Following the recent mass shooting in a Brooklyn subway platform that caused the injuries to at least 16 people, Uber and Lyft prices in New York City have experienced a drastic increase, coming to about three times the standard prices.
The circumstances of the shooting caused the mass transit system to have to shut off power to multiple subway lines, which has left about 4.3 million New York City residents who rely on this method of transportation stranded.
fare surge after a mass shooting in brooklyn when subways are shut down. shame on you @Uber pic.twitter.com/1qoKlPJhl3
— Captain Harvel (@harharbinks) April 12, 2022
Understandably so, many users of the transportation platforms turned to social media to complain about the spike in pricing, which caused Lyft to temporarily suspend their “Prime Time” pricing across the city. According to the New York Post, Lyft explained that they would offer refunds to users to suffered the consequences of the fare price hikes immediately following the subway shooting.
“We are actively monitoring the situation in Sunset Park and have currently suspended Prime Time pricing for riders who are in the area,” spokeswoman Katie Kim told The Post. “We are working to adjust fares for certain riders who paid Prime Time prices when the situation first unfolded.”
On the other hand, Uber has only suspended their spiked prices in Brooklyn, the original site of the shooting. And while a spokesperson for Uber stated that the company would put a “cap” on their prices, they did not specifically identify the amount nor the period of time the cap would be in place for.
“Following the incident, Uber disabled surge pricing in the vicinity and capped pricing citywide,” Uber spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein told The Post. “If anyone on our platform experienced unintended charges during this emergency, we will work to get them refunded.”
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this morning’s terrible shooting in Sunset Park,” she added. “As always, Uber strives to be a resource for New Yorkers aiming to get around New York City.”
Didnt see anything about ‘Shooting Surge Pricing’ in @lyft terms of use pic.twitter.com/99MkFqp8py
— Bob Johnsen (@job_bohnsen) April 12, 2022
Not only are millions of residents left without their standard transit, the shooter has still not been apprehended, which has clearly left many individuals feeling incredibly uncomfortable considering the idea of taking the train again in the near future.
@Uber turn off surges in sunset park. People are scared, let them get out safely pic.twitter.com/e31KIPE3ND
— Shannon McDonagh (@shananigans022) April 12, 2022
“I’m pretty scared to take the subway,” a Midtown office worker who identified herself as Tricia told the Post. “Luckily, my boss is letting my team expense Ubers [and] Lyfts home today.”
Police have narrowed down their search for a person of interest in the case to Frank R. James, 62, of Philadelphia.
Anyone with information about James’ location is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
