Online car service Uber on Monday offered free rides from Sydney's central business district following a public backlash over an initial surge in prices amid a hostage drama in a city cafe. Fares on the U.S.-based company's booking app initially rose to a minimum fee of A$100 ($82) for pickups near the siege, more than four times the fare before the drama unfolded. The price hike was a result of the company's controversial automatic surge pricing.

An armed assailant was holding an unknown number of hostages inside a central Sydney cafe on Monday, police said, with local television showing some being forced to hold up a black flag with white Arabic writing in the window. Sydney's public transport system was under pressure because of the siege as several businesses in the city, including major banks, evacuated offices and sent employees home. When first challenged about the increase, Uber tweeted from its official account: "We are all concerned with events in CBD. Fares have increased to encourage more drivers to come online and pick up passengers in the area." An hour later, after a flurry of critical tweets, Uber said trips from the central business district would be free.

SOCIAL

Uber Sydney trips from CBD will be free for riders. Higher rates are still in place to encourage drivers to get into the CBD. — 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. — Uber Sydney (@Uber_Sydney) December 15, 2014

— Reuters