Uber 'Surge Charging' Leaves OK New Year’s Eve Riders In Shock

Some New Year’s Eve revelers woke up to quite the shock after they saw the charges they racked up using Uber, the alternative taxi service.

Uber has certain “surge hours” when rides are more expensive, but some viewers said the surges were stunning.

It’s a story that’s blown up on social media; people across the U.S. and in Oklahoma were talking about prices three or four times more than what they would normally pay.

But Uber said all of its customers are made aware of the possibility; and for some, it’s is a lesson learned.

On busy nights like New Years, Uber customers can be charged some hefty prices during certain surge hours.

A representative explained, "When more people need rides than there are drivers on the road, surge pricing incentivizes drivers to offer rides where and when they are needed most."

“If Uber has the surge pricing they usually give you an option to notify me when surge pricing is over, so I usually do that and wait for it to end," Uber customer Andrew Wiens said.

But one viewer sent us a bill that left him in shock - more than $200 for a trip that would have normally been $44.

Other News On 6 viewers shared similar stories: “$140 from the Hard Rock to Midtown,” one person said. Another said, “$160 from the Brady Theater New Year’s Party back to Broken Arrow.”

While pricey at times, many say it’s worth it to save yourself from a DUI or the simple hassle of dealing with crowds.

Uber customer Gabby Bridenbaugh said, "I mean Black Friday is a surge for shopping, and you know you will have to deal with crazy people, so is it worth it to pay extra to be safe."

Uber put out a special page regarding New Years and possible surge times saying, “This gives customers the chance to push a button and be able to get a ride within minutes - even on a busy night like New Years,” - just be ready to pay for it.

"I had to get to the airport and it was surge pricing cause it was rush hour; then it was an extra $5 or $10 I didn't think it was that bad. But if I can, I try to wait," Wiens said.

Uber said riders are repeatedly notified about the pricing directly within the app and asked to confirm and accept increased fares, or they can opt for a notification when prices drop.

It’s just a matter of paying close attention to what you're accepting.