Calls for taxis have risen in the UK by almost 20%
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Uber is set to increase its base pricing by 10% in London with the aim of luring drivers back onto the platform.
This will be the platform’s first rise in base pricing for London since 2017.
The price hike will mean Londoners pay more for all journeys, with the minimum fare increasing from £5 to £5.50.
Journeys to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton will face even higher rates, with airport fares rising by 15% at peak times on top of the 10% base rise.
The taxi service has said the new rates will be introduced on Thursday in order to avoid “surge pricing”, which is when a journey suddenly increases in prices due to a shortage of drivers.
The rise in base fares has come in response to fewer drivers returning to the app following the beginning of the pandemic, as well as higher demand from customers.
A spokesperson for Uber said the changes will “help provide a better rider experience by signing up more drivers to meet the growing demand.”
Individuals and organisations have expressed concerns over the impact this change will have on safety of women when travelling home in the capital.
Non-profit, Home Safe London, has arranged an initiative to help women travel home safely by contributing toward Uber fares.
The platform was announced in early November and will be officially launched 1st December this year.
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HeadlineUber raises London fare prices to encourage drivers back to service
Short HeadlineUber raises London prices
StandfirstIt is the first time the app has raised its base pricing since 2017 with rates rising by 10%.
Uber is set to increase its base pricing by 10% in London with the aim of luring drivers back onto the platform.
This will be the platform’s first rise in base pricing for London since 2017.
The price hike will mean Londoners pay more for all journeys, with the minimum fare increasing from £5 to £5.50.
Journeys to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton will face even higher rates, with airport fares rising by 15% at peak times on top of the 10% base rise.
The taxi service has said the new rates will be introduced on Thursday in order to avoid “surge pricing”, which is when a journey suddenly increases in prices due to a shortage of drivers.
The rise in base fares has come in response to fewer drivers returning to the app following the beginning of the pandemic, as well as higher demand from customers.
A spokesperson for Uber said the changes will “help provide a better rider experience by signing up more drivers to meet the growing demand.”
Individuals and organisations have expressed concerns over the impact this change will have on safety of women when travelling home in the capital.
Non-profit, Home Safe London, has arranged an initiative to help women travel home safely by contributing toward Uber fares.
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