Uber prices drop as temperatures drop

In a move designed to benefit both drivers and riders, Uber cut prices in the Raleigh-Durham area for the winter season.

Uber prices decreased on average by 15 percent for uberX and 30 percent for uberXL for the season. The per minute and the per mile rates for uberX decreased to $0.14 and $0.70, respectively.

A post on Uber’s website explains that the price cuts come with slower winter months.

The Raleigh-Durham area is among 48 cities that received the price cuts — including Fayetteville, Wilmington and Charlotte.

In addition, Uber’s minimum fare in Chapel Hill increased from $4.80 to $5.50, Uber driver Robert Felton said.

“It’s still a pretty low amount, but drivers are at a slight advantage because our earnings can add up pretty quickly making multiple short trips on and around campus,” Felton said.

The minimum fare also includes the Safe Rides Fee, a $1.80 surcharge that helps to fund the drivers’ background checks, vehicle screenings and other safety features in the app.

Uber has also made earnings guarantees for drivers in every city where the prices have decreased.

But Felton said longer rides to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, for example, add up faster than multiple short rides.

“The big ticket trips add up, rather than burn gas with the mini trips around town,” Felton said.

He said Uber takes 20 percent of the profits from each ride.

Guaranteed earnings include minimum gross fares per hour and per trip premiums.

A minimum gross fare promises to pay drivers a set amount per hour. If they earn more than the set amount, they can keep the difference.

Per trip premiums add an extra amount to each ride. For example, Uber could offer a $5 premium for a set time period, during which drivers would earn an extra $5 for every trip. The purpose is to offer an incentive for drivers when Uber experiences a high demand.

“Usually when you take an Uber you’re with several people and you end up splitting the fare anyway, so a small increase in minimum fare or decrease in price per mile won’t really affect people,” UNC junior Sara Morris said.

Felton said he only saw an increased number of riders on Friday and Saturday nights.

Many students at UNC and elsewhere rely on Uber to get home safely on weekend nights or to travel quickly to different parts of campus.

“I will always take Uber because it’s the easiest and safest option,” UNC junior Holly Porter said.

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