Freenow introduces virtual rank for black cab Heathrow Airport pickups
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Freenow has launched a new virtual queuing system at London Heathrow Airport designed to streamline pick-up procedures and reduce the need for drivers to wait in nearby residential areas.
The ‘Virtual Rank’ feature gives drivers greater clarity over job allocation by assigning trips on a first-in, first-out basis. The system has been implemented across the airport’s terminals and is live within the Freenow driver app.
Drivers entering the designated rank area for a specific terminal are prompted by the app to join the queue. Once joined, the app shows their position in the queue and how many other drivers are ahead. When a job becomes available, it is sent to the driver at the top of the list. They have ten seconds to accept the job before being placed at the back of the queue.
Each terminal at Heathrow has its own dedicated virtual rank. Drivers only receive job offers from the terminal they have queued for and must remain within the geo-fenced area to stay in line. Leaving the designated zone or declining a booking request will result in losing queue position.
Freenow has also reminded drivers that the virtual queue system does not apply to prebooked jobs. These continue to be handled separately and are not influenced by the Virtual Rank.
This digital approach is also intended to reduce unauthorised waiting on residential streets surrounding the airport. Hillingdon Council has approved enforcement measures targeting such activity, with fixed penalties of £100 in place for vehicles parked in restricted areas near Heathrow.
To access the Virtual Rank, drivers must use the latest version of the Freenow app. Job offers will only be issued once a driver enters and remains in the assigned zone.
The company is advising drivers to only head to the airport’s Short Stay car park once they have accepted a job and are ready to collect a passenger.
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