In New York City, there are increasing worries about some Uber drivers scamming new riders by deliberately taking longer routes to inflate fares. These drivers often bypass quicker, more direct paths, citing reasons like traffic or road closures, which results in additional mileage and time, leading to higher charges.
Dr. Rajan Thapaliya, a resident of Queens for over 17 years, shared his experience: “I was traveling from Jackson Heights to Corona. The Uber driver took a much longer route, almost doubling the travel time and the fare. When I complained, Uber denied my refund request.”
Another rider, Nepali community journalist Kishor Panthi, who has lived in Queens for more than 14 years, also recounted his experience: “On a trip home in Queens, the Uber driver took a longer route to increase the fare. I was charged double the estimate, but fortunately, Uber refunded the extra charge after I filed a complaint. Stay vigilant!”
🚨 Heads up, NYC! Took an @Uber from Jackson Heights to Corona yesterday, but the driver (from Bangladesh) took a longer route to hike up the fare. Ended up being charged double the estimate. Thankfully, Uber refunded the extra charge after I filed a complaint. Stay vigilant! pic.twitter.com/V6uJcN9tno
— Kishor Panthi (@KishorPanthi) September 22, 2024
This issue mainly affects new or inexperienced riders, especially tourists or those unfamiliar with the city’s layout. These passengers might not realize they are being taken on unnecessarily extended routes. Uber’s fare structure includes a base rate and charges for time and distance, so even minor detours can significantly increase fares.
In some cases, the problem might not be intentional. A Nepali Uber driver explained: “Some drivers scam new riders and tourists. However, new Uber drivers might also get confused by GPS showing longer routes, and if they are unfamiliar with the area, they may follow the GPS, causing a longer route and higher fare.”
Uber has introduced tools like fare estimates and real-time route tracking to help riders monitor their trips and ensure drivers follow the most efficient paths. Riders can report suspicious trips through the app and request fare adjustments, though not all complaints are resolved, as seen in Dr. Thapaliya’s case.
To report a scam or fraud to Uber, riders can use the help tab in the Uber app to contact support. They can also visit the Uber Help website to file a report. It’s important to provide details such as the trip date, charge amount, and a description of the issue to facilitate the review process.
“These incidents raise concerns about ethical practices in the ride-hailing industry and the need for better oversight to protect consumers. The issue underscores the need for stricter regulations, greater transparency, and enhanced consumer protections in the ride-hailing sector.” said Dr. Thapaliya.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
