Uber Expected To Charge More For Rides On Halloween
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — If you're planning to use ride sharing companies as a means of transportation on Halloween, expect to possibly pay more than usual.
Companies such as Uber announced they will increase rates on Saturday for riders located in areas that tend to draw in large crowds.
Surge pricing allows for the company to ensure reliability to customers when the demand for rides cannot be met by the number of drivers on the road, according to Uber.
"Our goal is to be as reliable as possible in connecting you with a driver whenever you need one," Uber said in a written statement. "At times of high demand, the number of drivers we can connect you with becomes limited. As a result, prices increase to encourage more drivers to become available."
When rates increase, a notification screen will open in the mobile application. Riders have to accept the surge pricing before they are connected to a driver.
Uber has provided the following tips to ensure a safe night for passengers without any tricks:
— Receive a fare estimate before requesting a ride
— Split the cost with friends using Uber Pool to reduce the price
— Confirm your driver's car model and license plate within the app before getting into a car
— Contact your driver directly if you realize you are missing something
— Keep costume enhancements such as fake blood and glitter in check to ensure you won't be assessed a cleaning fee
Some events here in Southern California that are expected to draw large crowds include the annual Halloween Carnaval parade in West Hollywood and the HARD Day of the Dead music festival in Pomona.
CBS2's Greg Mills spoke to Uber drivers and customers on Saturday for their take.
Driver Page Mosely is literally a man about town Saturday.
"I have been to the airport, USC, Compton, I've been to Woodland Hills," says Mosely.
When he needs extra cash he drives for Uber and he knows tonight will be a treat.
"It'll be crazy tonight," Mosely says. Maybe a little too crazy. He and his wife plan on taking their two kids trick-or-treating instead.
Rider Chyna Dixon lives in Lynwood and doesn't believe rates should go up because demand increases.
"It would cause me not to want to go with them -- definitely," Dixon said.
For more information about the ride sharing service, click here.
