DC-area Uber drivers suffering twice over from government shutdown

Washington, D.C.-area Uber drivers are suffering a shutdown double whammy: They are seeing a decline in fares due to federal workers staying home and simultaneously an increase in competition because some of those same idled workers are resorting to ride-sharing to boost their income.

The partial government shutdown fallout compounds the problem of recent shifts in Uber’s rate structure that many drivers claim are taking an even bigger bite out of their fares, leaving them feeling squeezed from both ends.