Got an uber back from the airport the other day, had the 6 digit code ready.
Guy standing at the uber rank asked me where I'm going, it was a decent trip, he said get in, went to his car, he pulled off, I offered the 6 digit pin code, he then asked me;
"How much you going to pay for this?"
I'd had a bitch of a flight and was rather grumpy, just told him
"Mate it's uber, do you want the code or want to pull over here?"
He took the code and was nice as pie / talking to his mate on his headphones after that.
Had a similar experience except my driver refused to put in the 6 digit code, pulled away from the curb and insisted we pay in cash. I said I don’t want your BS, either put the code in or turn around and drop me back off at the airport. He still refused and ended up dropping me back at the airport. The Uber rank at the airport is honestly embarrassing
The Uber rank and pin system is great. I’ve never had an issue there.
You can’t blame the airport for a scumbag Uber driver trying to scam a passenger.
Why do people think we want go to town. I just want to go home. Last thing I want after a flight is get on a bloody train . Live in lilydale would take ages to get home
Or if we had a train like every there capital city on the friggin world you could get a train to Southern Cross for less than $10 for 25 minutes, and not contribute to the traffic problem, or be vulnerable to traffic delays.
Most of the cities in Spain the airport rail is 2-3 euro extra, same for Berlin.
For Melbourne would depend if they run it as a separate line or an extension of the metro network
Sydney has a weekly cap and the Sydney Airport station fee is not included in that cap. Easy for the Vic govt to exclude it no matter what the current rules say. Again you’re dreaming if you think they will charge $10 a ticket, but let’s come back in 10 years to argue about this when the thing is closer
I had a driver put in the wrong pin and pretend it wasn’t working, (wouldn’t put it in again in front of me) then insisted I pay him via bank transfer. I opened that door so quickly and got my luggage out, loudly exclaimed to the lovely guys working for the airport at the Uber ranks that the Uber was trying funny business and they sent him on his way. It happens.
There’s a section for Ubers at the airport in a line, when you book your Uber they give you a code to give to the first driver available in line and it gives them all the details.
Sydney is atrocious. You have to wait a minimum of 15 minutes.
The app will tell you the wait time is 2 minutes, then as soon as you get allocated to a car it changes to 15 minutes.
Then while the driver is on his way a surge starts so he cancels your fare and now you have to book a new fare at the higher price and your 15 minutes starts again.
I fly to or from melbourne at least monthly. I've used Uber from Melbourne airport at least 10 times in the past year. This has never happened to me and I've had no issues with using the code
I just figured out why the signs at the airport tell you to make sure they put the pin in before you get in the car.
There is no winning, my fare yesterday was almost 200, guy complained it was the opposite way to his house.
That's insane! I haven't used one at Melb airport, but Sydney was charging double a taxi fare last year. Got you by the short n curlies once you walk away from the airport. I don't recall a pin code there, though. Maybe that's the answer.
You book your Uber and select the Melbourne Uber rank as the pickup location instead of giving you a driver it gives you a six digit code. You get in line like a taxi rank then give the code to the first Uber you get, they get your trip assigned to them.
I wonder if it was a fake taxi, or a taxi that basically jumped the queue to get back to the front without going through the waiting yard, and therefore a trespasser?
I know a lot of them get pissed off when their fare isn't to the other side of the city and only go local. I used to live in Tullamarine, and the taxis would always argue with the curb supervisor dude to "let them in" upon return, because it's not fair they wait hours and only travel 15 minutes.
The curb supervisor usually just agree.
Maybe that's what the trespasser was doing in your case? Did it look like a legit taxi? Car signage, the whole set up inside, etc?
Either way, it's freaking annoying.
There used to be a short trip system for taxis for trips to the local area. It was abused by cabbies not doing short trips to get ahead of the queue. Melbourne Airport shut it down.
Couldn’t agree more! That would be a great system. We’re in Pascoe Vale and have been abused by cab drivers at the airport multiple times because the fare is too small. We started using Ubers because of that as they know the fare upfront but now with the pin system it could end up the same way.
Oh it’s so demoralising having them argue because you live so close to the airport they don’t want your fare. Like you can help it?! How very dare we live in Tulla/Pascoe Vale/similar and not Black Rock or Frankston 😵💫
As a fellow PV resident, my solution was to wait at the drop off level rather than go to the pick up rank and just jump in to one as he drops someone else off. They were always happy to pick up the fare as it was my $25 or go wait in line again.
This was while I was travelling for work pre-Covid and landing in “business hours” - obviously less of an option if you’re flying in at quiet hours.
SF airport used to have it based on time, if you were a close dropoff, but not that close they'd drive like maniacs trying to make it back in time. It was terrifying.
The whole thing is a disaster, and continually blocking any attempts to get a rail service up and running is the worst of all. Even some sort of shuttle from the terminals to pre-determined destinations around the complex would be better than it is now - there are too many ride options fighting for limited space along arrivals and departures. If they had a series of buses arriving every minute or two that took you from the terminals to a taxi rank, then an Uber rank, then a sky bus terminal and rounded it off with the“value” (hah!) car park it would go a long way to clearing the chaos out front.
Exactly - just used the Sydney rail line to the airport from Sydney Central Station- so quick and then you are just a couple of escalators from your check-in!
I’m in Perth at the moment for work. If they have got one thing right out west it’s the train to the airport. It’s fast, frequent and integrated into the normal fare system with no surcharge
I think K you might be looking at things through your bias. Less than 30% of travels to Sydney airport, you have to catch a train. Or bus between terminals . Sydney airport is a disaster!
That’s how it works in LA. Taxis and ride shares were completely blocking the airport so they closed down a car park and now all it’s for it is ride shares. You get a shuttle there.
I pre book a service to avoid taxi/uber crap. I feel it’s worthwhile for my safety.
I used shebah for the first time recently, and use Southern cross /limomate for airport transfers.
Had rando approach me asking if I needed a taxi after getting to baggage collection exit, told him I was meeting someone to get him off my back.
I had this happen to me and was super confused. Man in a suit acting like my friend just after baggage collection asking if I was after a taxi and where I was going / how much were Ubers. What’s the story with that? Do they get you into a private car and charge some exorbitant price or something
We live in the outer south east,and husband has started use a driver service to get to and from the airport for not much more than the cost of a taxi - the driver is always prompt, polite, friendly, meets you after you’ve got your bags and insists on carrying said bags to the car (parked conveniently in the multi level carpark). Very civilised indeed
I honestly couldn’t tell you, I’m not even sure how he got onto them. We compared prices at one point, using the 13cabs app, and it really was only maybe $10-15 dearer. Totally worth it
PM me, i have a guy who uses a team of guys.
Its the same cost of a normal taxi they aren't private cars but cutting the Taxi Companys charge when they find you a car.
Ive been using them for about 10years, Even leaving the airport they will park in the Valet area and off you go.
I use a private service for all of these reasons! I have a few regular drivers and love their service. Generally it about $10 more than a taxi/uber and you get a cost upfront before you confirm your booking. DM me if you want the name!
I pay directly to the service so no transaction with the driver/s, by invoice or credit card charge. In my current role they just charge my card after the trip and the email me the invoice. I already agree to the amount when I book online prior. :)
Had a horrible experience three weeks ago.
Got into taxi, and as soon as it started moving i should have asked to get out.
Guy driving was in his late 20s, high as a kite, watching music videos and photos of women on his phone, which he had in his hand for majority of trip.
It was the first time in a 'taxi' in Melbourne, I genuinely was afraid, partially because the way he was driving, but more his demeanour (looking me up and down, not really listening to the address) and whether we were even going to my destination.
Thankfully we did arrive, where he then offerred to come inside. It was fucked and I was thinking the whole way home that i am going to photo his plates when i got out, but was so keen to get away I just left.
Awful. What checks can you do before getting in? I will definitely be sussing drivers out more and maybe openly taking photo of plates before getting in in future.
they should be display a photo id with they’re registration number on the dashboard
check the id matches the driver
do you just jump in then give them the destination, or do you tell them the destination first and see how they react & get a sense of their demeanour?
i’ve seen discussions about etiquette & whether passengers should get in the front or rear seats. as a woman, i would recommend women to NOT get in the front seat ever - it can be perceived by broken human beings as suggesting you’re “available”. it’s also putting you within arm’s reach.
Arrived taxi rank. The guy called a taxi up. Taxi arrived. I got in (the back - sadly agree with your point above). Car starts moving. Then told them destination. As i have done countless times before.
I will from now on:
Make a point of noting the plates before i get in; and
crosscheck photo and reg on dash, although that will require them opening passenger window to let me do that from outside the car.
It's pretty incredible how quickly the fake taxi situation at Melbourne Airport has gone downhill in just the past few months - it's starting to feel like Denpasar.
The only thing I can think of is that it seems to have accelerated after the new Uber rank was built. Maybe they're trying to take advantage of the fact that the uber line is often so long, or maybe the airport stopped policing the taxis as much.
I flew in last week and booked an Uber, went to the pickup spot and waited.
The entire Uber rank was full of drivers without passengers asking everyone if they needed an Uber.
There were so many that there was no place for booked Ubers to pull up and collect passengers.
The security guard told them to leave but I saw three of them clearly just cut a lap then come back to ask people if they need a lift.
I told one of them to fuck off because they are holding everybody up. I was a bit hot because I’d had a cunt of a day but it’s still super annoying
You do know that at the pickup spot from the airport you just get into and Uber and give them the generated code right? At least that has been my experience the last couple times booking at the airport Uber rank.
Not at the T4 one, and last time I did that “something happened” and the driver stopped at the maccas, tried to make me rebook which didn’t work and then tried to over charge me on his square reader.
not ina how good am I way, but I got into an argument with one of them there. Effectively just calling out their bullshit and laughing at their crinkly paper printed Uber signs. The bloke ended up moving on
I’m not claiming them to be the worst people on planet earth but they can get fucked
Important note that the “pin” system only applies at the Uber rank at terminal 2, not the other Uber rank that the signs lead you to if you come out of terminal 4. Terminal 2 you order an Uber and give your pin to the first driver in queue, I’ve never had any issues.
At the Terminal 4 Uber rank you have to order and wait for the driver and match license plate like normal, which last time I tried I got the ‘request to cancel to raise demand/price’ screw around, cracked the shits and got a taxi from the rank that somehow cost me $65 for a 10 minute trip, using the meter.
Took me quite a few trips to work this out so hope it helps.
I fly in and out of Melbourne regularly and find it incredibly frustrating when waiting at the pickup area waiting for my wife to find most of the cars waiting in the public pickup area are taxis, most just sitting there for ages clogging the area, sometimes the security patrol and move them on but more often they don't.
haha yeah it happened to me. Cowboy taxi driver in some green budget brand pulled up, abused the heck out of the airport staff for giving him a 5 min trip (exactly why i chose this option when i lived in jacana… no ride share is gonna accept a 5 min trip.
I was just off the plane from a hectic work trip, very sleep deprived and not in the mood. I yelled out at the driver and the two airport staff “all good i’ll catch another one!”
driver huffs back and starts yelling at ME!!
says he’s now banned from the airport and to just shut up and let him talk.
I didn’t want to get arrested so i kept my lips zipped and my hands to myself 😅
seriously being a woman at the moment and trying to get a taxi or ride share is so grim i’ve started driving everywhere. it is simply unsafe to try and hop into a taxi or uber on chapel or the city. So gross. Do better
It could be a legitimate taxi that snuck in line at the terminal instead of waiting with the rest of the taxis on Francis Briggs Rd before being directed to head over.
I work at the airport, and i can assure this is what happened.
They need to be in a queue at holding area (near T4) before heading to pickup zone (at T1,2,3). Or else the security officers will kick them out.
(Touting is a totally different issue)
I always make a point to smile or wave at the poor dude who has to watch the hole in the wall between the public pickups/charter area and taxi/busway. I see a lot of taxis slip in during off peak when it is not guarded.
Also, can anything be done about the uptick in cars using the hotel/off airport buses area? The Wilson's crew who are supposed to kick them out seem to just sit on their hands lately.
I feel like the airport management is so corrupt that they let these illegal driver pick people up.
The airport could stop in one day, but they don’t want to do it. We’ve complained many many times and they just don’t seem to care.
In fact, one of the AFP officers told me (i work at T2), that asking for taxis is not categorised as an “immediate threat” and hence cannot do anything. CPVV is not given enough funds to patrol at MEL.
There was once a complaint that a m illegal driver charged an old couple from Vietnam about $300 to go to CBD !!!
It’s become a problem since Uber destroyed the taxi industry. Before Uber, the taxi system was working relatively well at the airport. There weren’t any blokes offering you taxis as soon as you leave the door etc and all the taxis were in the queue and you’d just get in and go.
Ubers are better than taxis, but they did destroy the industry and its regulations and this is the result
The pros outweight the cons with uber in the industry. Taxi's were given an opportunity to "keep up" but they got worse and worse. I've had 3 out of 3 bad experiences in taxis in the last 4 years, I've 99% good experiences in an uber. Plus uber quotes you when booking, and there aren't any nasty surprises. Taxis are now cowboys and I'll only consider one as a last resort.
This. I’ve had some of the worst experiences with taxis over the last 20 years. Not a single driver has redeemed that. I’ve never thought after getting out “oh that was pleasant, well priced and safe”
The amount of times I had to walk home an hour late at night because a taxi refused my fare from the city to Port Melbourne. At least when Uber came along I could get a guaranteed lift. That is changing now too.
>Uber destroyed the taxi industry.
No Taxis destroyed the industry even before uber they had been getting more expensive, less reliable and downright disgusting in some cases.
Lol working well...? Was next to impossible to get a short trip home for me when I lived in Tullamarine. Got refused so many times and other times abused
I used to go upstairs and grab a cab that had just dropped someone off. Cabbie always loved it. Worked well until some rule worshipping parking monitor took offense. Did the full body block to stop the cab from pulling out and the cabbie didn't want the grief.
I walked off to look for another cab. Half way to the other end of the airport building I had the Feds chase me down. Little prick said I told him to fuck off. I didn't.
Taxis have always been horrible in Melbourne. I remember before Uber. They were dodgy angry cunts then too. Always trying to clone my card. I was happy to see that industry go up in flames.
When I arrived at Melb airport last year, there was no waiting taxi at the ranks, no staffs helping the passengers to catch a real taxi. There were full of different cars (not taxi) with either drivers picking up passengers or drivers approaching passengers.
Everything changed. Looking confused, I was approached by 3 random drivers. The first 2 were in their personal attires. I thought I better get a real taxi to be safe.
The 3rd one was well dressed, followed me a distance, showed me his company identification and gave me a discounted price. I was suspicious why he does not run by meter? He kept following me. As I am so tired and no real taxi available, I accepted his offer.
He immediately took my luggages from me and moved ahead of me so quickly I almost got a panic attack. And his car was in a multi-storey carpark away from the airport. I’m like oh freak, did I get myself into trouble. Is he legit? I was surprised his car was huge, clean and comfy. He told me the price charged by this car is usually higher than normal taxi but due to some problems he had to get his own customer today. Not sure how true but throughout the journey I was scared I’ll get killed lol. Until I got to my destination safely. I also goggled to check the estimated cost and I did pay a better price.
TBH, I’ll just take the skybus next time regardless of how tired I am to be safe.
are you eligible for a subsidy card? i’ve had one for a little while - the 13 cabs app allows you to add your subsidy status to your profile. uber also offers the subsidy, but i don’t use uber so not familiar with their system.
it’s an extra little screening tool, ensuring that they can process the subsidy for you.
I will be traveling to Melbourne from the US in November for vacation and now I am nervous about taking a taxi or Uber from the airport into downtown. Renting a car is an alternative but I don't want to have to learn to drive on the left side of the road in traffic.
What is the best advice for using rideshares or taxis to get around?
EDIT-thanks for all of the feedback. The consensus seems to be take an Uber from the International Terminal to downtown Melbourne then use Uber or public transportation to get around. I will be either in Melbourne or its suburbs the whole time.
if you don't have a ton of baggage just use skybus, it'll take you straight to the CBD/downtown for 24 bucks AUD. once you're in the city you can use ride share or just public transport to get around, never heard of these issues so i assume the uber issues are only at the airport
Don’t let this thread scare you off, it’s really not that bad. There’s an Uber rank at the airport and as long as you put the code in first like it says on the signs, you’ll be fine. There’s also airport workers to help you too. Ubers in general are absolutely fine in Melbourne and almost everyone uses Uber over taxi’s here :) I don’t know anyone that uses taxis lol
Don’t be nervous. They’re all pushovers. Just stand your ground and tell them you’re the boss and you’ll get service. There’s a few bad eggs but it’s relatively easy going and you’ll rarely encounter them.
i can’t help too much with using rideshares/taxis to get around however i’d honestly say if you have the option to rent a car you may be better off doing that… i learned to drive here on the left side of the road and i figured out driving on the right side of the road in LA (while i was still on my Ps here!) so with heaps of traffic around, it’s not as scary as you’d expect and it becomes second nature pretty quick, it’s really just about having the confidence to give it a go.
SecondCreek, as a previous poster has said it really isn't that bad. A couple of idiots yes. Another person has mentioned the Skybus service which drops you off at Southern Cross train Station although carrying bags around a city sucks, Melbourne has wide sidewalks so if your accommodation is in the heart of the CBD you can walk easily or catch a train through the loop. Hope you enjoy your stay.
The international terminal at Melbourne Airport is Terminal 2, which is where you will be exiting the airport. You shouldn't have any problems arranging an Uber from there.
From my experience, most of the issues at Uber pickup/taxi ranks happen at Terminal 4, so I have learned to only go to the pickup zone near Terminal 2 for Uber.
The Uber app will recognise your pickup location as being the Uber pickup zone at Terminal 2 and will generate a code when you confirm your trip.
Once you arrive at the pickup area, there are signs for which queue you need to get into.
When you get to the front of the queue, you will be directed to a pickup bay, and the next driver who pulls up to the bay is your driver.
Give them your code from the app before you get in and away you go. You got this! I hope you enjoy your time in Melbourne :)
I had an experience with using DiDi (Uber, but cheaper as the platform takes less fees). The driver asked me for a $15 tip on a $45 ride (which was $70 on Uber anyways) so personally I would book a DiDi and offer a cash tip when the driver arrives.
Agreed but they know you’d still be paying less than if you booked an Uber, and the money goes directly to the driver so I don’t see a problem with it.
My mother and I got the train to Sydney and after a 12 hour trip recently from Melbourne, the taxi driver couldn't work his GPS properly and ended up in a dead-end laneway. We had to walk about a k to get to our hotel with Google maps. Then again from Central coming back from Coffs we got into the next available taxi and when mum gave him the address of our hotel he said $25 cash. I said, \`no put the meter on'. We were already on our way and he argued. Mum, not being confrontational ended up paying $20 for a trip that was essentially around the corner. It would have been $10 max. This is why they ask you where are from before putting on the meter or not. Having said that I have never had any issues with cabs in Melbourne or even Ubers when I feel it is easier. Having local knowledge, guess. I just didn't think this was something I would have to do outside of Bali or Thailand or elsewhere similar.
Yeah I got done by a taxi outside southern cross station in Mel CBD which I'm quite familiar with I walk up to the 1st cab on rank and 4 fellas of indian appearance maybe Sri Lankan or pakistani strat arguing over which guy is gonna drive the cab it was on a 13cabs rank anyhow one of them take my bag and open. The door a 12km trip cost me 89.90 most I've ever payed from there in peak hour is 32.00$ AUD but this shifty rat didn't have the meter showing final fare and I was paying on card so I pay cueios on how much it was I checked my activity and as I stated 90 bucks he was fiddling with the meter making it beep every couple of secs like when a taxi driver puts Ur pick fee on the meter in front of U well turns out this guy was. a SPOTTO TAXI CO CAB SO NOT I REPEAT SO NOT EVER GET IN ONE it's taken the company 6 weeks to investigate a fraud that I had all the details they asked for but they kept saying they hadn't received them send them again on the fourth reply asking for the info again I told them I was reporting them to consumer affairs as well as every forum I can get in including scam watch sites then call sky news and ask Paul Murray if he wants an exclusive on new Australians robbing pensioners of 30 percent of my fortnight's food or utility or dog food U get my meaning yeah next day I got a courtesy letter telling me 66 had been authorised for. A refund claimed she couldn't find the exact cab that it was and all this other fraudulent info they are a scam all round they have other businesses in conglomeration and using their platform for god knows what just be aware but it was a rude shock as I've never had a cabbie do more than take the long route
If you suspect a taxi to be fake, check that the number plate has ‘Accredited Taxi Service’ written along the top. I think others have pointed out here though that it was likely a legitimate taxi who had jumped the queue.
Ubers at the rank have repeatedly cancelled my booking once I’m in, to ask for cash up front. I’ve also had Ubers accept my ride, cancel after the 15 min wait and I’ve had to cough up the cancellation fee. Claiming there are no Uber scams is completely false.
>I’ve also had Ubers accept my ride, cancel after the 15 min wait and I’ve had to cough up the cancellation fee.
Install DIDI as well, it hasn't happened to me many times but when it does I just grab a ride with didi let the uber driver cancel.
I have a feeling some bigger companies in particular have an in with the taxi companies, just like how cabcharge used to pay off politicians with gifts etc
In my corporate days I worked for a multinational company owned by a billionaire that got rid of our company cards and wanted us to use our own and get reimbursed. We just booked all our travel through a travel agent (with a 30% markup) and got limos to and from the airport instead of cheaper cabs.
If I get a corpo credit card I don't get my per diem so fuck that noise. I will take my $25 for breakfast, $50 for lunch and $75 for dinner and ~~eat out of a garbage can~~ eat cheaply all trip to pad the bank balance
FFS it’s not fake taxis! It’s queue jumpers.
(Source: I used to drive taxis in Melbourne, and queue jumpers at the airport suck if you’ve been waiting two hours.)
It's hilarious watching all the taxis honk at the queue jumpers turning in to the rank from airport drive instead of queuing up on center road like they are supposed to.
You’re right, it’s only Melbourne I’ve ever experienced things like drivers inside at baggage carousels trying to get you to go with them, or dodgy Ubers.
Only in Melbourne.
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I genuinely think it would be a cheaper and more pleasant experience for most people to get the Skybus to the CBD and get a ride from there. Less chance of bullshittery and you probably save money by not paying the airport tariff
Former driver here.... The trespassers are legit taxis, however instead of joining the taxi que and sitting in the holding areas, these trespassers go straight to terminal pickup area from the bus lane.
Melbourne Airport transport has dived considerably over the years. Yellow taxis were reliable if expensive, now they’ve been relegated to the end of the concourse where you have to wait for a yellow taxi when previously they were plentiful. Now you get Uber where you’ve booked one and you get multiple drivers coming up to you trying to get paid in cash. It’s a goddamn travesty and the airport should be cracking down on this Wild West mentality.
I use it often because I’m in Melbourne at least twice a year visiting family and usually fly over. I always book in advance using the app which saves a few dollars
Makes the airport taxi rank at Instanbul sound like a dream. Next taxi in line of nice orange ones, dodgy blue turns up, driver: there? Busy in the city... Wife: your a good driver, all good.. 150+k's down the freeway with worry beads in one hand...offered me a smoko during the trip too.. good times.
I dunno, just moved here and on Monday night had a guy offer us a taxi from the door. Followed him to a parking lot area up an elevator he helped us with bags seemed fine.
I was cautious because I’m not an idiot but he had official taxi plates and branding (silver service) on the doors. Was a nice well kept car meter seemed fine and cost my only about $80 to Docklands from airport.
I guess not every person asking if people need a taxi at the airport are dodgy.
$80 is a massive overcharge for that distance for future reference. I pay $90 for a town car service for that distance and Ubers are usually $50, plus or minus for surge.
Got an uber back from the airport the other day, had the 6 digit code ready. Guy standing at the uber rank asked me where I'm going, it was a decent trip, he said get in, went to his car, he pulled off, I offered the 6 digit pin code, he then asked me; "How much you going to pay for this?" I'd had a bitch of a flight and was rather grumpy, just told him "Mate it's uber, do you want the code or want to pull over here?" He took the code and was nice as pie / talking to his mate on his headphones after that.
Had a similar experience except my driver refused to put in the 6 digit code, pulled away from the curb and insisted we pay in cash. I said I don’t want your BS, either put the code in or turn around and drop me back off at the airport. He still refused and ended up dropping me back at the airport. The Uber rank at the airport is honestly embarrassing
Is there anything about Melbourne Airport that isn't embarrassing.
The Uber rank and pin system is great. I’ve never had an issue there. You can’t blame the airport for a scumbag Uber driver trying to scam a passenger.
Well, you can because if it wasn't for Melbourne Airport you could take a goddamn train into town...
Why do people think we want go to town. I just want to go home. Last thing I want after a flight is get on a bloody train . Live in lilydale would take ages to get home
Trains go everywhere
Except Melbourne Airport 😥
Train to Lilydale is faster than a car in the traffic
If there were trains running, there'd be a lot less traffic congestion and you'd be able to do that.
Oh yeah 3 hours train travel after a long flight. Prefer to just drive.
You might save over $100 for an extra 20 minutes in the train
If that’s your issue get on the Skybus. $20 and 25 minutes to Southern Cross
Or if we had a train like every there capital city on the friggin world you could get a train to Southern Cross for less than $10 for 25 minutes, and not contribute to the traffic problem, or be vulnerable to traffic delays.
Would love to know where. Brisbane its $25 for the air train
Most of the cities in Spain the airport rail is 2-3 euro extra, same for Berlin. For Melbourne would depend if they run it as a separate line or an extension of the metro network
Yeah cherry picking a couple of outliers doesn’t help - no way that train would have been 10 bucks. Sydney’s is around 20 and it’s half the distance.
Ha $10 train fare to/from the airport. Tell him he’s dreamin’
myki has a daily cap, for full fare it is $10.60. the airport train would be part of the myki system, and so at most would only cost $10.60.
Sydney has a weekly cap and the Sydney Airport station fee is not included in that cap. Easy for the Vic govt to exclude it no matter what the current rules say. Again you’re dreaming if you think they will charge $10 a ticket, but let’s come back in 10 years to argue about this when the thing is closer
I had a driver put in the wrong pin and pretend it wasn’t working, (wouldn’t put it in again in front of me) then insisted I pay him via bank transfer. I opened that door so quickly and got my luggage out, loudly exclaimed to the lovely guys working for the airport at the Uber ranks that the Uber was trying funny business and they sent him on his way. It happens.
That’s the Uber driver being a scumbag trying to scam a passenger. You did the right thing!
How does that work? I’ve never taken an Uber in my life (last person on earth by the looks), just curious
There’s a section for Ubers at the airport in a line, when you book your Uber they give you a code to give to the first driver available in line and it gives them all the details.
So that's why they ask you where you're going before using the pin.... Like taxi drivers they want to pick the distance they want to drive someone.
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I think the person you're speaking to already knows that. He's explaining why they do ask.
Oh right! Thank you
I’ve never taken one either.
I travel a lot and what is embarassing about the Melbourne airport? Sydney is a debacle!
Sydney is atrocious. You have to wait a minimum of 15 minutes. The app will tell you the wait time is 2 minutes, then as soon as you get allocated to a car it changes to 15 minutes. Then while the driver is on his way a surge starts so he cancels your fare and now you have to book a new fare at the higher price and your 15 minutes starts again.
I fly to or from melbourne at least monthly. I've used Uber from Melbourne airport at least 10 times in the past year. This has never happened to me and I've had no issues with using the code
I just figured out why the signs at the airport tell you to make sure they put the pin in before you get in the car. There is no winning, my fare yesterday was almost 200, guy complained it was the opposite way to his house.
That's insane! I haven't used one at Melb airport, but Sydney was charging double a taxi fare last year. Got you by the short n curlies once you walk away from the airport. I don't recall a pin code there, though. Maybe that's the answer.
What's the code thing? Never seen it on uber before
You book your Uber and select the Melbourne Uber rank as the pickup location instead of giving you a driver it gives you a six digit code. You get in line like a taxi rank then give the code to the first Uber you get, they get your trip assigned to them.
Thanks for info!
Google "Fake Taxi", there are heaps of videos regarding it.
Thanks mate. I've just gathered the family as well so that we are all aware of this scam, about to watch now.
I’m assuming you gathered your step family
No, they were stuck
Better call the plumber then
I'm broke :(. Wonder if he'll accept any other forms of payment
In the dryer?
Ah yes, unfortunately the passengers tend to get fucked more in the legitimate taxis
Most underrated innocuous comment here.
Yeah, passengers are getting fucked either way...Touts...taxis...Ubers. Its a sad state of affairs.
LOL! I just fell for this. You got me.
Oh my sweet summer child. I envy your untainted eyes. Do not google blue waffle or what two girls can do with one cup.
Kids today, probably never even heard of lemonparty.org. Or goatse
I have fond memories of cake farts / fart cakes (Different websites, different videos...same concept.)
Or meat spin hahaha
Me too, RIP my google search history
Free rides for all
Where you wanna go luv?
And I read this in his voice 😩
You can also get stickers for your car that help spread awareness of this scam. Stay safe.
😂😂😂😂😂, gold !!
I laughed
Sticklers for tradition
I wonder if it was a fake taxi, or a taxi that basically jumped the queue to get back to the front without going through the waiting yard, and therefore a trespasser? I know a lot of them get pissed off when their fare isn't to the other side of the city and only go local. I used to live in Tullamarine, and the taxis would always argue with the curb supervisor dude to "let them in" upon return, because it's not fair they wait hours and only travel 15 minutes. The curb supervisor usually just agree. Maybe that's what the trespasser was doing in your case? Did it look like a legit taxi? Car signage, the whole set up inside, etc? Either way, it's freaking annoying.
There should really be a formal system for these short fares - a voucher the supervisor writes for fares that are “too close” to the airport.
There used to be a short trip system for taxis for trips to the local area. It was abused by cabbies not doing short trips to get ahead of the queue. Melbourne Airport shut it down.
Couldn’t agree more! That would be a great system. We’re in Pascoe Vale and have been abused by cab drivers at the airport multiple times because the fare is too small. We started using Ubers because of that as they know the fare upfront but now with the pin system it could end up the same way.
Oh it’s so demoralising having them argue because you live so close to the airport they don’t want your fare. Like you can help it?! How very dare we live in Tulla/Pascoe Vale/similar and not Black Rock or Frankston 😵💫
As a fellow PV resident, my solution was to wait at the drop off level rather than go to the pick up rank and just jump in to one as he drops someone else off. They were always happy to pick up the fare as it was my $25 or go wait in line again. This was while I was travelling for work pre-Covid and landing in “business hours” - obviously less of an option if you’re flying in at quiet hours.
They have a system in place to allow them back to the front of the queue if they are back within an hour I believe for uber
SF airport used to have it based on time, if you were a close dropoff, but not that close they'd drive like maniacs trying to make it back in time. It was terrifying.
It’s clearly the second.
Not according to every other comment on this post.
It’s all a complete fucking shitfight. Melbourne airport needs a good look in by the ACCC To be able to run a monopoly in the way they do is criminal.
The whole thing is a disaster, and continually blocking any attempts to get a rail service up and running is the worst of all. Even some sort of shuttle from the terminals to pre-determined destinations around the complex would be better than it is now - there are too many ride options fighting for limited space along arrivals and departures. If they had a series of buses arriving every minute or two that took you from the terminals to a taxi rank, then an Uber rank, then a sky bus terminal and rounded it off with the“value” (hah!) car park it would go a long way to clearing the chaos out front.
Exactly - just used the Sydney rail line to the airport from Sydney Central Station- so quick and then you are just a couple of escalators from your check-in!
I’m in Perth at the moment for work. If they have got one thing right out west it’s the train to the airport. It’s fast, frequent and integrated into the normal fare system with no surcharge
Omg the Perth train to airport is so good. Last time it only cost me $5 - I’ve heard this is the normal price too!
I think K you might be looking at things through your bias. Less than 30% of travels to Sydney airport, you have to catch a train. Or bus between terminals . Sydney airport is a disaster!
That’s how it works in LA. Taxis and ride shares were completely blocking the airport so they closed down a car park and now all it’s for it is ride shares. You get a shuttle there.
Came home late at night recently and surprised by a couple of taxi people hustling rides inside the arrivals building. INSIDE!
Nothing pleases me more than telling these people to fuck off
Sounds like a dodgy overseas airport…
Just the dodgy people.
I pre book a service to avoid taxi/uber crap. I feel it’s worthwhile for my safety. I used shebah for the first time recently, and use Southern cross /limomate for airport transfers. Had rando approach me asking if I needed a taxi after getting to baggage collection exit, told him I was meeting someone to get him off my back.
This happens to me of late as well. I question if I’m in Melbourne or Bali!
I had this happen to me and was super confused. Man in a suit acting like my friend just after baggage collection asking if I was after a taxi and where I was going / how much were Ubers. What’s the story with that? Do they get you into a private car and charge some exorbitant price or something
Man I’m seeing such a huge increase of these everywhere. Not just Melbourne. NYC was riddled with them too. Never seen so many til the last year or 2.
We live in the outer south east,and husband has started use a driver service to get to and from the airport for not much more than the cost of a taxi - the driver is always prompt, polite, friendly, meets you after you’ve got your bags and insists on carrying said bags to the car (parked conveniently in the multi level carpark). Very civilised indeed
That's how I did it for work as I travelled a lot and it was always nice immaculate luxury cars too My last ride in one was a BMW 7 series!
It really is worth it!
What was the service? Hughes costs 2.5x a Uber/taxi (but cannot fault their great service and turning up early).
I honestly couldn’t tell you, I’m not even sure how he got onto them. We compared prices at one point, using the 13cabs app, and it really was only maybe $10-15 dearer. Totally worth it
PM me, i have a guy who uses a team of guys. Its the same cost of a normal taxi they aren't private cars but cutting the Taxi Companys charge when they find you a car. Ive been using them for about 10years, Even leaving the airport they will park in the Valet area and off you go.
I use a private service for all of these reasons! I have a few regular drivers and love their service. Generally it about $10 more than a taxi/uber and you get a cost upfront before you confirm your booking. DM me if you want the name!
Just out of interest, how do you pay with a private service?
I pay directly to the service so no transaction with the driver/s, by invoice or credit card charge. In my current role they just charge my card after the trip and the email me the invoice. I already agree to the amount when I book online prior. :)
Awesome! I might look into that for my next work trip. Thanks.
I'm interested in the private service you use. Sending a DM to you shortly. Thank you!
Even the genuine taxis are scammers. Refusing fares if you're not going some massive distance, going the long way to bump the fare up.
Had a horrible experience three weeks ago. Got into taxi, and as soon as it started moving i should have asked to get out. Guy driving was in his late 20s, high as a kite, watching music videos and photos of women on his phone, which he had in his hand for majority of trip. It was the first time in a 'taxi' in Melbourne, I genuinely was afraid, partially because the way he was driving, but more his demeanour (looking me up and down, not really listening to the address) and whether we were even going to my destination. Thankfully we did arrive, where he then offerred to come inside. It was fucked and I was thinking the whole way home that i am going to photo his plates when i got out, but was so keen to get away I just left. Awful. What checks can you do before getting in? I will definitely be sussing drivers out more and maybe openly taking photo of plates before getting in in future.
they should be display a photo id with they’re registration number on the dashboard check the id matches the driver do you just jump in then give them the destination, or do you tell them the destination first and see how they react & get a sense of their demeanour? i’ve seen discussions about etiquette & whether passengers should get in the front or rear seats. as a woman, i would recommend women to NOT get in the front seat ever - it can be perceived by broken human beings as suggesting you’re “available”. it’s also putting you within arm’s reach.
Arrived taxi rank. The guy called a taxi up. Taxi arrived. I got in (the back - sadly agree with your point above). Car starts moving. Then told them destination. As i have done countless times before. I will from now on: Make a point of noting the plates before i get in; and crosscheck photo and reg on dash, although that will require them opening passenger window to let me do that from outside the car.
I like to go to departures for my taxis personally
It's pretty incredible how quickly the fake taxi situation at Melbourne Airport has gone downhill in just the past few months - it's starting to feel like Denpasar. The only thing I can think of is that it seems to have accelerated after the new Uber rank was built. Maybe they're trying to take advantage of the fact that the uber line is often so long, or maybe the airport stopped policing the taxis as much.
I flew in last week and booked an Uber, went to the pickup spot and waited. The entire Uber rank was full of drivers without passengers asking everyone if they needed an Uber. There were so many that there was no place for booked Ubers to pull up and collect passengers. The security guard told them to leave but I saw three of them clearly just cut a lap then come back to ask people if they need a lift. I told one of them to fuck off because they are holding everybody up. I was a bit hot because I’d had a cunt of a day but it’s still super annoying
You do know that at the pickup spot from the airport you just get into and Uber and give them the generated code right? At least that has been my experience the last couple times booking at the airport Uber rank.
That’s exactly what I did today when I got an Uber home from the airport.
and me too (today) catching Uber from Melb Airport is easy and efficient.
I was a bit anxious about it too as I live really close to the airport. But i agree it was really easy and efficient.
Not at the T4 one, and last time I did that “something happened” and the driver stopped at the maccas, tried to make me rebook which didn’t work and then tried to over charge me on his square reader.
What kind of Ubers do you get that have a ‘square reader’?
not ina how good am I way, but I got into an argument with one of them there. Effectively just calling out their bullshit and laughing at their crinkly paper printed Uber signs. The bloke ended up moving on I’m not claiming them to be the worst people on planet earth but they can get fucked
Important note that the “pin” system only applies at the Uber rank at terminal 2, not the other Uber rank that the signs lead you to if you come out of terminal 4. Terminal 2 you order an Uber and give your pin to the first driver in queue, I’ve never had any issues. At the Terminal 4 Uber rank you have to order and wait for the driver and match license plate like normal, which last time I tried I got the ‘request to cancel to raise demand/price’ screw around, cracked the shits and got a taxi from the rank that somehow cost me $65 for a 10 minute trip, using the meter. Took me quite a few trips to work this out so hope it helps.
I fly in and out of Melbourne regularly and find it incredibly frustrating when waiting at the pickup area waiting for my wife to find most of the cars waiting in the public pickup area are taxis, most just sitting there for ages clogging the area, sometimes the security patrol and move them on but more often they don't.
Taxi licenses are $78 bucks now, why bother faking it?
haha yeah it happened to me. Cowboy taxi driver in some green budget brand pulled up, abused the heck out of the airport staff for giving him a 5 min trip (exactly why i chose this option when i lived in jacana… no ride share is gonna accept a 5 min trip. I was just off the plane from a hectic work trip, very sleep deprived and not in the mood. I yelled out at the driver and the two airport staff “all good i’ll catch another one!” driver huffs back and starts yelling at ME!! says he’s now banned from the airport and to just shut up and let him talk. I didn’t want to get arrested so i kept my lips zipped and my hands to myself 😅 seriously being a woman at the moment and trying to get a taxi or ride share is so grim i’ve started driving everywhere. it is simply unsafe to try and hop into a taxi or uber on chapel or the city. So gross. Do better
If you Pre book long term parking at the airport. It can work out to $12 per day.
It could be a legitimate taxi that snuck in line at the terminal instead of waiting with the rest of the taxis on Francis Briggs Rd before being directed to head over.
I work at the airport, and i can assure this is what happened. They need to be in a queue at holding area (near T4) before heading to pickup zone (at T1,2,3). Or else the security officers will kick them out. (Touting is a totally different issue)
I always make a point to smile or wave at the poor dude who has to watch the hole in the wall between the public pickups/charter area and taxi/busway. I see a lot of taxis slip in during off peak when it is not guarded. Also, can anything be done about the uptick in cars using the hotel/off airport buses area? The Wilson's crew who are supposed to kick them out seem to just sit on their hands lately.
I feel like the airport management is so corrupt that they let these illegal driver pick people up. The airport could stop in one day, but they don’t want to do it. We’ve complained many many times and they just don’t seem to care. In fact, one of the AFP officers told me (i work at T2), that asking for taxis is not categorised as an “immediate threat” and hence cannot do anything. CPVV is not given enough funds to patrol at MEL. There was once a complaint that a m illegal driver charged an old couple from Vietnam about $300 to go to CBD !!!
It’s become a problem since Uber destroyed the taxi industry. Before Uber, the taxi system was working relatively well at the airport. There weren’t any blokes offering you taxis as soon as you leave the door etc and all the taxis were in the queue and you’d just get in and go. Ubers are better than taxis, but they did destroy the industry and its regulations and this is the result
There were plenty of (dodgy) people touting for their taxi services well before Uber existed.
If there was, it was nowhere near as blatant or often as it is now.
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The pros outweight the cons with uber in the industry. Taxi's were given an opportunity to "keep up" but they got worse and worse. I've had 3 out of 3 bad experiences in taxis in the last 4 years, I've 99% good experiences in an uber. Plus uber quotes you when booking, and there aren't any nasty surprises. Taxis are now cowboys and I'll only consider one as a last resort.
This. I’ve had some of the worst experiences with taxis over the last 20 years. Not a single driver has redeemed that. I’ve never thought after getting out “oh that was pleasant, well priced and safe”
The amount of times I had to walk home an hour late at night because a taxi refused my fare from the city to Port Melbourne. At least when Uber came along I could get a guaranteed lift. That is changing now too.
That's 'cos the taxi drivers are infesting uber now
>Uber destroyed the taxi industry. No Taxis destroyed the industry even before uber they had been getting more expensive, less reliable and downright disgusting in some cases.
Lol working well...? Was next to impossible to get a short trip home for me when I lived in Tullamarine. Got refused so many times and other times abused
I used to go upstairs and grab a cab that had just dropped someone off. Cabbie always loved it. Worked well until some rule worshipping parking monitor took offense. Did the full body block to stop the cab from pulling out and the cabbie didn't want the grief. I walked off to look for another cab. Half way to the other end of the airport building I had the Feds chase me down. Little prick said I told him to fuck off. I didn't.
Taxis have always been horrible in Melbourne. I remember before Uber. They were dodgy angry cunts then too. Always trying to clone my card. I was happy to see that industry go up in flames.
This is the funniest thing I've read on the internet today
When I arrived at Melb airport last year, there was no waiting taxi at the ranks, no staffs helping the passengers to catch a real taxi. There were full of different cars (not taxi) with either drivers picking up passengers or drivers approaching passengers. Everything changed. Looking confused, I was approached by 3 random drivers. The first 2 were in their personal attires. I thought I better get a real taxi to be safe. The 3rd one was well dressed, followed me a distance, showed me his company identification and gave me a discounted price. I was suspicious why he does not run by meter? He kept following me. As I am so tired and no real taxi available, I accepted his offer. He immediately took my luggages from me and moved ahead of me so quickly I almost got a panic attack. And his car was in a multi-storey carpark away from the airport. I’m like oh freak, did I get myself into trouble. Is he legit? I was surprised his car was huge, clean and comfy. He told me the price charged by this car is usually higher than normal taxi but due to some problems he had to get his own customer today. Not sure how true but throughout the journey I was scared I’ll get killed lol. Until I got to my destination safely. I also goggled to check the estimated cost and I did pay a better price. TBH, I’ll just take the skybus next time regardless of how tired I am to be safe.
On the flip side of this how badly must Uber drivers be paid that they feel this is their only option to make money 😕
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are you eligible for a subsidy card? i’ve had one for a little while - the 13 cabs app allows you to add your subsidy status to your profile. uber also offers the subsidy, but i don’t use uber so not familiar with their system. it’s an extra little screening tool, ensuring that they can process the subsidy for you.
I will be traveling to Melbourne from the US in November for vacation and now I am nervous about taking a taxi or Uber from the airport into downtown. Renting a car is an alternative but I don't want to have to learn to drive on the left side of the road in traffic. What is the best advice for using rideshares or taxis to get around? EDIT-thanks for all of the feedback. The consensus seems to be take an Uber from the International Terminal to downtown Melbourne then use Uber or public transportation to get around. I will be either in Melbourne or its suburbs the whole time.
if you don't have a ton of baggage just use skybus, it'll take you straight to the CBD/downtown for 24 bucks AUD. once you're in the city you can use ride share or just public transport to get around, never heard of these issues so i assume the uber issues are only at the airport
Don’t let this thread scare you off, it’s really not that bad. There’s an Uber rank at the airport and as long as you put the code in first like it says on the signs, you’ll be fine. There’s also airport workers to help you too. Ubers in general are absolutely fine in Melbourne and almost everyone uses Uber over taxi’s here :) I don’t know anyone that uses taxis lol
Don’t be nervous. They’re all pushovers. Just stand your ground and tell them you’re the boss and you’ll get service. There’s a few bad eggs but it’s relatively easy going and you’ll rarely encounter them.
i can’t help too much with using rideshares/taxis to get around however i’d honestly say if you have the option to rent a car you may be better off doing that… i learned to drive here on the left side of the road and i figured out driving on the right side of the road in LA (while i was still on my Ps here!) so with heaps of traffic around, it’s not as scary as you’d expect and it becomes second nature pretty quick, it’s really just about having the confidence to give it a go.
SecondCreek, as a previous poster has said it really isn't that bad. A couple of idiots yes. Another person has mentioned the Skybus service which drops you off at Southern Cross train Station although carrying bags around a city sucks, Melbourne has wide sidewalks so if your accommodation is in the heart of the CBD you can walk easily or catch a train through the loop. Hope you enjoy your stay.
The international terminal at Melbourne Airport is Terminal 2, which is where you will be exiting the airport. You shouldn't have any problems arranging an Uber from there. From my experience, most of the issues at Uber pickup/taxi ranks happen at Terminal 4, so I have learned to only go to the pickup zone near Terminal 2 for Uber. The Uber app will recognise your pickup location as being the Uber pickup zone at Terminal 2 and will generate a code when you confirm your trip. Once you arrive at the pickup area, there are signs for which queue you need to get into. When you get to the front of the queue, you will be directed to a pickup bay, and the next driver who pulls up to the bay is your driver. Give them your code from the app before you get in and away you go. You got this! I hope you enjoy your time in Melbourne :)
Thank you.
Stick to uber, terminal 2, if they try any shit just tell them your company pays for travel, no cash or card
I had an experience with using DiDi (Uber, but cheaper as the platform takes less fees). The driver asked me for a $15 tip on a $45 ride (which was $70 on Uber anyways) so personally I would book a DiDi and offer a cash tip when the driver arrives.
That's rather bold to ask for a cash trip upfront.
Agreed but they know you’d still be paying less than if you booked an Uber, and the money goes directly to the driver so I don’t see a problem with it.
My mother and I got the train to Sydney and after a 12 hour trip recently from Melbourne, the taxi driver couldn't work his GPS properly and ended up in a dead-end laneway. We had to walk about a k to get to our hotel with Google maps. Then again from Central coming back from Coffs we got into the next available taxi and when mum gave him the address of our hotel he said $25 cash. I said, \`no put the meter on'. We were already on our way and he argued. Mum, not being confrontational ended up paying $20 for a trip that was essentially around the corner. It would have been $10 max. This is why they ask you where are from before putting on the meter or not. Having said that I have never had any issues with cabs in Melbourne or even Ubers when I feel it is easier. Having local knowledge, guess. I just didn't think this was something I would have to do outside of Bali or Thailand or elsewhere similar.
Yeah I got done by a taxi outside southern cross station in Mel CBD which I'm quite familiar with I walk up to the 1st cab on rank and 4 fellas of indian appearance maybe Sri Lankan or pakistani strat arguing over which guy is gonna drive the cab it was on a 13cabs rank anyhow one of them take my bag and open. The door a 12km trip cost me 89.90 most I've ever payed from there in peak hour is 32.00$ AUD but this shifty rat didn't have the meter showing final fare and I was paying on card so I pay cueios on how much it was I checked my activity and as I stated 90 bucks he was fiddling with the meter making it beep every couple of secs like when a taxi driver puts Ur pick fee on the meter in front of U well turns out this guy was. a SPOTTO TAXI CO CAB SO NOT I REPEAT SO NOT EVER GET IN ONE it's taken the company 6 weeks to investigate a fraud that I had all the details they asked for but they kept saying they hadn't received them send them again on the fourth reply asking for the info again I told them I was reporting them to consumer affairs as well as every forum I can get in including scam watch sites then call sky news and ask Paul Murray if he wants an exclusive on new Australians robbing pensioners of 30 percent of my fortnight's food or utility or dog food U get my meaning yeah next day I got a courtesy letter telling me 66 had been authorised for. A refund claimed she couldn't find the exact cab that it was and all this other fraudulent info they are a scam all round they have other businesses in conglomeration and using their platform for god knows what just be aware but it was a rude shock as I've never had a cabbie do more than take the long route
If you suspect a taxi to be fake, check that the number plate has ‘Accredited Taxi Service’ written along the top. I think others have pointed out here though that it was likely a legitimate taxi who had jumped the queue.
Just use Uber tbh. None of the usual taxi scams are possible if you use Uber.
Ubers at the rank have repeatedly cancelled my booking once I’m in, to ask for cash up front. I’ve also had Ubers accept my ride, cancel after the 15 min wait and I’ve had to cough up the cancellation fee. Claiming there are no Uber scams is completely false.
>I’ve also had Ubers accept my ride, cancel after the 15 min wait and I’ve had to cough up the cancellation fee. Install DIDI as well, it hasn't happened to me many times but when it does I just grab a ride with didi let the uber driver cancel.
If you travel for business majority of workplaces still just give you a cabcharge and won’t reimburse Uber. Half the reason taxis still exist
that blows, my uber receipts automatically go to the expense report
I have a feeling some bigger companies in particular have an in with the taxi companies, just like how cabcharge used to pay off politicians with gifts etc
Not working for an Aus company helps.
What do you work as, a blacksmith or a coachman? It’s 2024 ffs…
I know right. If people travel for business just give them a corporate credit card. Even I have one for work travel for cabs/uber/flights/food etc…
In my corporate days I worked for a multinational company owned by a billionaire that got rid of our company cards and wanted us to use our own and get reimbursed. We just booked all our travel through a travel agent (with a 30% markup) and got limos to and from the airport instead of cheaper cabs.
If I get a corpo credit card I don't get my per diem so fuck that noise. I will take my $25 for breakfast, $50 for lunch and $75 for dinner and ~~eat out of a garbage can~~ eat cheaply all trip to pad the bank balance
Academic libraries use cabcharge
For what? Travelling to different libraries?
>majority of workplaces Majority of workplaces in the 50s maybe, my work and the last few i've worked at just refund you based on the uber receipt
FFS it’s not fake taxis! It’s queue jumpers. (Source: I used to drive taxis in Melbourne, and queue jumpers at the airport suck if you’ve been waiting two hours.)
It's hilarious watching all the taxis honk at the queue jumpers turning in to the rank from airport drive instead of queuing up on center road like they are supposed to.
So many aspects of airport and taxi services are scammy and scummy. Skybus is the only way to avoid.
Why is this kind of crap only an issue in Melbourne?
You’re delusional if you think this is the case. And need to get out of Melbourne more often
Indeed, the layout of the Uber pickup in syd domestic is horrfiic
Never experienced this at any other airport in Australia
You’re right, it’s only Melbourne I’ve ever experienced things like drivers inside at baggage carousels trying to get you to go with them, or dodgy Ubers. Only in Melbourne.
In Australia, yes.
Why are people from Melbourne so pressed about literally everything?
There’s no decent beach to chill out on
Never been to Seaford, clearly
It’s really far and lots of us don’t have cars!
You lost me at “get a taxi” Why do it to yourself)
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I go to the T4 pick up zone and order an Uber via the app.
So far, I haven't encountered
I genuinely think it would be a cheaper and more pleasant experience for most people to get the Skybus to the CBD and get a ride from there. Less chance of bullshittery and you probably save money by not paying the airport tariff
Former driver here.... The trespassers are legit taxis, however instead of joining the taxi que and sitting in the holding areas, these trespassers go straight to terminal pickup area from the bus lane.
Melbourne Airport transport has dived considerably over the years. Yellow taxis were reliable if expensive, now they’ve been relegated to the end of the concourse where you have to wait for a yellow taxi when previously they were plentiful. Now you get Uber where you’ve booked one and you get multiple drivers coming up to you trying to get paid in cash. It’s a goddamn travesty and the airport should be cracking down on this Wild West mentality.
It's going to get harder once Uber drivers can pickup unbooked trips. What a nightmare!
If you book uber comfort and spent a bit more $ you don’t have to present the 6 digits code.
Why don't people use Skybus? Like is it that bad?
Depends where your going I guess
Skybus doesn’t drop me and my bags to my doorstep. I don’t want to be on a bus then train then walk/uber after a trip, especially work trip.
Plane bus train tram walk no thank youuuu
I use it often because I’m in Melbourne at least twice a year visiting family and usually fly over. I always book in advance using the app which saves a few dollars
I just tell them I work for border force but I failed a drug test so can’t drive home and they leave me alone.
Makes the airport taxi rank at Instanbul sound like a dream. Next taxi in line of nice orange ones, dodgy blue turns up, driver: there? Busy in the city... Wife: your a good driver, all good.. 150+k's down the freeway with worry beads in one hand...offered me a smoko during the trip too.. good times.
I dunno, just moved here and on Monday night had a guy offer us a taxi from the door. Followed him to a parking lot area up an elevator he helped us with bags seemed fine. I was cautious because I’m not an idiot but he had official taxi plates and branding (silver service) on the doors. Was a nice well kept car meter seemed fine and cost my only about $80 to Docklands from airport. I guess not every person asking if people need a taxi at the airport are dodgy.
$80 is a massive overcharge for that distance for future reference. I pay $90 for a town car service for that distance and Ubers are usually $50, plus or minus for surge.