http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-16/taxi-drivers-uber-protest-at-melbourne-air...Melbourne taxis warn of more Uber protests at Tullamarine Airport
Taxi drivers are threatening to hold more protests at Melbourne Airport, after about 150 taxi drivers blockaded the main entrance overnight to protest against Uber winning the right to offer rides from the airport.
Airport authorities urged passengers to arrive early for their morning flights but there has been no major disruptions today.
The drivers blockaded the main entrance to the terminals on Tuesday night, with police issuing a number of infringement notices.
Two taxis were towed, police said.
The disruption prompted the airport to offer free rides on its shuttle bus service for affected passengers.
As of today, Uber drivers are formally allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport. Previously they had parked nearby and waited for bookings.
Under new laws, Uber drivers must wait for a booking and cannot be hailed.
Taxi drivers have warned they might hold further protests against the new Uber rank.
Nina Massara, a taxi licence holder and part of the Victorian Taxi and Hire Car Families group, told ABC Radio Melbourne that Uber drivers were already "smudging the lines" of the new legislation.
"It appears for all intents and purposes they've already stretched the legislation … that's only been in force for a few days, which clearly states that rank and hail work is the clear purview of taxis," she said.
"Uber drivers have been habitually flouting the regulations since day dot, in fact they've been very openly and flagrantly thumbing their noses."
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the taxi drivers were being irresponsible.
"It causes great frustration for those passengers who have their journey delayed, and after a long journey you just want to get home," she said.
"This sort of behaviour will only drive frustrated and angry passengers to the very competition these people are protesting about."
Taxi drivers fighting Uber legalisation
Taxi and hire care drivers have been furious with the Victorian Government's moves to legalise the ride-sharing service Uber.
The Government is also overhauling the industry, abolishing taxi licences and introducing a single scheme for taxis, hire cars and ride-booking services.
Uber users will be slugged a $1 levy per trip to help compensate.
Taxi drivers have held a number of protest against the changes, including trying to storm State Parliament and holding go-slow processions along busy roads.
Ms Allan said the changes being introduced were fair to drivers.
"We know the taxi industry is going through a transition, that's why we've put in place the most generous transition support scheme of any state and this sort of behaviour does not advance their cause," she said.
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