Rideshare drivers rev up over ‘greedy’ companies

RIDESHARE and taxi drivers have called out major companies for their poor relief measures amid rising petrol costs.

The pushback follows companies including Uber, DiDi and Ola introducing temporary levies in a bid to combat high petrol prices in March.

Ola increased fares by 15 per cent, while Uber’s surcharge in Australia, which will finish on Saturday, added 50 cents to an average trip. DiDi imposed a six cent per kilometre charge on March 21.

However rideshare drivers have shamed the companies for their economic “greed”.

One Uber driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said an extra 30 cents for a 5km ride was “beyond a joke” when drivers had to travel up to 10km to pick up passengers.

According to recent data, unleaded petrol prices soared in every capital city except Brisbane, in May, hovering about the $1.80 mark.

Just two months prior, petrol prices skyrocketed to more than $2 before dropping to $1.60 in April following government intervention.

One driver said they were now earning “significantly less” than before the pandemic.

An Uber spokesman said the company changed rates last month following feedback from their drivers.