A growing number of Uber drivers across the UK are raising concerns that the ride-hailing giant may be hiding surge pricing from them while they’re on trips — potentially costing them more lucrative follow-on jobs.
Several drivers have reached out directly to Driver Matty, claiming a pattern of suspicious behaviour in the app. While en route with a passenger, drivers say they consistently receive standard fare job offers, even in areas known for high demand. However, once they complete their current ride and drop off the passenger, they suddenly find themselves in deep red surge zones, where fares can increase significantly due to rider demand.
“It’s like the app waits until you drop off before it shows you the real picture,” said one London-based Uber driver. “Why didn’t I get a surge job when I was just five minutes away?”
This story isn’t isolated. Reports have come in from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, and Bristol, all describing the same experience: low-paying requests while on trip, followed by a sudden spike in surge pricing after completing the fare.
Coincidence or Quiet Manipulation?
While it’s difficult to prove whether Uber is intentionally withholding surge opportunities, the number of independent accounts across multiple cities has raised eyebrows. “Drivers could be mistaken or exaggerating,” said Matty, “but when the same pattern pops up from so many different locations, you’ve got to start asking questions.”
Many drivers are now taking matters into their own hands by disabling new requests while on trip, hoping to avoid missing out on high-paying surge fares once they complete their current ride.
“This isn’t just about money — it’s about transparency,” said another driver. “We want a fair shot at surge jobs just like anyone else. If we’re already in a surge zone, we should see those offers regardless of whether we’re on a trip or not.”
You can reach out to Driver Matty on his Instagram if a similar thing has happened to you.
