Uber 'charging at least $108' during Sydney hostage crisis

Tension is high now in Sydney due to the on-going hostage crisis.

Do you know what else is high? Uber's prices.

According to Mashable, Uber is reportedly charging users in downtown Sydney at least A$100 (S$108) for a ride. This is the result of Uber's "surge pricing" during emergency events, such as the current hostage situation in Sydney.

Uber said on Twitter about an hour ago that "fares have increased to encourage more drivers to come online & pick up passengers in the area".

However, it said about 40 minutes later that trips from the Sydney central business district (CBD) "will be free for riders" while "higher rates are still in place to encourage drivers to get into the CBD", seemingly saying that Uber will be paying drivers to "evacuate" riders.

sinsh@sph.com.sg