Local News

Massachusetts regulators probe Uber pricing during March storm

The Department of Public Utilities is investigating whether the company used surge pricing during a nor'easter.

An Uber Technologies logo sits on a smartphone display in this arranged photograph in London on Dec. 22, 2017. MUST CREDIT: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg Chris J. Ratcliffe / Bloomberg News, File

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts regulators are investigating whether ride-hailing company Uber violated state law by increasing prices during a powerful storm in March.

The Boston Herald reports that the Department of Public Utilities, which oversees ride-hailing apps, sent Uber a letter last month asking for the company’s fares during the March 3-6 nor’easter that brought heavy rain, flooding and widespread power outages; company revenue and number of riders during the storm; and information on complaints received during the storm.

The department sent Uber and similar companies a notice when Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, telling them to suspend surge pricing.

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State law prohibits surge pricing during a state of emergency.

Uber said it is “confident we complied with the law” and looks forward to “working with regulators on a quick resolution.”