In April 2014, when the ride share mobile app launched in Tampa Bay, Uber Technologies Inc. lured many drivers into the TNC market with inciting earnings as high as $35 per hour. By July 2014, drivers on the UberX platform were earning $1.50 per mile (30% cheaper than cabs) and surges were minimal. By October 2014, the rate slipped to $1.20/mile (40% less than cabs). A year after launching the rate was set to $1.00 per mile, then $0.95/mile. Many drivers felt secure with Uber's commitment and in a show of mutuality, they invested by upgrading their vehicles feeling secure that the floor for rates had been reached.

January 9, 2016 Uber, unexpectedly (and virtually unannounced), reduced UberX fares to a new low of $0.65/mile. This dramatically reduces earnings for drivers that still have to pay 20% commission back to Uber Technologies, Inc.