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

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

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) 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) 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) Despicable @Uber_Sydney. Have you never heard of corporate responsibility?

Katie Schenkel (@JustPlainTweets) @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) 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) 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: