Uber riders in New York City can finally say goodbye to fare estimates that can often mislead commuters. Recently, the ride sharing app launched a pricing scheme that will give users the exact amount before accepting the service. This is a good development for the Big Apple riders since the estimates before are usually only half of the total cost.
Uber's upfront fares scheme is not the first time in New York City. A pilot group has been testing the new feature before the full blast roll out last Thursday. Riders are will no longer be surprised for additional charges except when the driver is made to wait for more than two minutes on the pickup location. Surge pricing may still happen, though especially during seasons when there is a high demand. However, riders will be notified with a message informing them that fares have increased. When riders change their pickup or drop off points, the pricing will then be reverted to the standard time and distance.
In the Uber newsroom, New York City riders are instructed on how to request for the services to get a receipt of the upfront fare. Fare calculations have not actually changed. The company is still considering the distance, expected time of travel due to traffic and how many drivers and riders are in the vicinity. The only difference this time is that riders know the fares upfront before they accept the service.
However, not everyone is pleased with the app that Uber is using to calculate the upfront fares. AFB Access World showed an app from 2014 that has only three car options, namely Uberx, black car and SUV. Recently, though, the app now lets the riders choose among 10 different rides. The app itself is making the riders confused according to some riders. In fact, one rider complained that while he availed of the upfront price, the app seemed to decide to charge him to minutes and miles fare calculation.
