Is Uber Manipulating Surge Fares?: Rideshare Drivers React

[Editor’s note: Quotes are lightly edited for clarity]

Our latest episode on The Rideshare Guy! Take a listen to my latest podcast episode with David Zipper on Uber, transit, and Uber’s products for governmental transit agencies. We talk about the products Uber offers, how they fit in with transit’s goals, and how transit can better leverage the tools they have to partner, not compete, with Uber Transit. 

Want to try driving for food delivery? Deliver food with DoorDash. Diversify your income, set your own hours, and listen to your own music! You can sign up to drive with DoorDash here.

Is Uber Manipulating Surge Fares?

Over the past few weeks, Uber surge fares for drivers have drastically diminished. Some drivers began to suspect Uber was manipulating surge in order to pay drivers less or not pay them surge at all. We looked what was happening and what drivers around the country were experiencing, but needless to say: drivers were not surprised by this phenomenon.

Here’s what readers are saying:

There has been a downward trend of Uber earnings for a while now, but drivers could reasonably expect surges and other promotional pay during busy times or inclement weather. Unfortunately, that is becoming more rare, as this driver points out: 

“The most surge I saw was $3.50 on a Saturday night with snowstorm in Minneapolis.”

On the other hand, one driver shares his thoughts on the decrease in driver earnings: the pandemic has altered how many people actually request rides, so it’s time to turn to something else:

“The pandemic has taken a hit. I just turn on my Postmates app!”

Chime in on the discussion here.

Governor's Plan To Cancel Rent in California

In this video, we discussed Lyft’s wheelchair policy. Basically, drivers are required by law and by Lyft policy to transport riders who use foldable mobility devices. However, without video evidence (and sometimes even with it!) drivers can be deactivated by a passenger complaint. How do drivers feel about this policy, given that they’re not technically employees of Lyft and not all drivers’ vehicles can fit mobility devices? 

Here’s what readers are saying:

One driver overall said it’s not a big deal to take passengers who need assistance, and every passenger they have interacted with has always been helpful:

“So far in almost 6 years of driving both Uber and Lyft I haven’t had any real issues with wheelchair pax. They understand that we don’t have much experience with it and are happy to help us help them by explaining how a chair breaks down and how we can best assist them in and out of the car if needed. The few I’ve had that needed extra help in and out of the car had a nurse with them for that part. Overall it’s not a huge thing and I’m happy to help.”

Another driver had a different perspective, however, and echoed comments from other passengers regarding their own mobility issues:

“Training is a must when you are transporting people in wheelchairs. So many things could go wrong. From not using the wheel brakes correctly on the wheelchair. Or not knowing how to transfer from w/c to vehicle. Or not using a gait belt. Or both the passenger can fall and the driver can hurt their back by not standing correctly.”

Chime in on the discussion here.

The Latest on Uber and Lyft Lawsuits

Over the years, The Rideshare Guy team has covered rideshare and other gig worker lawsuits. These things take a lot of time to work through the system, from figuring out which drivers were impacted, to making arguments, and generally winding their way through the system to eventual driver payouts.

Recently, we learned of a new settlement – the Tidrick settlement. This case is for California drivers and is based on driver misclassification. While it is in early stages at the moment, we will be keeping a close eye on how it turns out. 

Here’s what readers are saying:

 In general, drivers have been confused about the lawsuit process and stymied by arbitration. According to this reader:

 “I think I am bound by the arbitration limitation (which it seems to me should be invalid) but I am curious about the process after filing a complaint with the CA Labor Commission.”

Chime in on the discussion here.

Get your Postmates sign up bonus while you can! Deliver food and more with Postmates. Right now, Postmates is offering large bonuses to new drivers, but these bonuses won't last forever! You can sign up to drive with Postmates here.