OREANDA-NEWS. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced an agreement with Sidecar to allow the Transportation Network Company (TNC) to operate legally at the Airport. The permit, which allows the company to drop off and pick up customers at SFO, represents the first airport TNC agreement in the state of California. Sidecar, which is headquartered in San Francisco, expects to begin operations at SFO within the next 30 days.

"San Francisco is at the forefront of the sharing economy and companies like Sidecar are creating real jobs for San Franciscans and making easier to get around our City," said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. "The sharing economy was born here, and I am committed to ensuring that San Francisco supports this innovation sector's growth and success. Congratulations to Sidecar and SFO for reaching this historic agreement, the first in California, and one of the first in the United States."

"This permit reflects our commitment to new business models at SFO, and ensures safe, consistent service for our customers," said Airport Director John L. Martin. "I applaud Sidecar for taking the lead in their industry with the first authorized service at SFO. Their proactive approach sets an example for other transportation network companies to follow."

"This agreement underscores that when regulators and innovators work together customers win," said Sidecar co-founder and CEO Sunil Paul. "We commend SFO for their forward thinking and developing a framework that will allow Sidecar to provide safe and affordable transportation to people who live in and visit our City."

Permit discussions continue with other transportation network companies, such as Lyft and UberX, but to date neither have signed a permit with SFO and are not legally allowed to operate at the Airport.