New Year’s Eve Ride Guide

Bubbly is flowing, fireworks are sparkling, and you’re celebrating the end of the year with your friends and family. Follow these tips and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is keeping your resolutions in 2016!

Surge Pricing shouldn’t be a surprise. At times of high demand, prices increase to encourage more drivers to become available. As soon as there are enough drivers to meet the demand for rides, prices go back to normal.

You’ll see a notification screen in your app whenever there is surge pricing. You’ll have to accept those higher rates before you can request a ride. Remember you can always run a Fare Estimate in the app before you request. To avoid the highest fares, head to the festivities early or catch a ride right after midnight. Alternatively, you can request in the app to be notified when surge pricing is no longer in effect.

Check out our pro tips on Surge. Riding with one or more people? Try out the Fare Split feature. 

You wouldn’t want to walk into the wrong party, so make sure you don’t walk into the wrong car. Confirm your driver’s car model and licence plate in the app before you hop in your ride.

Still not sure? Call or text your driver directly through the app—your number will always stay anonymous.

Your driver will use the Uber app for the most efficient route based on traffic and time of day. If you have a specific route in mind, be sure to let your driver know at the start of the trip.

Remember that road closures and traffic delays will be in effect on New Year’s Eve which may impact ETAs and ways in and around the city.

If you need to cancel your ride for any reason, make sure you do so less than 5 minutes after you request the ride to avoid a cancellation fee.

Let your friends count down to the moment you arrive. Send trip details – which includes your estimated time of arrival as well as your driver’s first name and vehicle information – to friends or family directly through the app.  

We’re all about a safe ride for riders and driver-partners. Resolve to be considerate to your driver and follow our Code of Conduct so that everyone can enjoy the spirit of the season and every ride meets our standards for respect and common courtesy. And remember, cleaning fees apply.

If you drop the ball and leave one of your items in your ride, reach out to your driver directly through the help section of your Uber app. You can also reach out to Uber Support through the app or by replying to your receipt for anything else.

Enjoy your night and see you next year!