Uber is expected to start ride-hailing service at the Redmond Airport beginning Thursday, the airport manager said.

The ride-hailing company has provided drop-off service to the airport for about two weeks, said Zachary Bass, the airport manager. The service will now be able to pick up passengers.

“We’re pleased that Central Oregon residents and visitors can now request Uber trips at the Redmond Airport. The operating agreement was reached just in time for Memorial Day weekend. I think it will be welcome news to riders and drivers,” wrote Matt Neururer, Uber territory manager for Oregon, in an email Wednesday.

Lyft, a similar service, is also cleared to pick up passengers at the Redmond Airport, but it’s not expected to start before Tuesday, Bass said Wednesday.

Lyft and Uber passengers typically request service using a smartphone app. During periods of frequent airport arrivals and departures, Lyft and Uber drivers, who generally work part time and use their personal vehicles, may wait across Airport Way on SE Salmon Drive, the cellphone waiting area, Bass said.

Drivers who are part of ride-hailing services must display a sign, and their vehicles are subject to inspection. A drop-off and pick-up area is designated with space for two vehicles along the curb about 50 yards southwest of the terminal.

“When we talk about ground transportation, the difference is taxis will be able to queue out front; (transportation network companies) are required to be off airport property,” Bass said.

Ride-hailing and taxi companies must pay a $1 access fee for each trip onto the airport. The ride-share companies created a geofence that tracks each time a driver enters the airport, Bass said.

The companies are on their honor to pay the fee in total each month, but the airport is planning to obtain a third-party service that independently checks how often those drivers enter the airport, he said.

Drivers for commercial ground-transportation companies must also pass background checks required by the city but administered by the respective companies.

Redmond City Council passed a law in February that outlined rules for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. In addition to background, the law outlines insurance requirements and lays out the fee structure for licenses and airport access.

Bend and Sisters also approved regulations governing those services, and Uber kicked off service in Bend on May 3. More than 1,000 drivers have signed up to work for the service, according to Bass and The Bulletin archives.

— Reporter: 541-617-7815, jditzler@bendbulletin.com