THE COST OF A RAINY RIDE: Research reveals just how much prices rise with Uber, Bolt and other ridehail operators
Updated: Aug 20
Rain in cities like New York and London does more than just dampen your commute in a ridehail vehicle; it can also inflate the cost of your journey.
New data shows that when the weather turns wet, the price of rides on platforms such as Uber and Bolt can increase significantly.
In New York City, a rain shower can cause fares to rise anywhere between 0.6% and 8.26%, depending on the service. Even for more traditional options like Curb, typically used for hailing taxis, prices still edge upwards by around 0.6%.
Meanwhile, in London, riders can expect even steeper hikes, with prices climbing between 6% and 10% during rainy weather.
This phenomenon is largely due to surge pricing, a common practice among ridehail platforms. Surge pricing occurs when demand outstrips supply, leading to higher fares. In practical terms, when more people are seeking rides during a downpour, fewer drivers are available, and prices spike as a result.
The figures come from the Obi Global Rideshare Report 2024, a comprehensive analysis of the industry's latest trends. This report draws on a mix of proprietary data and public sources to examine key issues such as driver earnings, price variations, competition between services, and the rise of eco-friendly transport options.
As the rideshare industry continues to evolve, understanding the factors driving price fluctuations can help users make more informed decisions, whether they're planning a trip across town or simply trying to avoid the next rain-soaked fare surge.
