Relief for rideshare drivers amid fare price increases
Passengers will bear the cost of rising fuel prices as ridesharing giants increase fares to provide short-term support to drivers.
Uber and DiDi are among delivery and transport companies that have imposed surcharges amid growing concerns about Australia’s fuel supply due to conflict in the Middle East.
Food delivery platform DoorDash provided emergency aid to workers, pledging support to its drivers and delivery drivers.
Drivers who complete 100km or more on weekly deliveries will be eligible for cash support from Monday under a scheme targeting those traveling longer distances in rural and suburban areas.
“Rising fuel prices are having a real impact on all Australians, especially those making deliveries to our communities,” DoorDash vice president Simon Rossi told AAP.
“We want to support Dashers during this fuel crisis and provide emergency assistance at the pump.
“It will save families and individuals time while helping them continue to deliver and earn.”
The program will continue until April 30.
Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine welcomed the move, saying delivery workers were being hit incredibly hard by rising fuel prices.
Concerns about fuel supplies are rising after six oil shipments to Australia were canceled or delayed due to war.
Iran’s decision to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route, in response to attacks by the United States and Israel has caused global oil prices to soar.
Domestic gasoline and diesel prices have risen, but the government has repeatedly said shortages in some regional and rural areas were due to panic buying rather than supply problems.
Ride-sharing app Uber will increase prices starting next week and the surcharge won’t be temporary
An Uber spokesman told AAP it regularly reviews fares to ensure drivers are striking the right balance between their earnings and affordable rides.
“Starting next week, we will be updating Uber fares across Australia, which will increase driver earnings by an average of six per cent,” the spokesperson said.
“These changes build on work already underway and reflect our ongoing commitment to better support driver earnings over time.”
Competitor DiDi added a five-cent per kilometer surcharge to help drivers cover fuel costs.
“To help offset these increased operating costs, DiDi will increase the temporary fuel surcharge applied to every DiDi trip nationwide,” said Dan Jordan, head of external affairs.
“This regulation is designed to provide additional support to drivers while fuel prices remain high.”
Mr Jordan told AAP he would continue to review the ride-sharing provider’s pricing structure and service fees.
DiDi and Uber have affiliate programs available for their drivers.
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