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No Phone Needed: Uber Is Testing Rider Kiosks at Toronto Airport

Aug. 24, 2019
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3 min read
Screenshot 2019-08-24 09.55.43
No Phone Needed: Uber Is Testing Rider Kiosks at Toronto Airport
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Arriving passengers traveling through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) now have the option to request an Uber ride without the need for a smartphone or personal device. This past week, a developer at Uber shared images via Twitter that show new rider kiosks at the airport.

Previously, to request a ride, users were required to do so via the Uber app on their smartphones. While extremely convenient in most cases, Uber is essentially unavailable to users who aren't able to access their device or are without cellular/Wi-Fi data. Now, Uber is working to address the limitations of its app-based business model by testing kiosks from which a customer can request a ride without the need for a personal device.

Two of Uber's new rider kiosks have been installed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. According to one of the project's developers, the kiosks serve two purposes: to inform and assist riders that already have access to an account via a personal device, and the ability to request a ride without the need for a personal device.

Existing Uber riders with access to their account from a personal device can use the kiosks to find out more information about their ride, including the location of ride-share pickup zones at the airport. Uber already operates a mini-lounge for riders at New York-LaGuardia Airport that offers a similar service to riders.

Travelers can now request Uber rides at kiosks located at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (Image via Nikita S @singareddynm on Twitter)

The most significant feature of Uber's new airport kiosks is the ability to request a ride without the need for a personal device. This is great news for travelers who are unable to access their personal device or mobile network. Additionally, travelers without an Uber account are able to request a ride from the kiosks by providing simple contact details and basic info including their name, a phone number, and their destination. Payments are also handled at the kiosks.

The design of the new Uber kiosks currently in testing at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). (Image via Jon Kantrowitz via Twitter)

The Uber ride kiosks are only available at Toronto Pearson International Airport at the moment. The kiosks are located in Terminal 3 near international arrivals. This isn't the first test program Uber's conducted at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Last year Uber tested the option to have UberEATS delivered directly to passenger gates at the airport.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.