Uber charges customer £64 for a four-minute ride during a rail strike

Uber raised its prices amid a surge in demand when rail strikes took place this week – but one customer vented frustration at how much a four-minute ride would cost

Uber has been accused of “robbing people” after a customer claimed the app tried to charge him £64 for a four-minute ride.

Uber raised its prices amid a spike in demand as rail strikes took place this week.

But some trying to get to work and school have complained about the rise in prices amid the cost of living crisis.

One customer tweeted: “Speaking of the cost of living, something needs to be done about the fact that companies like @Uber are blinding people.

“Queues at Gatwick due to a 1am train strike and they want to charge £64 for a 4 minute journey #inflation #CostOfLivingCrisis #uber #holiday #trainstrike.”

Uber support responded to the tweet by saying, “Hi, we’re ready to take a look. Please DM us the mobile number and email address associated with your account along with some additional details about your issue so we can better assist you. “

Another Twitter user wrote: “@grantshapps @MayorofLondon @BorisJohnson Why is @Uber charging drivers twice the amount (£35 for £15) for the same distance due to #RailStrikes My son has to take an Uber to work because of a strike. @bolt crashes! Why should ordinary people pay the price for this? @Keir_Starmer.”

Uber responded and said, “We appreciate your patience. Please note we have replied to your DM, please check.”

Uber increased its prices amid a surge in demand, with a three-mile trip from Paddington to King’s Cross in London estimated to cost £27 as of 8.45am on Tuesday.

The biggest rail strike in a generation caused severe disruption on Tuesday, with further cancellations on Wednesday.

Many passengers’ journeys took several hours longer than normal, while those who instead traveled by car were greeted by a surge in traffic.

Strikes are also underway today and planned for Saturday.

Unions should call off the rail strikes “as soon as possible,” Downing Street said, while saying it was up to them whether to continue action on Saturday.

A No 10 spokesman said: “To my knowledge there were discussions today between the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Union) and Network Rail.

“But what we want is that the unions call off the strikes, continue to negotiate and come to an agreement with their employer.

“We don’t want this strike action to last a moment longer than it has to.”

Asked if this could be done ahead of Saturday’s strike, he said: “It’s a union issue.”

The government had not been informed of any further rail strikes after this week, the official said.

The Mirror has reached out to Uber for comment.