Uber has announced a new surcharge for rides in Australia, effective from April 15 until June 8, 2023. This temporary measure, which will add an additional 5 cents per kilometre on rides, is a response to soaring petrol prices linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The surcharge is aimed primarily at providing financial relief to Uber drivers, as confirmed in a joint statement by Uber and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU).
Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia, stated that the company has been collaborating with the TWU to address the steep fuel costs affecting rideshare drivers. The additional funds collected from the surcharge will be directed entirely to drivers, ensuring they receive relief during this challenging period.
Similarly, DiDi Australia has also implemented a temporary fuel surcharge, designed to assist its drivers amid rising fuel expenses. Dan Jordan, DiDi’s head of external affairs, emphasised that this adjustment aims to alleviate the financial strain drivers are experiencing, with an increase in the surcharge applicable to every trip nationwide.
As the fuel crisis continues, some Uber drivers had previously urged the company to adopt similar measures to those taken by their competitors, highlighting the pressing need for support amidst inflated fuel costs. Concurrently, Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is on a diplomatic trip to Brunei and Malaysia, striving to secure stable fuel supplies for the nation.
In summary, both Uber and DiDi are making concerted efforts to assist their drivers during the current fuel crisis, introducing temporary surcharges to offset rising operational costs.