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Uber: Surge Pricing Is 'Here To Stay'
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Dec 23, 2013
Modified Dec 23, 2013
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Dec 23, 2013
Modified Dec 23, 2013
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After a week that saw intense consumer backlash against Uber, the taxi App that raised its prices more than eight times the normal rate during a snow storm, the company had one message for its drivers: "We're not going to stop surge pricing because of a few news articles :) It's here to stay."
The message said:
"UBER MSG: New Year's Eve is coming up! Remember, New Year's is Uber's biggest night of the year. Mark your calendar for big $$$ and more surge fares up to 8X!!
Thanks for this - We're not going to stop surge pricing because of a few news articles : ) It's here to stay."
So Uber won't be deterred by a few news articles. But will it be deterred by passengers flipping out over hundreds of dollars spent on a fifteen minute car ride? No, no, definitely not. Right now Uber wants to get as many drivers on the street as possible. Once that happens, surge pricing will go down. Until then, wealthy people get stiffed. Poorer people, maybe take the train?
Tagged
capitalism
nyc
nye
taxi
uber
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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