Laura J. Nelson

Staff Writer

Laura J. Nelson covers transportation and mobility issues across Southern California. She was part of the team of reporters awarded the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news for coverage of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Before joining The Times in 2012, Nelson wrote for the Boston Globe, the Tampa Bay Times and the Los Angeles Daily News. She grew up in suburban Kansas City in a family of journalists and graduated from the University of Southern California.

Latest From This Author

California

Los Angeles County will study toll lanes on the 405 Freeway

California

Los Angeles County will study toll lanes on the 405 Freeway

Los Angeles County transportation officials will study whether drivers who are alone in their cars and are willing to pay a toll should have access to the 405 Freeway’s carpool lane through the Sepulveda Pass.
California

Toll lanes in the Sepulveda Pass? The 405 Freeway is moving in that direction

California

Toll lanes in the Sepulveda Pass? The 405 Freeway is moving in that direction

The toll lanes would run between the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley and the 10 Freeway in West L.A. Officials say the lanes could open to drivers in 2027, just before L.A. hosts Olympics.
California

Delays, crowding and technical problems plague Metro’s newly reopened A Line

California

Delays, crowding and technical problems plague Metro’s newly reopened A Line

The former Blue Line had a $350-million overhaul. Since it reopened as the A Line, it has seen more than two dozen delays.
California

LAX offers free bus rides and expanded FlyAway service over Thanksgiving

California

LAX offers free bus rides and expanded FlyAway service over Thanksgiving

Until Dec. 2, the airport will operate temporary FlyAway routes to Santa Monica and Century City. The Thanksgiving rush will be a new test for LAX’s new Uber, Lyft and taxi pickup system.
California

Uber will challenge L.A.’s suspension of its permit to rent out scooters and bikes

California

Uber will challenge L.A.’s suspension of its permit to rent out scooters and bikes

The city suspended Uber’s permit in October after a dispute over a data-sharing requirement.
California

LAX expanded its new pickup lot for Uber, Lyft and taxis — and killed Park ‘N Fly

California

LAX expanded its new pickup lot for Uber, Lyft and taxis — and killed Park ‘N Fly

After LAX expanded its new pickup lot Wednesday, early reviews were positive. But the changes claimed a victim: the Park ‘N Fly parking lot.

More Coverage

How to hack LAX’s ride-hailing changes
Business

LAX rules for Uber, Lyft and taxis create chaos — and opportunities

Business

LAX rules for Uber, Lyft and taxis create chaos — and opportunities

LAX’s “LAXit” pickup area is rough for taxis and ride-hailing services. Freeloaders are packing courtesy shuttles. But limos and SuperShuttle see an upside.

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After a chaotic week, LAX to expand Uber, Lyft and taxi pickup lot
California

After a chaotic week, LAX to expand Uber, Lyft and taxi pickup lot

California

After a chaotic week, LAX to expand Uber, Lyft and taxi pickup lot

Following days of complaints over long lines and long waits, Los Angeles International Airport will significantly expand the new pickup lot for Uber, Lyft and taxis, officials said Monday.
California

L.A. suspends Uber’s permit to rent out electric scooters and bikes

California

L.A. suspends Uber’s permit to rent out electric scooters and bikes

Jump, owned by Uber, has until Friday to appeal the decision or leave the city.
California

LAX apologizes for ‘unacceptable’ long waits for Uber and Lyft pickups

California

LAX apologizes for ‘unacceptable’ long waits for Uber and Lyft pickups

The chaotic rollout of LAX’s new system for app-based ride pickups was made worse by a high volume of travelers and confused Uber and Lyft drivers.