Sydney Airport makes Uber PIN rideshare pickup permanent after successful trial for passengers

Passengers arriving at Sydney Airport (SYD) will now enjoy permanent rideshare pickup options following a successful trial of Uber’s PIN matching system at the T1 International Terminal.

The trial, which ran for 12 months, saw more than 300,000 trips completed and demonstrated clear improvements in wait times, passenger satisfaction, and traffic flow. The Uber PIN system allows passengers to receive a unique code when booking a ride, which they then provide to the driver in the designated pickup zone.

Evaluation by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner found the trial delivered a 15.2% reduction in passenger wait times, an 88.4% decrease in driver idle time, and a 12.5% increase in customer satisfaction. The initiative was designed to enhance passenger choice and represents one of several innovations improving the airport experience.

Minister for Transport John Graham said: “The numbers from the trial speak for themselves: 300,000 passenger trips, with wait times down 15% and much less wasted wait times for drivers clogging up the airport. By making this permanent, we are adding another layer of convenience, choice and predictability for travellers building on the recent innovation of a $60 flat fare for taxis from Sydney Airport to the CBD. Together, these innovations are helping ensure the welcome to Sydney remains as warm as it has ever been.”

The rideshare improvements complement the $60 flat fare introduced last month for taxis from the airport to the CBD, which aims to prevent overcharging, refusal to use meters, or refusal of fares, especially for foreign and interstate tourists. Penalties for taxi drivers violating these rules were tripled to $3,000 to strengthen deterrence.

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said: “My team has worked closely with Uber and Sydney Airport to ensure safety controls are in place, including signage, staff presence, and kerbside inspections. We’ll continue to monitor compliance.”

By making the Uber PIN system permanent, Sydney Airport passengers benefit from faster, more predictable pickups and improved convenience, while drivers experience reduced idle times and smoother operations. These measures form part of ongoing efforts to enhance the overall passenger experience and ensure that Sydney remains a welcoming gateway for travellers.

Phase two of these innovations will continue to focus on improving safety, efficiency, and satisfaction across all passenger transport services at the airport.

SIGN ME UP