Surge Over

Uber Furious After Honolulu Approves Ride-Hailing Price Cap

First restriction of its kind in the United States.

Uber users in Honolulu could soon steer clear of pricey surges after city leaders approved a measure to limit prices that ride-hailing services can charge during peak demand. The new rules, which would be the first of its kind in the U.S., would prevent surge pricing if the increased rates are higher than the maximum fare set by the city. Uber criticized the move, writing to customers across the island of Oahu—where the measures would be in effect—urging them to oppose rules it says would introduce “outdated taxi-style requirements on ride-share.” Tabatha Chow, the company’s senior operations manager for Hawaii, said Uber has been told the city hasn’t received any complaints about surge pricing. Honolulu city attorneys will now review the measure before it goes to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who would have 10 days to either sign it into law, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.