Melbourne Airport to host trial of Australian-first fixed-price taxi kiosks

Melbourne Airport will host a trial of a new taxi booking system designed to make it simpler and safer for passengers to catch a ride from the airport.

The A2B led trial will launch this month and feature three taxi kiosks situated in the Qantas domestic terminal which will allow passengers to enter their destination address to secure and pay a fixed price fare upfront.

A printed or digital receipt will be issued showing the guaranteed price and passengers will be directed to a dedicated bay to meet their driver.
A2B provides the dispatch system which supports operations for 13cabs, Silver Top, Black and White and Silver Service.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail Jai McDermott said the trial is designed to help deter illegal taxi touts from the airport.

“Taxi touts rip off passengers and deprive honest drivers of work, so we’re doing everything in our power to stamp out the practice,” he said.

“People shouldn’t have to haggle with a cabbie over a fare or their destination when they come to the airport, and this trial aims to eliminate that pain point.

“Our hope is that this trial will add a sense of security and certainty to the process of catching a cab from the airport.

A spokesperson for A2B said the trial was a win for passengers and for drivers committed to doing the right thing.

“The new kiosk system will help ensure a smoother, more professional experience for everyone using taxis at Melbourne Airport,” he said.

“We know that the vast majority of drivers are honest, hardworking professionals providing excellent service. But unfortunately, it only takes a few doing the wrong thing to damage public trust.

“That’s why 13cabs, Silver Service, Silvertop and Black and White taxis are proud to be part of the ‘Taxi Booking Kiosk’ rollout, which sets clear expectations from the moment a passenger steps up to the rank. It’s about fairness, accountability, and making taxi travel as seamless as possible.”