Oil and Water: Ride-Hailing and Airport Traffic

It's not your imagination. Surface traffic at airports is worse than ever, according to this article, because of ride-hailing companies.

1 minute read

August 20, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


SFO Departures

Must have been a Saturday. | Kenishirotie / Shutterstock

"Traffic at the airports — even before you get inside — has gotten worse," according to an article by Julie Weed that confirms everyone's suspicions. "The cause is not just the record number of travelers. It’s also the shift to ride sharing."

Airports are starting to make changes to accommodate all the new cars, according to Weed, like creating "separate areas for ride-share companies and larger off-site lots for waiting."

Ride-hailing companies have also responded by "adding new capabilities to their apps, matching, for example, drivers who have just dropped off passengers with people waiting to be picked up, cutting down the time vehicles are circulating and waiting." Another new feature, currently being tested at La Guardia in New York Cty, offers a code that mimics the traditional taxi line.

The article includes more specifics from the example provided by San Francisco International, which is space constrained with a freeway on one side and the San Francisco Bay on the other.

Monday, August 19, 2019 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog