Uber’s new upfront fares system in Southeast Asia proves unpopular
Uber launched a new upfront fares system in Southeast Asia last week, which shows exactly how much riders will have to pay even before the journey begins. However, many local Uber users have complained on the ride-hail firm’s local Facebook page that the new system lacks transparency and has resulted in an increase in prices. Riders have bemoaned the fact that they are no longer told about surge pricing, meaning they have no basis for comparison, and some users have complained that their regular trips to work have almost doubled.

It is touted to be "clearer and simpler", but Uber's new fare system has drawn brickbats instead.

The new upfront fare system shows users the exact amount they have to pay even before they take a ride. It replaces one in which users are given a fare estimate and a surcharge, or surge pricing, that they have to pay when there is increased demand for the service.

Since the new system kicked in last Wednesday for the popular UberX service, a private-car hire service, many have gone to the start-up's local Facebook page to complain about a lack of transparency in fares and a rise in prices.

Mr Eric Teo, 41, a former equity analyst, said: "Previously, I would be told if the fares are 1.3 or 1.5 times more, but now I have no basis for comparison as to how much a trip actually costs without the surcharge. It lacks transparency."

However, Uber's head of communications for Singapore and Malaysia Leigh Wong told The Straits Times on Monday that riders now have "better clarity" on the fare they need to pay before they confirm their trips.

"Upfront fares take into account all the factors that typically affect the price of a trip, including the expected time, distance and traffic, tolls, how many other riders are requesting rides at that time, and how many drivers are nearby," he said.