Lyft stated Wednesday that it will start charging passengers a 55 cent fuel surcharge per ride starting next week. All proceeds will be paid directly to the driver. Lyft stated that the surcharge would be temporary and will last for at least 60 days. New York City drivers will not be subject to the surcharge, as their minimum wage rates were increased by 5.3% in March.
Uber, a competitor to Lyft, last week announced a similar fuel surcharge in an effort to offset rising fuel prices for drivers. Drivers are responsible for filling their gas tanks.
Uber stated in a statement that many people feel the pain of record-high pump prices. This is especially true for drivers and couriers.
Uber riders will be charged an additional 45c to 55c depending on the location of their ride. Each Uber Eats order will incur an additional 35c or 45c fee, which will be paid to the courier. According to Uber Eats, the surcharges will remain in effect for at least 60 calendar days. The surcharge does not apply for deliveries or trips to New York City.
Uber stated that they are aware of rising prices and have done their best to assist drivers and couriers, without putting too much burden on consumers.
On March 11, , the average gas price rose to $4.33 per g. The Ukraine conflict has increased inflationary pressures as crude oil prices soared to over $130 per barrel.
The U.S. pump prices have dropped from the high. They now average $4.30. This is up from $3.51 in Feb and $2.87 from a year ago according to AAA.
George Keske, Uber driver, said that the surcharge is not enough to cover his rising costs. He also stated that drivers can’t afford to drive on the streets due to the high gas prices. According to CBS Chicago, he has had to increase his work hours from six to between 10 to 12. Keske no longer delivers food, as they take 45 minutes and he makes $3 to $5 per delivery.
He told CBS Chicago that Uber should give him more money. “Give us more of the things you’re taking.”
