the companies to keep operating , but it will come at a cost to those drivers.

One of the airport officials here called these changes small - but they will make a big difference to traditional taxi drivers here at General Mitchell airport.

Uber and Lyft drivers will have to pay much higher fees to work at the airport while taxi drivers will see a reduction in fees.

About 20 or so taxi drivers showed up to speak to the committee before the vote.

They all said it’s only fair that UberX and Lyft drivers are regulated the same way airport taxi drivers are.

Taxi drivers have to pay hundreds of dollars in taxes and licensing fees. Up until today's vote, individual Uber and Lyft drivers could work the airport without charge.

The taxi drivers say they are losing customers and it's taking away their ability to make a living and support their families.

In addition, stricter background checks will be done on Uber or Lyft drivers.

Fees for those drivers will likely kick in later this summer.