We have introduced a new way to show the price of a trip: upfront fares. In Cairo and Alexandria, the exact price you see on UberX and Select is the price you’ll pay. Here’s what you need to know about upfront fares.

An upfront fare is an exact price, not a range

Instead of an estimated price range, an upfront fare will provide an exact price before requesting a trip.

This is the amount that will be paid unless the journey changes materially.

Before:                                                                                   After: 

Why upfront fares? To help create certainty

Upfront pricing makes riding simpler, there’s no complicated math and no surprises.

How upfront fares are calculated

Upfront fares are calculated using factors that typically affect the price of a trip, including the expected time, traffic patterns and distance, as well as surge when demand is high.

Then, the same base fare, time, and distance rates are applied. This value, plus surge and any expected tolls, is the upfront fare shown.

If a trip changes significantly, so does the fare

That’s why there are a few cases in which the upfront fare will not be honored.

If the destination is changed or multiple stops were made during the ride, the system will calculate your fare based on the actual time and distance travelled.

• FAQs

  Do any trip types not have upfront fares?

  Riders will see upfront fares in Cairo on uberX and Select, and in Alexandria on uberX. 

  When would an upfront fare not apply?

  The upfront fare may not apply in certain limited situations, such as if there is a material change in the journey or the pickup or dropoff location, or the trip takes significantly longer than expected in time and/or distance (for instance due to heavy traffic or unexpected road closures).

  What happens when an upfront fare doesn’t apply?

  If an upfront fare doesn’t apply, the rates set out in the fare estimate calculator automatically apply. You can view the fare estimate by entering the pickup and drop-off locations and can then view a breakdown of the rates by clicking on the (?) icon.

  Does surge still exist with upfront fares?

  Yes. Upfront fares do not remove surge. Prices will continue to vary when demand is high.

  During high demand, upfront fare will be shown as normal, with an additional note that fares are higher due to increased demand.

  How do tolls work with upfront fares?

  The upfront fare shown includes estimated tolls, based on the recommended trip route. At the end of the trip, the estimated toll component is replaced by any tolls that were actually incurred on the trip.  

  The toll component will still be visible in the trip invoice.

  What if the trip takes much longer than expected? For instance, how do delays or traffic impact the fare?

  Upfront fares and navigation take traffic and other incidents into account.

  If the trip takes much longer than estimated due to traffic or other factors, the fare will be calculated based on the actual time and distance travelled, as well as the tolls incurred. This will happen automatically and a notification of the adjustment will be sent out.

  What if I want to change the destination or make multiple stops?

  Change of destination and unplanned stops can significantly change or extend a journey. When this happens, the fare will be adjusted automatically using the actual time and distance rates.