AUSTRALIA. The New South Wales Government today (12 September) announced Sydney Airport International Terminal (T1) will be the first location in the state to offer Uber PIN technology.
A dedicated kerbside Uber pick-up zone featuring Uber’s PIN technology will deliver a faster and smoother journey for passengers arriving at Australia’s busiest gateway with sharply reduced wait times, less congestion and improved pedestrian safety.
From 24 September passengers arriving at Sydney Airport T1 will be able to book an Uber trip on their smartphone and walk to the dedicated pick-up zone located 20m from the terminal doors.
Rather than locating their pre-assigned driver, PIN technology enables the passenger to get matched with the next available driver waiting at the pick-up zone. After requesting a ride, travellers will receive a six-digit PIN code to give to the driver before entering the vehicle to start their trip.
Designed for high-volume environments such as airports and major events, this technology has proven to reduce wait times for travellers by up to -50% at other airports across the world.
The new arrangements will also ensure a more organised flow of both taxis and rideshare vehicles, while a new holding area for Uber vehicles located closer to the terminal will provide drivers with a dedicated waiting space.
Sydney Airport Group Executive Commercial Mark Zaouk said: “We’re proud to be the first airport in the state to trial Uber’s PIN technology which will provide a better experience for passengers and deliver greater efficiency in the precinct.
“Rideshare now represents 50% of all pick-ups at the airport – a significant increase from 39% in 2023 – and Uber accounts for a large majority of these trips per month so it’s important that we continue to evolve our services in line with shifting passenger preferences.
“We’re also excited to introduce a new dedicated Uber pick-up zone at the kerbside to the international terminal. Passengers need only walk a few metres from the terminal doors to meet their Uber ride.
“Taxis, hire cars and shuttle buses remain a highly valued part of the transport mix here at Sydney Airport, so we are pleased that there are no changes to taxi ranks within the international precinct.”
Uber ANZ Managing Director Emma Foley 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. By using PIN we can help Sydney Airport ease congestion at busy periods – perfect timing ahead of the peak school holiday travel period.”
The new pick-up zone extends Sydney Airport and Uber’s partnership after the successful launch of Uber kerbside at Sydney Airport’s T3 Domestic in December 2023. ✈️
