Kerbside convenience arrives at AKL’s domestic terminal transport pick-up

Kerbside convenience arrives at AKL’s domestic terminal transport pick-up

Uber is moving next to on-demand taxis outside the Auckland Airport domestic terminal in changes aimed at bringing easier transport options for travellers.

Moving to a rank outside the main terminal doors, near on-demand taxi providers – Alert Taxis, Cheap Cabs, Co-op Taxis and Corporate Cabs – the new Uber location is conveniently close for domestic arrivals and departures.

Mark Thomson, Auckland Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, said having a closer pick-up and drop-off point for Uber reflected the changes in consumer demand in the more than 10 years since the rideshare operator launched in New Zealand.

“When we originally created the location for our rideshare operators like Uber, it was new to the New Zealand market. Since then, the rideshare option has grown in popularity.

From today the Uber pick-up zone will be clearly marked on the transport forecourt outside the domestic terminal. Uber drop-offs will also take place on the domestic terminal forecourt.

The Uber and on-demand pick-up point at the international terminal is unchanged, with on-demand taxis, rideshare and Super Shuttle pick-up services next door to the public international arrivals area – less than two minutes’ walk from the terminal itself. Extra signage will be added at both forecourts to help guide passengers. International travellers who need additional assistance can arrange with a Total Mobility transport operator to be picked up directly outside the terminal in dedicated accessibility parks.

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand said: “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Auckland Airport by launching a new Uber-exclusive kerbside pickup zone at the domestic terminal, and upgrading the existing international pick-up experience. When riders book their trip from both the domestic and international terminal, they’ll be assigned a bay number to meet their driver - helping them connect quickly for a more convenient start to their journey. Whether flying in for business or returning home from holiday, riders can enjoy seamless pick-ups, making travel even easier. We expect this new experience will also bring more earning opportunities to driver partners in Auckland.”

Mr Thomson said: “It’s important we offer customer choice to match the preferences and budgets of all travellers at Auckland Airport. That means continuing to offer four on-demand taxi options alongside Uber right out front of the domestic terminal."

“We have needed to reduce the on-demand taxi rank length to make space to add Uber, but we’ve been able to manage this without cutting the choices available to travellers, with four well-known and established taxi companies available right out front of the terminal.”

Also available for domestic travellers are the existing transport providers, including the AT AirportLink bus to Puhinui Station for Southern and Eastern Line train connections, SkyDrive service between the airport and SkyCity in central Auckland and the Super Shuttle door-to-door service.

As Auckland Airport’s major infrastructure programme continues over the next five years, including a new domestic jet terminal integrated into the international terminal, some transport services will operate from temporary locations. Longer term, commercial and public transport pick-ups will eventually operate from purpose-built forecourts and lanes directly outside the terminal.

ENDS