Uber has informed drivers via email that from next week, all airport trip requests at Manchester Airport (MAN) will be handled through Trip Radar, except for Rematch trips. According to the driver communication, this change is intended to match PHV drivers with airport jobs more quickly, reduce time spent waiting in the holding area, and lower rider wait times.
The email explains that drivers in the Manchester Airport PHV queue will now see trip offers on Trip Radar rather than receiving automatic assignments. Rematch trips remain unaffected and will still work normally.
DM News Commentary
This is a significant shift for Manchester Airport drivers — and honestly, it feels like Uber is slowly moving airports towards a more “open-market” bidding system rather than a strict queue.
A few key points jump out:
1. Queue position still matters — but only if multiple drivers ‘Match’
Uber’s email says that if several drivers tap Match, the driver closest to the front of the queue will get the job. So tapping first doesn’t guarantee anything — your queue slot still decides the final match.
But… jobs are now being shown to several drivers at once, meaning even drivers further back can try to match. That’s a big change. It makes the airport more competitive and reduces the old “first in, first out” feeling.
2. Drivers can now see more jobs at once
Because Trip Radar shows multiple offers, drivers can pick jobs they prefer — distance, destination, or surge. Uber says you’ll also get more chances to ignore or decline without being thrown to the back of the queue.
That sounds good on paper… but it also means drivers might start cherry-picking more aggressively, creating possible delays for less popular destinations.
3. Exclusive trips and Rematch still exist
Rematch will continue and drivers may still see exclusive offers (such as trips from outside the airport boundary). These will not appear to other drivers, and accepting them guarantees the match.
So while Trip Radar makes airports more open, Rematch still acts as a “fast lane” for eligible drivers.
4. This could change how drivers behave at MAN
Airport queues are already heated. Some drivers prefer long waits for high-value jobs; others want quick turnaround. Trip Radar might benefit those who actively check their phone and pick strategically — but some will feel it undermines the fairness of the queue system entirely.
Expect mixed reactions in the Manchester driver community over the next few weeks.
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