Uber hikes fares

Uber riders may have noticed their fare costing more than usual. As of May 19, Uber increased its prices.

Spokesman for Uber Bill Gibbons said Uber prices have not increased from its standard fare. Seasonal price cuts,which were put into effect for the winter, have ended.

He said Uber made the seasonal price cuts to attract more customers and put more money in driver’s pockets.

“These lower prices help boost demand so more people are requesting more rides with Uber, meaning drivers will spend more time earning money getting riders where they need to go and less time waiting for a request,” he said.

UberX, the most inexpensive Uber service and seats four passengers, raised cost per mile from 95 cents to $1, minimum fare from $5 to $6 and base fare from $1.15 to $1.30, according to Uber Estimate.

Although Gibbons said the new prices are still approximately 15 percent lower than prices before the seasonal cuts, Georgia State student and regular uber rider Brad Stallworth said his wallet has undeniably felt the impact.

“I definitely have noticed the increase in prices, but I have noticed an increase in the surcharges more than anything,” he said.

Stallworth said he’s annoyed with the prices but needs to get around Atlanta. So, he has continued to pay the fare. However, he said he won’t hesitate to take his money elsewhere.

“If I find a cheaper service I will use it instead of Uber,” he said. “But at the moment I am OK with the prices just as long as they do not continue to rise.”

Gibbons said Uber has no intentions of raising prices anytime soon.