Uber Boosts Minimum Fares in DC Region

Bad news, Washington, D.C., area Uber riders: your fare is about to get more expensive if you take short trips. Uber is increasing its minimum UberX fare by $1, going from $5.35 to $6.35.

And D.C. isn't alone: the company is bumping the minimum fare in 24 cities in the United States, Uber said in a blog post directed at drivers.

The company is making the move in response to feedback from drivers, who are concerned about their earnings from short rides.

"One change we made based on your feedback is to raise the minimum fare in 24 cities across the United States. We know that short rides can add up, and a seemingly small change like this one can make a difference for your earnings over time," the statement reads. "Bit by bit, we’re using your input to make the Uber experience more rewarding and stress-free. It’s why you can now get paid instantly, play commercial-free music in your car and find the nearest gas station, all at the push of a button within the driver app."

The change won't have a big impact on people who use Uber for longer trips, as those will be above the minimum fare, the company says. The change will apply only to UberX, so UberPOOL users won't see a change in their fares. That's good news for people who typically take Metro, as prices for UberPOOL are discounted 80 percent during SafeTrack.

Uber has endured a lot of criticism since its inception for how it treats drivers. By classifying them as independent contractors, the company can avoid sharing the tax burden or paying them benefits.
The controversy has led to court battles. Recently, a California federal judge threw out a $100 million settlement proposed by Uber, saying it was much too low, according to multiple media reports.

— Written by Patch Editor Dan Taylor
Image via Uber