Atlanta OKs plan to allow Uber, other services at airport

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta City Council has approved a plan to allow Uber and other ride-booking services at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

WXIA-TV (http://on.11alive.com/2ciCzMn ) reports the city council approved the plan 14-1 at its Monday meeting. It will take effect January 1, 2017.

The tab for riders will go up $3.85.

As in several other U.S. cities, the issue of criminal background checks for drivers was among the most contentious as Atlanta's plan was developed.

An Uber representative says the rideshare program will cover the costs of background screenings for its drivers.

According to a statement from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, other plan highlights include: Ride-sharing vehicles and taxis will be subject to a seven-year age limit, drivers will wait for customers in a designated ride-sharing area and all vehicles must display a decal while providing transportation services at the airport.