Uber, has managed to steer its way into a third major Australian city gateway, with Queensland confirming a dedicated ‘Uber Zone’ at Brisbane Airport.
The decision follows similar zones set up at Canberra and Sydney airports earlier this year and allows travellers to book and board an Uber straight from the gateway.
Getting its drivers into Australia’s major airports is a big deal for the company, which has struggled to win over state governments since launching in the country in 2012.
Sydney, which was the first city to test the app in Australia, only legalised its services in December last year, while Queensland embraced the app last month.
Under the new deal between Brisbane Airport Corporation and Uber, drivers will be able to pick up passengers at the selected area close to the domestic and international terminals, News.com.au reported.
Uber Queensland General Manager Sam Bool said travellers will soon be able to spot Uber Zones by signposts.
“This is a win for local travellers who will be able to request a safe, affordable and reliable ride out of the airport with more certainty than ever before.”
Sam Bool, Uber Queensland General Manager
“It will also make arriving in Brisbane much simpler for overseas travellers with Uber accounts as they will be able to login to the app and request a ride just the same as they would at home.”
While the agreement is a plus for travellers and for the company, the Australian Travel Industry Association is angered by Brisbane Airport Corporation’s decision to lower pick up fees for Uber drivers.
The ride-sharing service will only pay around $3 in airport exit fees, while taxis are required to pay $3.60.
“Brisbane Airport Corporation has a monopoly and they need to recognise that ride-hiring vehicles are a pre-booked service and being a bit further away is not a big deal.”
Blair Davies, ATIA CEO
“If they can only justify a $3 fee for ride-hiring services, chances are they should be reducing their fee for taxis.”
