A recent viral post has brought attention to Uber’s alleged practice of charging different fares for the same trip when booked on different devices. Social media user Sudhir shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that fares for identical trips varied significantly when booked from an Android phone compared to an iOS device.
Photos Reveal Clear Fare Discrepancies
Sudhir posted two screenshots as evidence. The images showed that for the same pickup and drop-off locations at the same time, the fare on an Android phone was ₹290.79, while the iPhone displayed ₹342.47. This discrepancy left Sudhir puzzled and prompted him to ask his followers if they had encountered similar issues. He added that his daughter’s phone consistently displayed lower fares, leading him to frequently request her assistance in booking rides.
He asked,
“Same pickup point, destination & time but 2 different phones get 2 different rates. It happens with me as I always get higher rates on my Uber as compared to my daughter’s phone. So most of the time, I request her to book my Uber. Does this happen with you also? What is the hack?”
Same pickup point, destination & time but 2 different phones get 2 different rates. It happens with me as I always get higher rates on my Uber as compared to my daughter’s phone. So most of the time, I request her to book my Uber. Does this happen with you also? What is the hack? pic.twitter.com/bFqMT0zZpW
— SUDHIR (@seriousfunnyguy) December 23, 2024
Uber Responds to Viral Post
The post quickly gained traction online, prompting Uber to respond. Addressing the claims, Uber stated:
“Hi there, multiple differences in these two rides impact the prices. The pick-up point, ETA, and drop-off point on these requests vary, which will cause different fares. Uber does not personalise trip pricing based on a rider’s cell phone manufacturer.”
Hi there, multiple differences in these two rides impact the prices. The pick-up point, ETA, and drop-off point on these requests vary, which will cause different fares. Uber does not personalise trip pricing based on a rider’s cell phone manufacturer. You can learn more about…
— Uber Support (@Uber_Support) December 23, 2024
Netizens React to Fare Disparities
The claim sparked a flurry of reactions, with many sharing their own experiences. One user jokingly remarked:
“UBER is peaking into ur SMS for Bank account balance it seems.”
Another user commented,
“Yes, that happens with me too. Sometimes the difference is not much, but it can even be more than ₹30-50. Trust technology to play with your wallet.”
UBER is peaking into ur SmS for Bank account balance it seems🥸
— Stupid cupid (@Stupidcupid81) December 23, 2024
Yes that happens with me too…sometimes the difference is not much but it can even be more than Rs 30-50 …trust technology to play with your wallet.
— 𝓑𝓚 🇮🇳 (@incognitobk) December 23, 2024
They know you are the seth & not the daughter 😅
— Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) December 23, 2024
I have also experienced this. I got iPhone and my son got Samsung this app plus Ola, Zomato and Swiggy also showed diff prices.
— Siddharth Chhaya – સિદ્ધાર્થ છાયા 🇮🇳 (@siddtalks) December 23, 2024
1. The more regular you book, higher the rates. Uber incentivises or attracts low user by lower rates.
2. Difference of rates on iPhone vs Android.
3. At airports, if you walk out 50 meters, the rates would reduce by 10-20% for same destination.
— RS (@WithRitesh) December 23, 2024
Have you ever noticed a similar situation with ride-booking apps? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
