Residents in a bunch of Sydney suburbs are set to cop a permanent increase in Uber fares as drivers for the ride-share giant succumb to soaring petrol prices. Time to get those steps up, I guess?
The news comes as fuel prices hit a national average of over $2 per litre due to the crisis in the Middle East, with the on-flow costs now reaching your fares as Uber has pledged support to drivers needing full petrol tanks.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the price increase came into effect this week after Uber drivers expressed concerns about stagnant wages despite rising petrol costs, with the company announcing an overhaul of its fee structure to compensate.
In a statement to PEDESTRIAN.TV, and Uber spokesperson said: “we regularly review our fares to ensure we’re striking the right balance between supporting strong earning opportunities for driver partners while continuing to offer reliable, affordable options for riders.
“This week, we will be updating Uber fares which will increase driver earnings by an average of six per cent across Australia. These changes build on work already underway and reflect our ongoing commitment to better supporting driver earnings over time.
“We know operating costs, including fuel, remain front of mind for many driver partners, making continued support more important than ever,” the spokesperson added.
Rival ride-share giant DiDi introduced its own changes this week, announcing a temporary five cent per kilometre fuel levy that will be passed onto drivers in its entirety. But unlike DiDi, Uber said its price increases will be permanent.
While Uber did not get into specifics about its fee changes in its announcement, the SMH reports that increases will apply to short trips across all of Sydney, while certain areas will be subject to higher fees.
It’s bad news for the eastern suburbs, with passengers set to cop higher fares for trips starting in Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Bondi, Kensington, Kingsford, Coogee and Maroubra.
The North Shore also isn’t spared, with suburbs such as Mosman, Manly, Northbridge, Chatswood, Killara and Pymble also being hit with higher fares.
Across the board, minimum fares will also be increased to $11, per the SMH. The outlet reported that it had seen emails confirming the price hikes, sent by Uber to its drivers.
“We know the cost of driving has increased and understand the pressure many of you have been under, particularly in recent weeks,” the emails reportedly read. “Earn more in certain areas across Sydney. Fares are increasing across Sydney.”
Motorists across the country are already bracing themselves at the bowser, even as the government has assured drivers that fuel reserves are stable and warned against panic-buying.
Now with an added ride-share cost, I say it’s time we all whip out those bikes we had in primary school.
Lead images: Getty
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