Wolli Creek streets overrun by queuing Uber, Ola drivers
Rideshare drivers have created a constant, congested traffic nightmare in one Sydney suburb as Uber and Ola force drivers to queue in the same four streets to pick up passengers from the International Airport. Here’s what Uber had to say.
St George Shire Standard
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Rideshare drivers have turned a suburban Sydney block into a congested makeshift parking garage as companies forces drivers to queue for International Airport passengers in the same four residential streets.
Wolli Creek residents are up in arms about relentless gridlock caused by Uber and Ola drivers using Innesdale Rd, Gertrude St, Robert Ln and Levey St to queue for international terminal passengers from 6am until 11pm on a daily basis.
“To place yourself in the international terminal queue, ensure that you’re waiting on the western side of Cooks River on Innesdale Road, Gertrude Street, Robert Lane or Levey Street,” Uber’s official driver advice states.
“You will not be able to wait for trip requests near the international terminal pick-up area.”
There is double the drama for residents in Gertrude St, Levey St and Innesdale Rd, which are also the “designated waiting zone for Sydney International Airport” for Ola drivers along with Flora St.
Wolli Creek residents now say constant traffic drama and alleged driver misbehaviour may ultimately force them out.
Local resident Brock Schafer told the St George Shire Standard he was moving away from Wolli Creek due to “unbearable” conditions.
“We have had Uber drivers not only urinating but literally sh*tting in the garden beside where we live,” Mr Schafer said.
“Double parking, blocking driveways, breaching the two-hour parking limit, driving well below the speed limit causing congestion, and stopping in no stopping zones.
“My new favourite is drivers setting up picnic chairs on the footpath and forcing people to walk on the grass to get around them.”
An Uber spokeswoman did not address specific questions about the company’s decision to co-opt local streets for queuing drivers.
“Our community guidelines are clear that drivers must follow the law, including all speed and traffic road rules,” the spokeswoman said.
“We review reports of traffic citations, and other reports that may indicate poor, unsafe or distracted driving while using the Uber apps, and drivers may lose access to the Uber app as a result of such a review.”
Sara Horrell has lived in the dead end of Innesdale Rd for nine “amazing” years – but the relentless disruption is about to drive her out as well.
“I have them blocking my driveway morning and night, they abuse me when I ask them to move,” Ms Horrell said.
“They throw rubbish all over the nature strip, and double park at the end of the street – sometimes I can’t even leave my home because of all of the congestion in the street.”
Several residents backed up allegations drivers were regularly seen urinating, littering and blocking street access.
“I have had near misses coming out of Robert Lane, drivers stopping in no stopping areas, leaving their litter,” Kishen Panchel said.
“For Uber to suggest their drivers wait there is not on.”
The Uber spokeswoman said anti-social driver behaviour was “completely unacceptable”.
“If someone observes such behaviour we’d encourage them to let our 24/7 support centre know via the Help section of the Uber app or online,” she said.
A Bayside Council spokesman said the council’s hands were tied if drivers parked legally.
“Parking in suburban Sydney streets is available to registered vehicles allowing them to park or stand according to notice,” the spokesman said.
“The areas surrounding the airport are patrolled regularly and fines are issued to those illegally parked.”
At the domestic airport Uber and Ola drivers queue in a designated waiting area between the IMO Car wash and KFC Mascot north of Ross Smith Ave.