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Sidecar Is First Transportation Network Company To Sign Permit To Legally Operate At SFO

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)_ San Francisco International Airport has announced an agreement with Sidecar to allow the Transportation Network Company (TNC) to legally operate at SFO Airport.

The California Public Utilities Commission had previously put companies like Lyft, Uber and Sidecar on notice saying they couldn't do business at the airport unless they had an agreement with individual airports.

Operations under the new permit are set to begin at SFO within the next 30 days. The agreement allows Sidecar, a San Francisco-based company, to drop off and pick up customers at SFO. This represents the first TNC-airport agreement in the state of California.

"San Francisco is at the forefront of the sharing economy and companies like Sidecar are creating real jobs for San Franciscans and making easier to get around our City," said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. "The sharing economy was born here, and I am committed to ensuring that San Francisco supports this innovation sector's growth and success. Congratulations to Sidecar and SFO for reaching this historic agreement, the first in California, and one of the first in the United States."

Airport Director John L. Martin said the agreement reflects a commitment to new business models at SFO. He ensured that safety will remain a priority and that touted consistent service for customers.

"I applaud Sidecar for taking the lead in their industry with the first authorized service at SFO. Their proactive approach sets an example for other transportation network companies to follow," said Martin.

"This agreement underscores that when regulators and innovators work together customers win," said Sidecar co-founder and CEO Sunil Paul. "We commend SFO for their forward thinking and developing a framework that will allow Sidecar to provide safe and affordable transportation to people who live in and visit our City."

Lyft and Uber are still in discussions to work out their own permit with SFO, but have yet to sign any permit that allows them to operate at the airport.

 

 

 

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