Consumer Reports Finds Widespread Ride-Price Gaps in Uber and Lyft Fueled by AI
Consumer Reports’ investigation found that Uber and Lyft routinely quote different prices for the same ride booked at nearly the same moment, with a median gap around 50% across dozens of routes. The test, involving 174 volunteers across 18 states, also uncovered discounts CR calls fake or misleading. The study estimated Uber/Lyft capture about 43–50% of each fare. Both companies deny personalizing base fares or using surveillance pricing, but CR says observed price variation can’t be fully explained by obvious market factors, and regulators in several states are weighing limits on personalized pricing.
