Uber Faces Criticism Over Sydney Hostage Crisis Price Hike

(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

A hostage situation in Sydney, Australia came to an end after more than 16 hours. Meanwhile, taxi service Uber facing some criticism as it admits to hiking its prices during the crisis in Sydney.

FOX News Radio’s Simon Owen reports:

As a gunman took dozens of people hostage in a cafe, Uber quadrupled its fares in central Sydney, just as many people were trying to get away.

The company said that the switch was made to attract more drivers to come online and pick people up.

But after complaints, Uber U-turning — and instead offering free rides. It’s also refunding anyone who paid the increased fares.

Uber’s smartphone app has been a huge hit around the world — offering cheap taxis.

But it’s faced a series of publicity problems. It’s just been banned in India’s capital New Delhi over safety concerns.

Simon Owen, FOX News Radio.