Melbourne Airport responds to MP’s scathing criticism of ‘shameful’ Uber decision

Transport Matters MP Rod Barton has slammed Melbourne Airport for its “shameful decision” to relocate taxi ranks.

Melbourne Airport yesterday announced changes to its taxi and ride share car pick up arrangements.

Under the changes, which begin next week, Uber will take over the taxi rank in front of Terminal 2. Uber will also get a section of Terminal 4, while taxi ranks will be in front of Terminal 1 and part of Terminal 4.

Transport Matters MP Rod Barton believes it’s due to a secretive commercial deal between Uber and the airport, and the airport didn’t consult with disability groups prior to making the decision.

He says it’s “a shameful decision” which will force disabled passengers to navigate a maze to find a wheelchair accessible taxi.

“If you’re coming out of Virgin, for example, and you need to get a wheelchair access vehicle you now need to cross a road, go up a lift and go into the Terminal 4 car park to get a wheelchair access vehicle,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“They should be ashamed of themselves.

“They’ve got obligations to the community.”

Press PLAY below to hear Rod Barton’s criticism

Melbourne Airport’s chief of ground transport, Jai McDermott, confirmed the airport has a commercial arrangement with Uber.

But he says the changes will better serve customers.

“The decision to relocate Uber from lane three over to the curbside has really been driven by sheer weight of numbers,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“Uber now accounts for 27 per cent of all commercial pick ups … that’s actually against 22 per cent for taxis currently.”

Mr McDermott denies the changes will make it difficult for disabled passengers to travel.

“If you are in a non-collapsible wheelchair then you’re able to access a concierge service,” he said.

“Often our concierge team will take passengers to a taxi, sometimes they’ll take them to a ride share … sometimes they’ll also take them to a private car.

“It’s not right to say that people with disabilities are not supported at the airport.”

Press PLAY below to hear the chief of ground transport’s response to Rod Barton

Image: 9News