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Lyft, Uber slammed over surge pricing after Brooklyn subway shooting: 'Shame on you'

'You should NOT be increasing fares due to high demand because people are afraid to take the train,' a Twitter user said

Social media users uploaded pictures showing the skyrocketing cost of booking trips on rideshare services in the region of Brooklyn, New York following a horrific subway attack in Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 12, where at least 10 people were shot and multiple people were injured. Lyft and Uber suspended surge pricing in the area after multiple users slammed their pricing algorithm. After the subway shooting incident, both companies especially Uber users appeared to have experienced a significant price increase. Surge pricing, which is based on an algorithm that increases fares when demand exceeds supply, has sparked criticism of rideshare firms' pricing models on Twitter.

One Twitter user said, urging Uber to discontinue its habit of charging higher costs during peak demand periods, "@Uber turn off surges in sunset park. People are scared, let them get out safely.” "Fare surge after a mass shooting in Brooklyn when subways are shut down. Shame on you @Uber," another user added. “@Uber @lyft the subway shooter is still at large and people are scared to take the subway. You should NOT be increasing fares due to high demand because people are afraid to take the train,” yet another user remarked. Meanwhile, a Lyft rider in Brooklyn uploaded a screenshot of a $69.85 charge with a limited availability notice adding, “Didn't see anything about ‘Shooting Surge Pricing’ in @lyft terms of use” 

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After the shooting, both companies claimed they turned off the algorithms that raise fees when drivers are scarce. An Uber spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein told NY Post, “Following the incident, Uber disabled surge pricing in the vicinity and capped pricing citywide. If anyone on our platform experienced unintended charges during this emergency, we will work to get them refunded."  “Our hearts go out to the victims of this morning’s terrible shooting in Sunset Park. As always, Uber strives to be a resource for New Yorkers aiming to get around New York City,” she added.

Meanwhile, Uber has a worldwide security center that monitors concerns that may affect companies and consumers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company's policy is to instantly cap trip rates in the impacted area during severe disaster situations. Customers may also use the app to report problems. Echoing Uber's statement. Katie Kim, a Lyft spokesman said that the company has paused prime hour pricing in the vicinity of the incident and was attempting to adjust fares for certain riders who paid prime time prices when the situation first unfolded.