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Something tells me there's a lot more Surge Pricing in our futures. And just when you thought the modifiers were high enough, or that surge hours already have b

Something tells me there's a lot more Surge Pricing in our futures. And just when you thought the modifiers were high enough, or that surge hours already have become any-waking-hours... Rather than the bait and switch, why not just raise the price rather than feign at lowering it? Kill the lie that the Surge Pricing brand has become. Just be honest.

collyw 12y ago
"How big data will improve our lives".
travisp 12y ago
This must depend on the city or your typical usage. I'm not a daily Uber user here in NYC (I commute by subway as most sane people do), but I'm not an infrequent user either (particularly on weekends or evenings with my family). I haven't paid surge since February 2014 (apparently on Valentine's Day), and I can't remember the last time I saw surge pricing, although it looks like twice I paid more and used regular Uber instead of UberX because there weren't enough UberXs available and I was in a hurry for appointments. I don't see any reason to see surge pricing as "bait and switch," although I'd be open to seeing some actual data that backs this up.
- bradleyankrom 12y ago
  I don't see it as bait-and-switch, either. Uber makes it clear when the ride you're considering will be subject to surge pricing, and it's very easy to abandon the reservation at that stage. I can't think of a time (in NYC) that I've seen surge pricing and been surprised, it's always been during inclement weather or peak times (e.g., Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve).
  - smackfu 12y ago
    Yeah, I've seen what happens to taxis when there is no surge pricing. The dispatchers don't even pick up the phone if you call for a pickup, because there's enough business that they don't want to waste a taxi's time driving to pick you up. Not exactly an improvement.