Investigating Uber price surges during a special event in Austin, TX

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of Transportation Network Company (TNC) Uber's surge pricing during a special event. Using data collected using Uber's developer API over the 2015 Fourth of July weekend, this research investigated the form of price surge multipliers during periods of high demand. Regression models showed surge price was not correlated with ride wait time for July 3, July 4, or July 5, but it was correlated with ride request time in all three nights. July 4 had the strongest correlation and more instances of surge pricing, and those instances were greater in magnitude that the other evenings studied. This research has practical implications for transportation planners in that it reveals the obscurity of the price surge mechanisms. The unpredictability and lack of transparency surrounding surge pricing poses challenges for those working to incorporate TNCs into a city's transportation operations.