Melbourne Airport passengers will soon be able to skip fare disputes and taxi touts, with a new trial introducing Australia’s first fixed-fare taxi kiosk system.
The initiative forms part of a broader push by Melbourne Airport to improve traveller confidence and convenience across all ground transport options. From digital parking to contactless payments, the airport continues to modernise how passengers move on and off-site, and this latest pilot aims to make the taxi rank one of the more seamless steps of the journey.
How the fixed-fare trial works
Launching this month in the Qantas domestic terminal, the trial will feature three self-service kiosks where passengers can enter their destination, see the cost upfront, pay immediately, and receive a printed or digital receipt showing a guaranteed price. They’ll then be directed to a dedicated bay to meet their driver.
A2B, which powers taxi networks including 13cabs, Silver Top, Black & White and Silver Service, developed the system to bring greater transparency and safety to airport ground transport. The goal: eliminate illegal touting, reduce passenger anxiety, and support legitimate drivers.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail Jai McDermott said the trial is designed to tackle ongoing issues with unauthorised operators while improving the passenger experience.
“Taxi touts rip off passengers and deprive honest drivers of work, so we’re doing everything in our power to stamp out the practice,” he said.
“People shouldn’t have to haggle with a cabbie over a fare or their destination when they come to the airport, and this trial aims to eliminate that pain point. Our hope is that this trial will add a sense of security and certainty to the process of catching a cab from the airport.”
Building trust in airport transfers
A spokesperson for A2B said the fixed-fare system aims to rebuild trust in the taxi experience while rewarding compliant operators.
“The new kiosk system will help ensure a smoother, more professional experience for everyone using taxis at Melbourne Airport,” they said.
“We know that the vast majority of drivers are honest, hardworking professionals providing excellent service. But unfortunately, it only takes a few doing the wrong thing to damage public trust. That’s why 13cabs, Silver Service, Silvertop and Black and White taxis are proud to be part of the ‘Taxi Booking Kiosk’ rollout, which sets clear expectations from the moment a passenger steps up to the rank. It’s about fairness, accountability, and making taxi travel as seamless as possible.”
The trial is expected to inform whether fixed-price kiosks could be rolled out permanently across Melbourne Airport’s terminals, or even adopted by other major Australian airports. For travel professionals, it’s a glimpse into how airport ground transport continues to evolve — a small but meaningful shift towards greater passenger confidence and post-flight convenience.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Melbourne Airport’s fixed-fare taxi kiosks mark a step toward fairer, more predictable airport transfers.
