Ride-share company Uber has launched an online petition in an effort to get the city to lift its ban on pick-ups at Chicago's two international airports.
"Chicago is a world-class city that needs world-class transportation options," the petition states. "More takeoffs and landings take place at Chicago’s airports than any other in the world, and right now, travelers don’t have enough choices to get to where they’re going."
Current rules allow ride-share companies to drop-off customers only. Pick-ups are reserved for licensed taxis and liveries, which pay an additional city tax that ride-share companies avoid. But that restriction leaves some travelers frustrated with long wait times and asking for more options.
"Wednesdays and Thursdays [wait times are] like really long. You're going to be waiting like 45 minutes in the taxi line. So on those days, Uber would be good," business traveler Joyce Harrington said Thursday at O'Hare International Airport.
A spokesperson with the United Taxi Driver's Community Council said travelers should be wary of ride-share services. The spokesperson told NBC Chicago that drivers are not fingerprinted or subject to drug testing. Many also carry inadequate insurance, and their vehicles are not inspected by city officials.
Taxi advocates point out that it's not a lack of cabs that's the problem for consumers but agree that reforms are needed to the dispatching system to get travelers in vehicles faster and en route to their destinations.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel earlier this week reiterated that he has no plans to reform Chicago's ride-share rules anytime soon.
