Tulsans May See High Charges From 'Tech-Taxi' During Prime Times

A woman said she got a ride home in Tulsa, and it cost her the price of a plane ticket.

It may sound absurd, but, Lauren Sergent paid $250 to go just 20 miles. She used the tech-taxi company, Uber, not knowing that on special occasion it upcharges; sometime four or five times the price.

3/27/2014 Related Story: 'Tech Taxi' Service Makes Its Way To Tulsa

Sergent was visiting Tulsa during Halloween when she said she got the terrifying receipt for her ride home.

"Had I known that I would've just rented a helicopter, or heck, bought a plane ticket," she said.

The ride would typically cost her $50, but Uber said it surges prices for peak hours and big events.

"100 percent ridiculous, asinine, extreme," Sergent said.

Uber makes riders accept or deny the price surge before the ride.

On New Year's Eve, prices were multiplied by six.

Uber said prices tend to surge between 8:00 and 10:30 at night, and again between midnight and 3 a.m.

"I mean, that's a little ridiculous. I have better odds at renting a limo for the evening," Sergent said.

Chase Turner took an Uber out Friday night and said he's well aware of the price surge, but uses the tech-taxi company anyway. He did say he wouldn't pay $250 for 20 miles.

“I would just deny it,” Turner said. “I mean that's a little ridiculous, but I understand that it's just demand."

Sergent emailed Uber about what she calls a crazy cost, and Uber gave her $60 back.

Uber is allowed to upcharge because Tulsa, and many other cities, do not regulate the tech-taxi service, but Tulsa city councilors are now re-thinking that.

11/6/2014 Related Story: OKC Officials Consider Putting The Brakes On Uber

It's not just Uber, Lyft, a similar service operating in Tulsa also upcharges during prime times.

Houston, Washington D.C., Detroit and Oklahoma City are also considering new regulations on services like Uber and Lyft.