Uber have been accused of exploiting Londoners after raising its prices by around 300% following the tube strikes in the capital.
Fares in London almost tripled today, coming in at 2.9 times higher than the app-based taxi hire service usually charges, with the minimum fare also rising to £14.50. Uber stated that it had raised the prices due to “increased demand,” as tube staff went on strike as a result of the introduction of the 24-hour tube, with four unions having walked out as a result of the tube’s plans to make employees work seven more overnight shifts a year with no increase in their pay.
As such, many commuters had difficulties travelling today, and Uber took full advantage of this. While the company has always noted how it is clear to its customers about increases in its price, many are still pointing at this as an example of the company profiteering and fuel for minicabs, which have suffered the most from the rise of Uber as fare prices on the whole have been driven down in order for them to compete.
Speaking to the Guardian, Steve McNamara, head of the London Taxi Drivers Association, said: “[Uber] exploits its drivers, forcing many to survive on less than minimum wage and when they can they exploit their customers, seizing on other people’s misery to make more money. If they achieve their goal of market domination by forcing their competitors out of the market … today’s prices and experiences will become the norm.”
Traffic in London has swelled due to the tube strike, the biggest London Underground strike in 13 years. Due to Uber drivers operating under a “first come, first serve” basis, the company have stated that they’ve increased their prices in order to encourage more drivers to pick up passengers. We’re not sure that explanation will please the passengers while they’re being asked to pay £60 for their journey to work, though.
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