Taxis block roads to Melbourne Airport

MELBOURNE travellers have been warned to arrive early at the airport this morning with taxi drivers launching another protest, blocking the entrance and exit to the airport.

Taxis blockade Melbourne Airport. Picture: Mark Stewart

MELBOURNE travellers have been advised to arrive early for flights this morning with taxis protesting and blocking off the entrance and exit to Melbourne airport.

The new protest comes after taxi drivers blocked roads in a chaotic protest overnight, blocking roads in protest of the legalisation of ride-sharing service Uber.

Fairfax Media is reporting drivers will be protesting from 8am this morning.

Passengers tweeted their frustration when the action launched about 9.30pm blocking access to the terminals — some suggesting the protest would only drive them into the arms of Uber.

Oh dear Melbourne taxis! You have now officially lost all remaining passengers to Uber! #melbourneairport #uber

— Racquel (@Racquello) August 15, 2017

Taxi drivers at Melbourne airport protesting @Uber access - just pissed off a lot of people who probably now want to try the alternative

— Paul Sofronoff (@Psof) August 15, 2017

When I finally got a taxi, he demanded cash, upfront prepayment... then dumped me on the roadside 1km from the airport. #Melbourne

— Kohan Ikin (@syneryder) August 15, 2017

Sign of things to come at @Melair - brought to you by @JacintaAllanMP and @VicGovAu pic.twitter.com/jnO1XRnka3

— Melbourne Driver (@nicerride) August 15, 2017

It's a game of Taxi Roulette at Melbourne Airport tonight with protest against Uber - always the innocent travellers affected!

— Claire R (@Kandi_Queen) August 15, 2017

having lobbied for years against the rail link Melbourne Airport so desperately needs, taxis are now making everyone hate them even more.

— R. Obocop (@raaahbin) August 15, 2017

The blockade, which ended about 10.45pm according to the Herald Sun, appeared to be a spontaneous protest.

It is not clear whether taxi drivers will repeat the demonstration on Wednesday.

Taxi drivers’ anger appears to have been sparked by Melbourne Airport welcoming the legalisation of Uber.

An UberX rank, allowing passengers to book the service and be picked up from the airport in the designation space, is expected to begin operating Wednesday morning.

Messy traffic at Melbourne Airport with taxis staging protect blockade - more to come pic.twitter.com/iS35EDGZh5

— Brian Wilson (@ietsystems) August 15, 2017

“This announcement is really exciting as we know Uber is a desirable transport option for many of our travellers,” chief of parking and ground transportation Lorie Argus said.

“Through expanding our transport offering we’re giving our travellers more choice and flexibility.”

The airport issued a statement late Tuesday, urging passengers to allow extra time when attempting to reach the terminal.

The blockade has now finished and taxis are running smoothly. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Taxis have blockaded Melbourne Airport’s main forecourt. This is having an impact on vehicle movements through the forecourt,” the airport said in a statement.

The airport also suggested that people picking passengers up from the airport to allow extra time and check the website for the latest flight information.

The airport also recommended that they use the free “Ring & Ride wait zone” if they arrived with time to spare. Sunbury-bound drivers should take the T4 exit off the Tullamarine Freeway, after Mickleham Rd.

The airport has also offered free SkyBus rides for plane passengers headed to the city.

“We’re deeply appreciative of the great work SkyBus is doing to help with this situation,” the airport said.

Passengers will be able to take Ubers to and from Melbourne Airport from Wednesday at designated wait zones.

#uber available from Wednesday at Melbourne Airport #MEL : next we wait for a train line. pic.twitter.com/CMcwQHrIKr

— MEL_Air (@MelbourneAir) August 15, 2017

After legalising the ride-sharing service, Victoria will impose a $1 levy on all commercial vehicle trips to replace taxi licence fees and compensate operators.

Under the reforms, ride-share drivers will be required and be accredited, while the government will buy back licences from taxi drivers wanting to exit the industry.

Drivers will receive for $100,000 for a first licence and $50,000 each for up to three additional licences.

— with AAP

Originally published as Taxis block roads to Melbourne Airport