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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Technology
Penry Buckley

Fare game: what the battle between taxis and Uber means for your airport trip in Sydney and Melbourne

Taxi cabs with Uber in a rear-view mirror
The majority of passengers paying for fares from Sydney and Melbourne airport now use Uber rides – a reversal of the situation a mere five years ago, when taxis were dominant. Composite: Getty/AAP

By the time you’ve exited the plane, edged through passport control and endured the baggage claim wait, your only thought may be of home or a hotel bed. But passengers at Australia’s major airports have recently noticed some changes as they contemplate the final leg of their journey.

Since Friday, in a bid to deter illegal touts, a new taxi booking trial at Melbourne airport has allowed some passengers to pay a fixed fare upfront. And next month, Sydney airport will begin its own one-year trial of a $60 flat fare for the 13km journey to the CBD.

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