Travellers using the Uber Black chauffeur drive service in Melbourne face a fare hike of up to 25% from today, with a return journey between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and the city's CBD now priced at up to $282.
The base fare has increased by 25% to $10, the per kilometre charge by 20% to $2.40 and the minimum fare by 25% to $25, while the additional per minute charge is unchanged.
In an email sent to registered Uber users, prices were increased to offer “higher vehicle standards and more cars on the road when you need them most.”
The company last raised its Melbourne Uber Black rates in November 2014 with a 60% boost to the per minute charge, while at the same time the flat $80 fares on airport trips were abolished – previously capping a return journey at $160, but which today costs in the range of $218 to $282.
On a brighter note Uber’s low-cost option UberX sees a 15% fare reduction from today as well, although these drivers aren’t able to collect passengers from Melbourne Airport.
Get a discount on your first Uber ride
If the higher Uber Black fares don’t discourage you or you're keen to try UberX, new customers in Melbourne (or anywhere else for that matter) can sign up for the service at uber.com and enter the special Australian Business Traveller promotion code of uberAusBT to get $25 off their first Uber ride.
(Disclaimer: we'll also pick up $25 of Uber credit when you take that ride, so it's a win-win.)
Read: How to get $25 off your first Uber ride
Uber doesn't actually employ the drivers or own the cars, but rather provides a go-between to link drivers who have some downtime between booked jobs with people seeking a quality ride that's a cut above a taxi.
Uber counts many business travellers among its customers, especially for these runs to and from the airport.
Read: Our review of Uber Black in Sydney
Follow Australian Business Traveller on twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - QFF Platinum
20 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
Dear Uber,
For the last 4 years my driver has charged a flat $75 in a 'Uber Black' type vehicle from inner east suburbs to Tullamarine between 5am and 12am.
I suggest you reconsider your rates, they're rising too quickly and definitely alienating a lot of clientele. Suddenly putting up with Melb taxi's is becoming bearable again.
Your UK & USA affiliates price at a much more competitive and fair rate.
Regards
Former Uber user
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2014
Total posts 122
Wow. Given how hard it is currently to get an uber in the melbourne cbd at most decent hours. I find it hard to see my self using uber in melbourne much at all. It was a tough sell for the 80$ flat rate when i could get a chauffeur for 70-80$ and i don't have to be picked up from a hotel car park or have to wait for them like i do with uber.
05 Nov 2014
Total posts 1
Wow! The hire car company I use (which accepts bookings for fixed times), charges less than this from 15K south of the city to Melbourne airport.
Qantas
22 Dec 2014
Total posts 1
Tried hard to use Uber from northern or western suburbs, the estimated fare is always more than what a standard taxi would charge you.
09 Jan 2015
Total posts 1
Hi
I used uber from Melbourne airport to cbd and cost me $98 and it was no traffic what so aver .. But now I have a personal Chauffer drive with brand new 300c Chrysler only $70 city to airport or airport to city no matter haw long the trip take at the traffic time
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 264
How was the room in the rear seats of the 300C?
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 466
Switch back to Hughes or your other legal operator now.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1251
Uber black is legal.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 466
The other option and this mostly applies if you are a Tourist to Melbourne staying in a Hotel in Town and that is Sunbus $54 return.It's the second cheapest option after Skybus if stepping into a stinky Indian Cab whose driving is very questionable and you value your life plus safety is not even an option.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
03 Oct 2014
Total posts 6
I use Omnicar to get to the airport from Altona North - $69 which seems like a pretty good deal to me. Book online, always reliabel and on time, spacious, clean cars, friendly drivers, even at ungodly early hours and I just don't have to worry. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I find Uber incredibly over-priced for what it is.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
03 Oct 2014
Total posts 6
P.S. A taxi fare from my address is around $63 anyway, so I'd much rather ride in the back of a chauffeur driven car for the extra $6.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 466
Do a shop around comparing all the operators who do chauffeur drive would be my best best.Don't just limit yourself to one operator.I would personally use Qantas Drive or Brunel Worldwide over any Uber Black operator but that is me.
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