Melbourne Airport to scrap kerbside pick-up and drop-off – By Cara Waters/The Melbourne Age
Source:Theage
Travellers will no longer be able to kiss their loved ones hello or goodbye at Melbourne Airport’s terminal doors when a new pick-up and drop-off zone being built in the car park is completed.
The T123 Transport Hub will provide access to the airport terminals via a new pedestrian bridge.
“Later this year, we will be opening new pick-up and drop-off areas which represent the biggest change to the way people access Melbourne Airport in its 56-year history,” a spokesman for Melbourne Airport said.
“The days of being dropped right at the door are numbered because we need to close the current departures ramp so we can expand the international terminal.”
Passengers will have to walk between 172 and 350 metres to the terminal from the drop-off zone and between 285 and 380 metres to the pick-up zone, depending on the terminal. The existing drop-off zone for Terminal 4 will not be affected.
“A Melbourne Airport spokesman said the new pick-up and drop-off zone would be free, but drivers who overstayed the designated waiting times would be directed to the car park.
Image Source:Yeeyi
Travellers in wheelchairs or who have mobility issues will have to use the same pick-up and drop-off zones but can use the Melbourne Airport assist program for free transfers in buggies or powered wheelchairs between 6am and 10pm.
The new transport hub will also be used by taxis and ride-share providers for drop-offs. Taxi and ride-share pick-up will remain in the airport’s forecourt.
A spokeswoman for 13cabs said the new arrangements would deliver a better experience for passengers by reducing congestion and making vehicle movement more efficient.
“For taxi users, that should translate into smoother operations and faster pick-up times, which is ultimately what matters most,” she said.
Growing passenger numbers, predicted to double by 2038 to 68 million, and traffic congestion at the airport have prompted the change, which is set to be implemented which is set to be implemented in spring.
“Passengers will have to walk between 172 and 350 metres to the terminal from the drop-off zone and between 285 and 380 metres to the pick-up zone, depending on the terminal. The existing drop-off zone for Terminal 4 will not be affected.
Growing passenger numbers, predicted to double by 2038 to 68 million, and traffic congestion at the airport have prompted the change,
However, travellers are concerned it will make it more difficult to access the airport and to welcome and farewell family and friends.
Arjun Mohan was at the airport to drop off his partner, Malini V, for her flight to India this week and took their dog Furphy along for the farewell.
Mohan was surprised to hear of the change and said he did not understand why the airport would move to end drop-offs and pick-ups at the terminal doors.
“Of course, we would like to drop off our loved ones near the terminal,” Mohan said. “Why would we want them to walk all the way?”
