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Know before you go: Uber rolls out fixed pricing in the UK

Oct. 03, 2020
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2 min read
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Know before you go: Uber rolls out fixed pricing in the UK
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Uber is changing the way it shows you fares across The Pond. This week, the ride-hailing service announced that it will be introducing upfront pricing — or fixed pricing — in the U.K.

In the past, when you opened the Uber app to order a ride, you would be given a range of prices. Now, with the introduction of upfront pricing, both the rider and the driver will know the exact cost of their trip before they confirm.

Uber says that it bases the fixed price based on the best-available route between the rider's pickup and dropoff points. It uses the expected duration and distance of the trip to come up with the exact figure, while taking into account anticipated traffic patterns and known road closures. Costs for tolls and additional surcharges will also be accounted for in the upfront pricing figure. When demand is high, Uber says it'll account for that with "dynamic pricing" — a new take on surge pricing.

(Image courtesy of Uber)
(Image courtesy of Uber)

There are, however, some situations when the fixed price may change. More specifically, there are four scenarios when the fixed, upfront price may change:

  1. If the rider adds or removes a stop in their journey;
  2. If the final destination is more than one mile away from the originally requested destination;
  3. If a detour is taken and the trip is further (40% and 0.5 miles further) and slower (20% and two minutes slower) than originally estimated; or
  4. If the trip is at least 40% and 10 minutes slower in duration.

In other words, if you hit traffic and your trip has been extended by a significant amount of time, the fixed cost will likely increase. Additionally, if you change your trip to add a stop, the fixed price will change.

The new upfront pricing model is being rolled out across the U.K.

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For those looking for peace of mind before booking an Uber when touring around, the upfront pricing model is a positive change for the ride-hailing service.

Earlier this week, Uber won its long-lasting legal battle in London wherein a court determined that it was a "fit and proper" operator, "despite historical failings". As such, Uber's been granted a license to continue operating in the capital.

Featured image by Getty Images

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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