Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are being criticized after prices on their apps in New York City rose significantly on Tuesday in the wake of the Brooklyn subway shooting.
Both Uber and Lyft have stymied the surge in prices in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood after a myriad New Yorkers posted screenshots of climbing rideshare prices to social media, according to a report.
At least 16 people were injured Tuesday when a gunman released a smoke grenade and shot at least 10 individuals at about 8:30 a.m., the report noted.
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The incident wreaked havoc on New York City’s train service, resulting in New Yorkers looking for rides, and it appears both Uber and Lyft may have taken advantage of the situation.
The apps appeared to begin instituting surge pricing in the Sunset Park neighborhood after the attack.
“Fare surge after a mass shooting in brooklyn when subways are shut down,” one Twitter user posted with a screenshot of Uber offering an $85.05 ride to Manhattan. “Shame on you @uber.”
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
That user later said she had to go to a doctor’s appointment, according to the report.
“@Uber turn off surges in sunset park,” the user tweeted. “People are scared, let them get out safely.”
A spokesperson for Uber reacted to the controversy by declaring Uber worked to suspend the surge pricing afflicting the area.
“Following the incident, Uber disabled surge pricing in the vicinity and capped pricing citywide,” the spokesperson said. “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 … As always, Uber strives to be a resource for New Yorkers aiming to get around New York City.”
Brooklyn residents also went after Lyft, as prices on its rideshare app began to skyrocket.
“Didnt see anything about ‘Shooting Surge Pricing’ in @lyft terms of use,” one user posted with a screenshot of a $69.85 fare.
Didnt see anything about ‘Shooting Surge Pricing’ in @lyft terms of use pic.twitter.com/99MkFqp8py
— Bob Johnsen (@job_bohnsen) April 12, 2022
“Someone tell Lyft’s AI bot that surge pricing should not apply as a result of a mass shooting,” another user posted.
Lyft responded to the increase in prices by promising partial refunds to overcharged riders, according to the report.
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“We are actively monitoring the situation in Sunset Park and have currently suspended Prime Time pricing for riders who are in the area,” a Lyft spokesperson said. “We are working to adjust fares for certain riders who paid Prime Time prices when the situation first unfolded.”
