Melbourne taxi drivers have blockaded the Melbourne Airport's main forecourt to protest the lifted ban on UberX pick-ups.
Disgruntled taxi drivers have blocked roads leading to the airport and stopped picking up passengers about 9.30pm on Tuesday night, leaving travellers to take buses into the city.
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Taxi protest sparks chaos at Melbourne Airport
Taxi drivers blocked the road into the airport on Tuesday night, protesting the move to allow UberX to operate inside the airport.
The protest comes just 12 hours before UberX is scheduled to begin operating at the airport.
Angry passengers took to social media to vent their frustration at the delays, with one commuter claiming he caught a taxi, whose driver demanded the fare upfront, only to be dropped on the roadside one kilometre from the airport.
Other commuters have likened the chaotic scenes at the airport to a game of "taxi roulette".
When I finally got a taxi, he demanded cash, upfront prepayment... then dumped me on the roadside 1km from the airport. #Melbourne
— Kohan Ikin (@syneryder) August 15, 2017
It's a game of Taxi Roulette at Melbourne Airport tonight with protest against Uber - always the innocent travellers affected!
— Claire R (@Kandi_Queen) August 15, 2017
Sign of things to come at @Melair - brought to you by @JacintaAllanMP and @VicGovAu pic.twitter.com/jnO1XRnka3
— Melbourne Driver (@nicerride) August 15, 2017
The introduction of the Uber wait zone at Melbourne Airport comes after a bill was passed in State Parliament last week changing the registration system for commercial passenger vehicles.
New regulations enforced on Wednesday mean passengers at terminals T1, T2 and T3 will be able to use an UberX pick-up zone at Lane 1 of the main terminal forecourt.
Taxis have blockaded the airport’s main forecourt. Our advice to passengers online: https://t.co/2B6yar8RMZ
— Melbourne Airport (@Melair) August 15, 2017
Melbourne Airport said in a statement arriving passengers are able to catch a SkyBus service to the city free of charge.
Messy traffic at Melbourne Airport with taxis staging protect blockade - more to come pic.twitter.com/iS35EDGZh5
— Brian Wilson (@ietsystems) August 15, 2017
The airport also urged passengers catching departing flights on Tuesday evening to head to the airport earlier than planned to allow for any delays on the roads into the terminal.
Thanks to the Skybus free service tonight! Taxis are planning blockade that too - heard from taxi driver in the city! #melbourneairport
— Racquel (@Racquello) August 15, 2017
"Anyone who's expecting to pick up an arriving passenger tonight first check the Melbourne Airport website to see the most up to date flight information," the statement said.
In a Facebook post, the Victorian Hire Car Association said the protest was a result of the state government's lack of "genuine stakeholder engagement".
Earlier on Tuesday, head of parking at the airport, Lorie Argus, welcomed the Uber wait zone.
"Through expanding our transport offering we're giving our travellers more choice and flexibility," Mr Argus said.
Chief executive of Victorian Taxi Association, Georgia Nicholls, also said she was confident that passengers "will continue to grab a taxi from the airport".
"We understand ride-sharing providers will be charged for access in a similar way that taxis are and welcome this equality for commercial providers.
"With the prominent kerb-side location of taxis, we're confident passengers will continue to grab a taxi from the airport."
Uber and the Victorian Hire Car Association have all been contacted for comment.