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by GreaterFool 3170 days ago
They're testing a scheme to ensure availability of drivers for Halloween. If enough people take the offer than Uber can be pretty sure they will work at the time.
1 comments

I guess the problem with surge pricing is that it isn't guaranteed in advance, so drivers make other plans and then aren't around to pick up the extra rides?

And they're taking advantage of loss aversion too, not just desire for higher income.

That’s what makes this so tricky. Halloween and NYE are the two biggest days of the year for uber.

Every driver will automatically make 133% their standard take because they are Gauranteed to get strong surge fares all night. So this is like paying extra to make the sun come up in the morning- that shit was going to happen anyway.

How many times have I signed up for free events and tickets and didn't go even though there was free beer an pizza? Too many!

I never missed an event when I paid the ticket.

That said, it's a bit of a gamble. If the driver is available but there are no rides they should perhaps issue a refund.