Uber to add kerbside pickup to Sydney International Airport despite taxi strikes

Uber to add kerbside pickup to Sydney International Airport despite taxi strikes

Uber has will be going ahead with its plans to implement kerbside pickup at Sydney International Airport despite facing opposition from Sydney’s taxi drivers.

As if tomorrow, a new pin system means that passengers arriving at the international terminal will be able to order their trip and then walk 20 metres to the terminal doors to pick up their ride.

Designed for busy locations such as airports, the PIN technology matches riders to drivers already waiting in the Uber pick-up zone, removing the need to wait for an assigned driver. They can just show the pin to the first driver in the zone.

Available for the first time in New South Wales, PIN technology has already been deployed at airports around the world including Melbourne, and has been proven to reduce wait times for travellers by up to 50 per cent.

Emma Foley, managing director, Uber ANZ said: “We are proud to partner with Sydney Airport to create an innovative, dedicated space for Uber pick-ups at the international terminal. This new zone will provide a smoother and more efficient experience for riders and drivers alike, and by using PIN, we can help Sydney Airport ease congestion at busy periods – perfect timing ahead of the peak school holiday travel period.”

Whilst the change will no doubt be welcomed by Uber passengers who have had to make their way to a designated pickup zone, local taxi drivers were less happy about the change.

Last week, Sydney taxi drivers went on strike in response to the changes with participating drivers refusing to pick up passengers from Sydney International Airport.

The strike information was shared on a Facebook page specifically for taxi drivers.

The post stated: “You will lose a few fares and save our industry.”

“When the Airport backs down and restores our space without a rank for Uber, then we all go back to work, and keep our passengers and our families happy.

“It will take a day or two, but this is our last chance to preserve the basic rights of Taxis to be the only Rank & Hail service.”

“Show the Airport, the NSW Government, the non-tax paying International Conspiracy that is Uber, that we believe in the Rule of Law.”

Feature image: iStock

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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