Originally Posted by
UberDriver
Uber has publicly stated that 'Surge is broken' and they desire to end it. Simply because many riders do not like it.
In my opinion, if Uber/Lyft would just charge 75% of that areas Taxi rate (no surge except late-late hours) I think the majority of drivers and passengers would be happier.
I actually don't mind surge pricing...I'd rather have the choice to pay it than for the option to not exist and not be able to get a ride. I'll often pay a bit over the taxi meter rate because Uber/Lyft is more convenient. (Full disclosure: my exposure to surge pricing tends to be short rush-hour rides in the 2x range. I've never needed to Uber home from Times Square on New Year's Eve.
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Uber thinks they can get rid of surge with predictive analytics. That's great if they can find ways to nudge drivers to the right places at the right times, but when/if that fails, I hope they keep surge as a final backstop to ensure people who most urgently need rides can get them.
Which would you hate worse? A surge factor or a "no cars available" message?