Sydney train crisis: Uber prices rise
Uber is accused of jacking up prices for desperate Sydney residents as fares rise while trains break down due to “communication problems”.
- Trains in Sydney stopped on Wednesday
- Uber prices skyrocketed at the same time
Commuters in Sydney are facing a transport crisis with Uber prices rising as trains around the city come to a standstill.
Sydney’s entire rail network came to a complete stop during the afternoon rush hour on Wednesday.
At about 2:45pm, computer screens at Central Station, in the city’s CBD, went completely blank instead of showing when the next scheduled trains would arrive.
Sydney Trains shared a warning to customers on Twitter at 3:50pm, saying: ‘Trains are down due to a network-wide train communication issue.
‘Use alternative travel options where possible. We expect this to continue into peak afternoon services, updates will follow.
Uber customers in Sydney said their regular rides had skyrocketed in price to coincide with the train closure (pictured: cost of an Uber from the CBD to Marrickville on Wednesday)
Trains around Sydney came to a complete standstill during the Wednesday afternoon bustle (pictured, passengers pile onto alternative light rail services on Wednesday)
When the trains are down, Sydneysiders often opt to take an Uber home, but unexpected price increases on Wednesday afternoon left many deciding to wait out the train crisis or take a bus.
Customers said Uber was charging up to $90 for rides across the city.
One traveler posted a screenshot of a ride from the city center to Bondi that charged $88.21.
Another said that his usual $20 Uber ride home would cost him a staggering $216.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Uber for comment.
At around 2:45 p.m., computer screens at train stations around Sydney went blank (above).