A concert-goer has spoken out after claiming an Uber driver in Manchester tried to charge him more than double the app fare in cash following a gig at Co-op Live. ‘You must be having a laugh’
Aaran Lennox, 35, travelled from Llandudno to Manchester with his partner to see Lewis Capaldi perform at Co-op Live on Sunday night (21 September).
The couple stayed at the Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne and initially booked an Uber to the venue without issue. The fare cost just over £20.
However, after the concert, chaos on the tram network left thousands queuing for transport. With trams overcrowded and a long wait ahead, Aaran decided to try booking another Uber.
The app quoted a similar price to the journey earlier that evening — around £19–20. But when the couple approached drivers near the taxi rank, they were in for a shock.
“We spoke to a couple [of drivers] and they said they wouldn’t take us. Then we tried a third driver, and he demanded £50, in cash,” Aaran told Manchester Evening News.
“I said, you must be having a laugh, I only paid £20 to get here. He said, if you want to go, you’ll pay. I thought, this guy is just trying to rob me.”
The couple walked away and eventually found a black cab, which charged them the expected £20. Before leaving, Aaran snapped a picture of the Uber driver’s car and reported it to Uber on social media.
Uber responds
Uber later contacted him, confirming the vehicle was registered to its platform and that the matter would be investigated.
The company has stressed that such behaviour is against the law.
A spokesperson said:
“It is illegal for private hire drivers to ply for hire and any drivers who are found to do this will be removed from the Uber platform. Full driver and vehicle details are shown in the Uber app so passengers can ensure they are getting into the right car.”
Passenger concerns
Aaran said he fears others could be targeted, especially women travelling alone.
“I thought, what if my partner had been on her own? This guy started off demanding £50 but he could easily have doubled that. If Uber is quoting me £19 and you are saying £50, there’s something not right there.”
With Co-op Live and the Etihad Campus regularly hosting sell-out concerts and football matches, the issue highlights the intense demand for taxis and private hire vehicles when public transport is overwhelmed.
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