The NSW Government has announced that Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will be the first location in New South Wales to offer Uber PIN technology, delivering a faster and smoother journey for passengers arriving at Australia’s global gateway.

A new dedicated kerbside Uber pick-up zone featuring Uber’s PIN technology is set to significantly reduce wait times, relieve congestion, and improve pedestrian safety.

From 24 September, passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s International terminal will be able to book an Uber trip on their smartphone and walk to the new dedicated pick-up zone located 20 metres from the terminal doors.

Rather than locating their pre-assigned driver once they arrive, PIN technology enables the rider to get matched with the next driver waiting at the pick-up zone. After requesting a ride, riders will receive a six-digit PIN code which they can provide to the first available driver at the pick-up zone 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 per cent at other airports where Uber has implemented it across the world.

The new arrangements will also help ensure a more organised flow of both taxis and rideshare vehicles¹, while a new holding area for Uber vehicles located closer to the terminal will provide drivers with a dedicated space to wait for passengers.

Mark Zaouk, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive Commercial, 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 per cent of all pick-ups at the airport², a significant increase from 39 per cent 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.

“We’re pleased to provide a new, dedicated holding area for Uber drivers closer to the terminal, which will help to address the challenge of rideshare vehicles parking on local suburban streets while waiting for airport trips.

“It’s also important to recognise that 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.”

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.”

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. However, PIN technology will only be available at the T1 International terminal and the Domestic pick-up rideshare experience will remain the same.

Passengers using other rideshare providers will continue to access rides via the existing rideshare pick-up area, and arrangements for dropping off passengers remains the same. There are no changes for passengers being picked up by limousines or private cars.

Additionally, all ground transport operators who have passengers with mobility needs or disabilities will be able to use any one of four accessible pick-up spaces across the international precinct. Notes to editor

Uber PIN Technology

Uber PIN technology allows Uber driver-partners and riders to be connected via the app with a PIN rather than by a rider finding a pre-assigned vehicle.

How it works

1. Request an Uber trip to receive a six-digit personal identification number (PIN).
2. Walk to the Uber pick-up zone in front of the International terminal, and either go to the first available car, or at busier times, join the queue.
3. Share your unique PIN with the driver-partner and verify vehicle and driver-partner details before you get into the vehicle.

Uber kerbside pick-up zone at T1 International terminal

• New Uber pick-up zone located in the south end of the T1 taxi area
• There will be seven pick-up bays at the T1 kerbside
• Disability access bay for taxis remains in place at Taxi Rank B, parallel to Uber pick-up bays

New arrangement will:

• Improve the customer experience at T1 and provide more choice;
• Improve pedestrian safety and provide a shorter distance between the terminal and Uber pick-up area;
• Reduce congestion in the existing rideshare pick-up location; and
• Reduce recirculation times.

¹For the first six months of 2024, rideshare represented 50.2% (up from 39.1% in first six months of 2023) of all ground transport trips. In comparison, taxis accounted for 28.7% (down from 42.8% in first six months of 2023) for the same period.

²Existing taxi ranks will remain in place at Rank A, situated parallel to the new Uber pick-up bays, maintaining convenience and accessibility for all travellers.

Maps

Sydney Airport Uber pick-up maps can be accessed here.