Uber to introduce long-awaited 'PIN' technology at Sydney airport

Uber has announced it will be trialling a NSW-first technology at Sydney airport from September 24, which promises a quicker, more seamless experience for passengers. 

In welcome news to Sydney travellers, Uber will soon have a dedicated kerbside pick up spot right outside the international terminal T1 doors.

This means no more clunking your suitcase over to the Priority Pickup area (which is about a five minute walk away); Uber users will soon be able to hop straight into a car once exiting international arrivals.

Additionally, you will no longer have to order an Uber from kilometres away and watch its slow progress on your phone screen. Now, thanks to Uber's new PIN technology, after requesting a ride you will receive a six-digit PIN code to give to the next available driver at the pick up zone. 

This technology is designed for high-volume environments and studies have shown it to reduce wait times for travellers by up to 50 per cent at other airports.

Getting an Uber from Sydney's International Airport is set to get much easier

As Uber wrote on Instagram yesterday: "@nswgov has announced that Sydney’s T1 International Terminal will be the first in NSW to feature @uber_australia’s PIN technology, offering passengers a faster, more seamless travel experience."

"From 24 September, a new dedicated Uber pick-up zone, just 20 metres from the terminal doors, will use PIN technology to reduce wait times, ease congestion, and enhance pedestrian safety."

The announcement sparked debate on social media. While some Sydneysiders made remarks like "Oh, finally," "Melbourne has it! Such a great way to catch an Uber" and "Yes this is finally needed. Been happening in Poland for 3 years" others said they were not fans of the change (one wrote: "I HATE this pin stuff in Melbourne, it sucks, don’t do it" and another asked whether they would refuse short trips like cabs).

We've now gone full circle, with Uber pivoting to a 'rock up and hop in' type system akin to what we've had for years with cabs...

The response was generally positive though, with most people celebrating the fact they can now get an Uber with the same convenience as a cab (but without the premium you pay to get a taxi from the airport).

The upgrade will bring Sydney up to speed with Melbourne, where the technology has already been rolled out.

Sydney Airport hopes the new setup will be safer and quicker for passengers, as well as reducing congestion of both taxi and rideshare vehicles. It also aims to improve the issue of rideshare drivers parking on and clogging up suburban streets near the airport.

Mark Zaouk, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive Commercial, said: “We’re proud to be the first airport in the state to trial Uber’s PIN technology which will provide a better experience for passengers, and deliver greater efficiency in the precinct."

The change is hoped to make airport traffic much more organised

“Rideshare now represents 50 per cent of all pick-ups at the airport, a significant increase from 39 per cent in 2023, and Uber accounts for a large majority of these trips per month so it’s important that we continue to evolve our services in line with shifting passenger preferences."

“We’re also excited to introduce a new, dedicated Uber pick-up zone at the kerbside to the international terminal. Passengers need only walk a few metres from the terminal doors to meet their Uber ride."

There are no changes to the taxi ranks at the international airport. 

Originally published as Uber to introduce long-awaited 'PIN' technology at Sydney airport