13Cabs called out for surge pricing in peak times after users screenshot Sydney fare comparison
Taxi company scolded by customers over outrageous fare prices – but it denies using ‘surprise’ tactic
- 13Cabs denies that its prices ‘rise’ at peak times
- But a social media user raised an issue based on a Sydney trip
A major taxi company has refuted claims that it uses price hikes at times of peak demand, despite customers suggesting otherwise.
13Cabs denies peak pricing after a test showed the astonishing price difference between a morning and afternoon ride.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Didi use peak pricing – when demand increases in a certain area, an algorithm senses the demand rise and prices rise on their apps.
But on 13Cabs’ website, the company says: “We don’t think you should be surprised just because taxis are in high demand. When you drive 13Cabs, there’s never a wave.’
Popular taxi company 13Cabs has been questioned over whether it uses price increases in peak periods with a claim on its website that it does not use the furious tactic (Photo: 13Cabs Line)
At 3:37pm 13Cabs charged a fee of $212 for the approximately one hour journey from Surry Hills to Rooty Hill, but at 9:37am the following day the fare was priced at a much lower price of $133
News. comhowever, reported that a trip from Sydney’s CBD to Western Sydney had a staggering price difference based on the time of day it was taken.
A trip to and from the same locations would cost the traveler $79 more in the afternoon rush hour than in the morning.
At 3:37 p.m., 13Cabs charged $212 for the approximately one-hour journey from Surry Hills to Rooty Hill.
But at 9:37 a.m. the next day, the fare was priced at a much-reduced $133, despite the trip being estimated to be only 10 minutes faster.
The taxi company says its rates are set by the NSW government and prices are calculated based on the time of day.
Sources say there are other explanations for why the price could differ, such as the traffic density at the time of the trip and the route taken based on Google’s recommendation.
Daily Mail Australia understands that the government sets prices three times over a 24 hour period and taxi companies such as 13Cabs have no control over this.