PORTLAND, Ore. — Big changes are headed for the ride-share scene at Portland International Airport as a new system goes into place Monday that'll change the way customers catch a ride there.
Two lanes, one for Lyft and one for Uber, have been created outside of baggage claim located in the lower level of the airport on Island 2.
Drivers of both companies say they've been getting emails about the new system, which will eliminate the need for passengers to look for a certain make or model of a car. Instead of being assigned a driver, each customer will get a four or six digit code that they present to any driver who can input that code – and the ride is underway.
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Drivers say the idea is to cut down on wait times.
“It's going to be a way faster process not looking for a certain driver. I’m going to love it,” said Juan Aleman, a Lyft rider.
Cliff Pfenning, a driver with both services, isn’t so sure, “The wait’s just a matter of there being a lot of people. I don’t know that it’s going to work. I could see them bailing on it.”
Drivers say the company has used this technology before, at other events with big crowds.
There is no word as to whether this system is going to be used in other areas around Portland or at other airports. Lyft and PDX have declined to comment on the changes for now.
We have reached out to Uber but have not yet heard back.
Drivers say the new system is set to officially launch on Monday.
In a previous version of this story, the area passengers could catch Lyft and Uber was referenced to be located in the "departures" area of the airport. The story has been updated to reflect the correct area located outside of baggage claim in the lower level of the airport at Island 2.