Uber 'charging students over £30 for four minute journey in Leeds snow'

Uber is facing criticism today for charging more than £30 for a short journey in Leeds in the snow.
Fares have rocketed in the snowFares have rocketed in the snow
Fares have rocketed in the snow

Fares have shot up today because of increased demand.

For a short journey from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City College, one customer was being quoted prices from £31 up to more than £50.

The price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City CollegeThe price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City College
The price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City College
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The taxi app operates a surge-charge system in which they bump up the prices at times of peak demand.

At Christmas there was a barrage of complaints on social media about surge pricing as the party season reached its peak - with one traveller saying it cost her £100 more than usual.

An Uber spokesperson said: "The last couple weeks have been incredibly challenging for transport services and anyone trying to get around.

"Bad weather has seen more people looking to book a car with Uber but fewer drivers on the road which caused prices to automatically increase.

The price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City CollegeThe price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City College
The price quoted was for a short ride from Chapel Allerton to Leeds City College
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"Our app uses dynamic pricing to encourage more drivers to pick up fares so that more cars are available.

"Users can always see a fare estimate before they book and can split the fare with others through the app. We’d encourage both riders and drivers to stay safe and follow the latest travel advice.”

The snow has caused huge disruption to routes both in and out of the city, including issues on the A59A, gridlock on the M62 and lane closures on the A1(M).

Reports of a bus crash on Churwell Hill in South Leeds as well as a slow-related accident in Wakefield, where a bus skidded on ice and hit a wall, added to the issues around the county.