Uber blasted for “ridiculous” Christmas price surges
Various reports from around the globe are slamming Uber today, as customers experience seemingly over-the-top Christmas price surges. However, Uber remains defiant, stating that customers can and should check prices before confirming a booking. As previously reported, Uber uses surge pricing when its algorithm detects high demand within an area. Temporary price hikes are supposed to tempt more drivers into the area and also encourage passengers to wait until demand subsides. However, such surges are clearly more prevalent this time of year, with reports coming in from as far afield as Melbourne and Delhi of disgruntled customers paying up to 250% over their usual fare price.

Catching a ride home during the silly season is notoriously difficult, and now some Uber riders are finding it surprisingly expensive.

Many new and experienced Uber passengers remain unaware of the app's surge-pricing policy, with some left paying more for a ride home than it would have cost to stay in a hotel.

Delay your trip until the surge has passed.

The ride-sharing app uses surge pricing when its algorithm detects high demand within an area. Temporary price hikes are supposed to tempt more drivers into the area and also encourage passengers to wait until demand subsides.

But even though passengers receive a warning when surge pricing is in place, some have found it difficult to work out what this means in dollar terms, or claim to have had no warning at all.