TfL Tube strike 2015: Uber surge pricing triples fares as travellers face transport chaos
The price of getting an Uber has rocketed as London's Tube network was brought to a standstill by strike action.
The ride-booking app introduces surge pricing during times of high demand, and the basic fare increased as much as 2.9 times the cost on an average day after the strike began during yesterday evening's rush hour.
Fares have fluctuated however, with prices falling to 2.2 times and 1.3 times the usual price throughout the morning for a standard UberX.
Uber has suggested passengers share the cost of a cab to avoid the additional cost.
There are a whole three seats going spare if it’s just you and your driver travelling. Organise to share an Uber with a friend or a colleague heading in the same direction – you can split the fare in-app and you’ll be freeing up a car for another commuter. It’s win-win!
The service advised that the busiest areas in the morning are residential areas, including Kensington and Chelsea, Clapham, Fulham and Battersea, as well as the major train stations in the capital. The Tube was expected to remain disrupted into Friday morning.
Demand during the evening rush hour was expected to be centred on Soho, Mayfair, the City, Clerkenwell and Canary Wharf.
Many Uber users weren't impressed by the hiked fares.
@Uber I don't really see how you are keeping london moving with such high fares…. #KeepLondonMoving … Yeah righ! pic.twitter.com/pLjr6i5rZM
— MadKay (@MadisonKayLtd) July 9, 2015
#TubeStrike = my most expensive @Uber fare ever. #KeepLondonMoving
— Carolina Knox (@tantundem) July 9, 2015
Although others pointed out that it demonstrates the on-demand economy in action.
Don't understand why people are complaining about Uber charging x3 fare – it works on supply and demand. Not rocket science…
— Laura Bevan (@l_bevs) July 9, 2015
Demand based economy in full effect – @Uber cost me 2.9 times the normal fare this morning – #feelingpoor
— Debbie Wosskow (@DebbieWossk) July 9, 2015