Weary travelers arriving at the San Diego International Airport caught a break Thursday.
Passengers arriving at Lindbergh Field will enjoy shorter wait times for taxicabs starting later this month.
The San Diego Regional Airport Authority board has approved a trial increase in the number of taxis allowed to do curbside pickup at any one time.
“The amendment allows us to increase the number of available cabs from 180 to 225 – so a 45-cab increase – with an additional 75 cabs during the peak periods from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m,” said airport board spokeswoman Katie Jones.
The recommendation grew out of a study of the airport’s ground transportation that found arriving passengers sometimes faced long waits for city cabs. It is just one part of a multiyear plan to improve transport to and from Lindbergh Field.
“I know they’re also looking at the roadway situation and increases in permitting, as well as the number of taxi cabs and other vehicles who are part of increasing our number of natural gas vehicles and electric vehicles on the roadway,” Jones said.
The trial increase will begin later this month and run through June. No additional permits will be issued for curbside pickup. The increase will only allow more drivers who already have those permits to serve the airport at the same time.
