While Uber surge pricing will come as no surprise to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve revellers, the ride share giant has warned the increased cost will also apply to it’s lesser known taxi partnership.
UberTAXI, which operates out of the Uber phone app and is normally restricted from charging more in peak periods, is now allowed to utilise surge pricing.
The service is used by licensed taxi drivers when they can’t get conventional fares, but generally costs slightly more than a regular Uber.
Uber has warned customers travelling home via its UberTAXI service this New Years should prepare to face new surged fares
Regulatory reform in NSW means the taxi function has been allowed to apply surge pricing to customers since December 1.
The introduction of surge pricing to UberTAXI was aimed to encourage more cab drivers to use the app over the New Year’s period, an Uber spokesman told AAP.
Ability to charge customers using UberTAXI ‘dynamically’ would give drivers more options during peak demand period over the festive season, according to the spokesman.
The service will also serve to provide more options for people struggling to find a ride home after a long night of celebrating.
Regulatory reform in NSW means the taxi function has been allowed to apply surge pricing to customers since December 1, allowing it to charge
Generally UberTAXI riders pay a normal metered taxicab rate plus additional booking fees, with all payments processed through the phone app.
Now, however, fares will fluctuate in busy periods in the same way to the brand’s more popular – and cheaper – service, UberX.
Matthew Wing from Uber told Daily Mail Australia he was still expecting to see people choosing the traditional Uber ride for their journey home on the weekend.
He encouraged partygoers to observe the company’s tips on getting home in the safest and most economical way possible.
UberTAXI, which operates out of the Uber phone app and is normally restricted from charging more in peak periods, is now allowed to utilise surge pricing
Advice from the ride sharer included checking the fare before riding, waiting a few minutes, and sharing with friends.
More than a million people are expected to pack Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve for the city’s iconic fireworks display.
Uber prices are expected to be highest between midnight and 3am, according to the company.