Uber offers free rides after backlash over surge pricing during Sydney siege | Technology | The GuardianUber offers free rides after backlash over surge pricing during Sydney siege | Technology | The Guardian










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Technology



Uber offers free rides after backlash over surge pricing during Sydney siege









The company offered free rides in Sydney after widespread outrage from its customers based in Australia and worldwide when it emerged fares had increased to four times the usual rate

Sydney siege: follow our live coverage


















Uber attracted outrage from its users after introducing surge pricing during the ongoing Sydney hostage crisis. Photograph: Sergio Perez/Reuters




Elena Cresci






@elenacresci





Monday 15 December 2014 06.28 EST







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Uber faced a backlash on social media after the taxi service’s fares out of Sydney’s Central Business District during the armed hostage crisis were increased for a short amount of time.
Screenshots sent to Mashable showed prices at four times the usual rate – meaning a minimum fare of $100. Other social media users shared screenshots of expensive fare estimates for specific journeys:



Fares increase on Uber when there is a high demand and the company has previously said it would cap fares during “disasters and relevant states of emergency” in America. 
In an initial statement, Uber claimed they were following this same process and confirmed the fare increase via their Twitter account:


— Uber Sydney (@Uber_Sydney)
December 15, 2014
We are all concerned with events in CBD. Fares have increased to encourage more drivers to come online & pick up passengers in the area.



They were met with almost universal disapproval:


— Andy Carvin (@acarvin)
December 15, 2014
Classy. MT @Uber_Sydney We are all concerned with events in CBD. Fares have increased to encourage more drivers to come online...





— Lewis Henshall (@ljhenshall)
December 15, 2014
Despicable @Uber_Sydney. Have you never heard of corporate responsibility?





— Katie Schenkel (@JustPlainTweets)
December 15, 2014
@Uber_Sydney Well, you've given me yet another reason not to use Uber in my own country.



Shortly after the backlash commenced, Uber reversed its position and tweeted that it would be offering free travel out of the district. They also offered refunds to all people who travelled during the time surge pricing was in place.


— Uber Sydney (@Uber_Sydney)
December 15, 2014
Uber rides out of the CBD today are free for all riders to help Sydneysiders get home safely. See http://t.co/UIwoom25Bm for more info.





— Marc Forrest (@MarcForrest)
December 15, 2014
Good job @Uber_Sydney for making all trips out of the city free today. Here’s hoping everyone gets home safely! pic.twitter.com/r6cbbHv4dv



In a statement, Uber said:

We are all concerned with the events happening in Sydney.
Uber Sydney will be providing free rides out of the CBD to help Sydneysiders get home safely.
Our thoughts are with those affected and the NSW Police Force.
We are in the process of refunding rides. If you have been charged during these hours leaving the CBD please email supportsydney@uber.com.
Please note that surge pricing only remains in place to encourage more drivers to come online and pick up passengers from the area.
Updates will follow on Twitter – @Uber_Sydney




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Uber








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Eleanor Robertson




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