Regina airport planning for ride-sharing drop off and pickup

The Regina airport wants to give passengers more options for rides to and from the terminal.

Talks are underway to allow ride-sharing services to pick up and drop off passengers in addition to taxis.

“We fully anticipate they’re going to be in our market in the next couple of months and we want to make sure that YQR is ready to receive them,” said Regina Airport Authority President and CEO James Bogusz.

The airport plans to have another dedicated pickup and drop off area in front of the terminal for ride-sharing, similar to the taxi lane that already exists.

The City of Regina is expected to pass its ride-sharing bylaw at the end of February. Bogusz explained the airport has to wait until then to ensure it follows all the rules.

The Regina airport has a licensing structure with commercial operators picking up passengers. Just like taxis, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft would have to agree to the same fee.

Bogusz explained those fees go to support the ability to expand services, maintain the curbside and security.

“We actually have dedicated security personnel we put out during peak hours and with ride-share now coming, (we’re) going to need to extend those hours,” said Bogusz.