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Posted on the 11th December 2025 in PHTM News

UBER UNVEILS PHONE FREE AIRPORT KIOSKS REVIVING TAXI LINE FAMILIARITY

Uber has announced a plan to install phone-free ride-booking kiosks at major travel hubs, beginning with LaGuardia Airport's Terminal C in New York City.

The kiosks, set for a broader rollout at hotels, ports, and international airports, are specifically designed to serve international visitors arriving without local U.S. mobile data plans.

The new system allows travellers to "simply walk up to the kiosk, enter your destination, then choose your ride type," receiving a printed receipt with trip details.

Uber described the concept as "perfect for international visitors arriving without a local data plan," noting that the kiosks recreate the familiarity of a traditional taxi line while maintaining modern conveniences.

A company spokesperson told Bloomberg that major upcoming global events, such as the World Cup, present a "strong opportunity" for Uber to expand its services, anticipating a surge in international tourism. Uber will initially own and maintain the kiosks, though the operational model may evolve.

Alongside the kiosk launch, Uber introduced several other updates ahead of the busy holiday season:

  • Shuttle Service Expansion: The Uber Shuttle service has now launched at Newark Liberty International Airport, completing coverage across all three major New York City-area airports (LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark).

  • Easier Tipping: An update is rolling out in the USA that allows riders to tip drivers directly from their phone’s lock screen before the trip ends. Uber stated that this change has already boosted tipping in pilot tests, noting, "With tipping now just a tap away, more riders can show appreciation in the moment – early pilots showing that this simple change has increased tips for drivers."

  • Autonomous Taxi Plans: Earlier this year, Uber announced plans to launch its first autonomous taxi in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026. The robotaxi, developed in partnership with Lucid and Nuro and based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, is expected to deploy in more cities soon after. The company anticipates deploying more than 20,000 autonomous vehicles within six years.

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