The NSW Government has today 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.