What is Uber's upfront pricing?

Upfront Pricing - introduced in 2017

Starting on August 31, 2017, Uber in many cities calculate the entire trip cost before you request your ride.  Upon booking, you are agreeing to all charges outlined by Uber.  The goal for Uber is to give more transparency to the riders about the fares "upfront."

While the upfront pricing is still based on the standard calculations based on duration and distance, there is an element of the "demand based pricing." (i.e. surge.) Hence, some riders and drivers have complained about how the upfront pricing is Uber's way to mask their pricing from the users.

Depending on the city where you ride with Uber, trip fares may be calculated upfront or immediately after rides end. Here's how these two types of fares work.

UPFRONT FARES
With upfront pricing, you know the exact cost of your trip before requesting. This fare includes (but is not limited to):

• A base rate
• Rates for estimated time and distance of the route (see here for how fares are calculated http://uberfee.com)
• The current demand for rides in the area (i.e. surge pricing)

A booking fee and any applicable surcharges, fees, and tolls are also calculated and included.

When you request a ride, you agree to be charged the upfront fare when the trip ends. Your fare may increase if you travel to a different destination or make extra stops along the route, or the trip takes much longer than expected. 

If an upfront fare is not honored, you will either be charged the minimum fare or a fare based on the measured time and distance for your trip, including any base fare, booking fee, surcharges, tolls, and other relevant factors such as a dynamic pricing charge. 

You'll always get a receipt for any trip fare. If your fare is different than the upfront fare you agreed to, your receipt will explain why. 

POST-TRIP FARES
Some cities do not provide upfront fares. Instead, you're charged either a minimum fare or a fare based on the time and distance for your trip's route, including a base fare, booking fee, surcharges, tolls, and other relevant factors such as dynamic pricing when demand for rides is high in the area of the city where you're requesting a ride. Fares may vary by location, the vehicle option you select, and other factors. 

Source: https://help.uber.com/h/d2d43bbc-f4bb-4882-b8bb-4bd8acf03a9d

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Uber Driver, CEO of TaxiFareFinder and Unleashed, LLC