I used to be a quiet person, who never complained. If someone bumped into me on the street, I let it go. If I was overcharged by a few cents for something, I didn’t make a fuss. As I grow older, my tolerance grows smaller and smaller. Things are different now. I have reached that stage in my life, where I put up with less and less. I speak up more. When I have a problem with a company, I complain. Uber is one of those companies.

I take an Uber to and from work four to five days a week. The same 3.8 miles to and from. I usually pay between $9 and $11. Lately, I’ve been paying $12 or more per trip. I’ve spent $23 and $26 on a single ride, and that’s just ridiculous. When I contacted Uber about this (via Twitter), their reason was because “it’s busier than usual, and the higher fare is an incentive to get more drivers on the road”. Bullocks. Drivers signed up to drive with Uber; that’s what they’re being PAID to do. Why should the extra incentive come out of a customer’s pocket? Especially during a pandemic, when most people are either not working or just getting back to work?

I sent Uber a letter. I also sent a letter to the FTC, or Federal Trade Commission. As far as I’m concerned, this is price gouging. Yesterday, I received an email from Uber. Their rewards for Platinum riders is changing: there is now a flat rate for rides to the most frequent destinations. So, now I’m only paying $10.49 to get to work or to get home.

Now, I’m not taking credit for this change. But I’m sure I’m not the only customer who was having this problem, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who spoke up. But this is my point: you HAVE to speak up. I believe Uber implemented this change after receiving many complaints, not just mine. This is what happens when you speak up.