Uber Opposes Regulator Move For Boosting Fares Amid Driver Crisis, Surging Costs

  • Uber Technologies, Inc UBER prosecuted the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) for approving a fare hike for ride-hail apps and taxi drivers amid driver shortage, rising operational costs, and higher inflation. 
  • Uber aimed to prevent an increase in rates it must pay drivers in NYC by December 19, TechCrunch reports.
  • TLC voted to increase the per-minute rates of ride-hail drivers by 7.42% and per-mile rates by 23.93% to attract more drivers to cater to the post-pandemic increasing demand.
  • Also Read: California Dumps Lyft-Backed Proposal to Tax Rich For EVs And Green Initiatives
  • Uber called the increases "dramatic, unprecedented and unsupported hikes," noting that earlier fare increases ranged from 1.46% to 5.34% and reflected inflation.
  • Uber said the rule would force Uber to spend an additional $21 million to $23 million per month, a cost from which the company could not recover. 
  • Uber could alternatively offset the additional payments by increasing rider fares. However, the hike would result in a 10% increase for riders, which would depress the number of rides requested through the Uber platform. 
  • Uber said fewer requested rides translated into fewer opportunities for drivers' income. 
  • The Challenged Rule could very well harm driver earnings, undermining the purpose of these regulations.
  • Previously Uber appealed against California's controversial law on the employment status of gig workers.
  • Price Action: UBER shares traded higher by 0.19% at $26.60 premarket on the last check Monday.
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