Taking an Uber on New Year’s Eve? Make sure you’re getting the best deal

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – If you are planning to take an Uber or Lyft after the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, reserving that ride right now could save you a lot of cash.

While some partygoers risk seeing double by midnight, rideshare drivers will be seeing dollar signs.

“I think New Year’s Eve is probably going to be the busiest night of the year,” Uber driver Angus Williams said.

Williams said he expects to make $350, or an average of $50 an hour, between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. That’s because when so many people are looking for a ride, the price goes up.

Riders can expect to pay around twice as much during surge pricing on busy nights.

“The rise in prices, it’s all relative,” said Williams. “It’s cheaper than some of the other options around, and it’s certainly cheaper than the worst of options that can happen if you drink and drive.”

Uber explains on its website that surge pricing is designed to restore balance. It encourages more drivers to serve busy areas and forces some riders to wait until the cost goes down.

“Probably one of the smartest things you can do in preparation for tomorrow is if you don’t have the Uber app, download it now and get all your information in there and you can schedule a trip in advance, and that helps Uber sort of make sure there’s enough drivers in the area to service everybody,” Williams said.

A reserved ride’s price will be locked in and will guarantee there is a driver available to you.

“There’s really no excuse in this day and age to drink and drive. If you can be out and about buying a few beers, you can afford the Uber home,” said Williams.

Louisville-based criminal defense firm Suhre & Associates is continuing their “I’ll Drive” campaign they started around Thanksgiving; they’ve donated more than 100 coupons worth $25 off an Uber ride and distributed them at local bars and restaurants.

The coupons can be found at these locations:

• Odeon
• Angel’s Envy Distillery
• Gravely Brewing Co.
• Monnik Beer Company
• Hell or High Water
• Gralehaus
• HopCat
• Le Moo
• Mussel and Burger Bar
• Nachbar
• Zanzabar
• Magnolia Bar
• Outlook Inn
• Molly Malone’s
• O’Shea’s
• Red Hog Butcher
• District 6

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