Uber’s New Year’s Eve surge pricing outrages passengers worldwide

In the days before New Year’s Eve, Uber tweeted out several times that the prices for using its services would rise in hot spot areas such as Los Angeles.

Despite multiple warnings, though, customers were still surprised and outraged, tweeting out their complaints about the price surge.

“Thanks @Uber for making my first purchase of 2016 one my bank account will never forget. #ubersurge,” tweeted one customer.

“Uber Surge pricing was insane last night! I think people forgot regular taxis exist,” tweeted another, referencing the fact that taxis in Los Angeles are not allowed to participate in surge pricing, though the rule does not apply to Uber.

Uber, for its part, posted warnings telling people to carpool and otherwise pool their money prior to the price surge, saying on its website, “Surge pricing shouldn’t be a surprise!”

Last night I paid $83 for a 5 minute uber ride… What is the world coming to — Riley Tegtmeyer (@RileyTeg) January 1, 2016

So @Uber charge me $97 to go 2 miles last night. This type of price gouging has to be illegal. #BoycottUber @DLew716 — James St Patrick (@JimmyQuetron) January 1, 2016

https://twitter.com/Tpindell/status/682774837681598464

9.9x Uber surge here in Miami Beach right now… highest I've ever seen pic.twitter.com/oX0ZxftfI7 — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 1, 2016