RIDEGURU
I admit, I didn't know about this cancellation fee until the last one. The funny thing is I never noticed this before, even though I have cancelled rides a few times. What are the rules?
Uber has cancellation fees? How is that charged? Penalties?
Posted 7 years, 4 months ago
Posted In
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Posted By
Cas (CasPer)
330
Rider
Ride Apprentice
Uber, Lyft rider. but I take Bridj to work!
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The Guru Take
You've got 2 minutes! (or 5 in some cities)
Many riders are very confused about the cancellation policies and fees. This is because, unlike when the fees were originally introduced in 2012, the rules and fees depends on your city and service (car) type.
Originally in 2012, the rule was simpler. If you cancelled a ride after 5 minutes from the time of the request, you were charged $10. If you cancelled before, there were no fees.
Today (as of December 2016):
Most cities still have the 5 minute charge-free cancellation window. However in some cities, the window is now 2 minutes. For all UberPOOL rides, the window is 2 minutes from the time the driver arrivese at the location. (This is called a no-show fee.)
The amount of cancellation fee will depend on the city and the car type.
Caution - The rules change frequently
It is worth noting that the fees and the window, especially the amount of the fees, do change frequently. They are being adjusted regionally, according to rider patterns, demand, etc. It is also wowrth noting that the cancellation fees are sometimes lowered to $0!
Caution - For UberPool
For UberPools, there will be cancellation fees if you cancel anytime after you are matched up with a driver (and supposedly other riders). Hence, you do not get the 2 minute window.
Rules for Passengers (from Uber):
https://help.uber.com/h/56270015-1d1d-4c08-a460-3b94a090de23
https://help.uber.com/h/b1e2f22b-4c87-484d-bff2-f91acc0ac66b
Rules for Drivers (from Uber):
https://help.uber.com/h/f6ee67e8-c903-4c41-92ca-b8ccf4eefa02
ippei
1202
Uber Driver, CEO of TaxiFareFinder and Unleashed, LLC
Comments
If you write to Uber and complain most times you can get your money back :)
When I was in DC the other day, I got charged the $10. For your reference.
How can they get away with changing the rules all the time and NOT posting it? Shouldn't the drivers know in advance?
They absolutely should have to disclose it - but unfortunately (like many of their other practices) they seem to get away without being transparent because they are so established and consumers are not choosing to go elsewhere for this service.