Uber passenger charged 168% more after driver kept trip running

A passenger, Elizabeth Laraki, reported a significant fare increase during an Uber ride to Mexico City’s airport. After a 19-minute trip, the driver allegedly kept the ride active for over an hour, causing the fare to rise from an estimated $24.56 to $66.72.

Laraki noted that while she was inside the airport terminal, the app continued to treat the trip as ongoing. Uber eventually issued a refund of approximately $40, but only after the passenger’s complaint gained significant traction on social media, surpassing 300,000 views on Twitter.

The incident highlights a phenomenon known as ‘Time Abuse,’ a scheme where drivers keep trips running to inflate costs. Critics suggest that Uber’s current support structures and driver compensation models may inadvertently create incentives for such overcharge schemes.