NORFOLK, Va. - With gas prices surging, Uber has announced that it will be charging customers a new gas surcharge to offset costs for drivers.
On Friday, the company announced they would temporarily charge, depending on location, either $0.45 or $0.55 on each Uber trip and either $0.35 or $0.45 on each Uber Eats beginning Wednesday.
The company added that all the money would go directly to drivers.
"The surcharges are based off the average trip distance and the increase in gas prices in each state," the company said in a press release.
The surcharge will stay in effect for 60 days, and then the company will reassess the situation.
Uber drivers News 3 caught up with Norfolk International Airport say the surcharge will be a huge help
"I feel it’s fair. It’s very minimal, but it does help our drivers," one Uber driver said.
This driver says the surcharge will help him offset the high gas prices.
"It went from $30 for me to fill up to now $55," he said said.
Another Uber driver we spoke believes the surcharge should be more.
"I don’t think it’s enough, honestly. I don’t think it covers the amount of as we spend per day and per mile to drive. I think it needs to be more. My gas is a good $20 to $30 more right now," the driver said.
Although the temporary surcharge will only be in effect for 60 days, Uber customers we spoke to seem to be understanding of the extra charge.
"I think it’s reasonable because when our gas goes up, so does theirs," Tishera, an Uber passenger, said.
The surcharge will begin Wednesday.
"They have to do what they have to do to stay in business. They can’t keep their prices down while as gas prices go up because they are a business," Kenny, another Uber customer, said.
The only place this will not go into effect is in New York City, where drivers just received a 5.3% increase in earnings.
Gas prices are at a record high as the Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifies.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $4.33.
Related: Local small business owners, food delivery drivers weigh in on impacts of rising gas prices
