WASHINGTON — If you’re taking ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft on the night of New Year’s Eve, be prepared to pay way more than you normally would.
Rides are always in high demand for New Year’s Eve as many people plan to drink and don’t want to drive through the city.
“Surge pricing shouldn’t be a surprise,” Uber said in a New Year’s Eve Ride Guide on its website.
The company says you can run a Fare Estimate in the app and assess the price of your trip before confirming a car. Just tap the vehicle icons at the bottom of the app, click on “Minimum Fare,” and get the full fare details.
Uber has been criticized for raising prices when the demand is highest, CBS News reports. The company says surge pricing limits the number of ride requests made during peak hours, allowing drivers to service high-traffic areas.
Uber’s peak hours for New Year’s Eve are between 12:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. Fares will be highest at that time, however specific price points have not been released.
Uber competitor Lyft also will operate Thursday night, and offers some tips to prepare for the festivities.
- Create a game plan. Know your city’s hot zones, especially where it will be packed when the clock strikes midnight.
- Know your safety nets. Lyft’s Critical Response Line is available 24/7 for emergencies. Save 855-865-9553 in your phone, and read the company’s damage policy.
- Relax. Don’t forget to take time for yourself, no matter how you decide to ring in the new year.
