Uber Surge-Pricing Antitrust Suit Green-Lighted by Judge

[FrodosPet]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-31/uber-antitrust-lawsuit-over-pricing-green-lighted-by-judge

by Erik Larson and Patricia Hurtado
Updated on March 31, 2016 — 3:20 PM EDT

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan on Thursday denied Kalanick’s bid to dismiss a proposed class-action lawsuit claiming the technology in Uber’s popular ride-hailing app is used to illegally coordinate high surge-pricing fares.

Rakoff rejected Kalanick’s assertion that a conspiracy involving hundreds of thousands of drivers was “wildly implausible” and “physically impossible,” an argument the executive made in filings since the suit was filed in December.

“The capacity to orchestrate such an agreement is the ‘genius’ of Mr. Kalanick and his company, which, through the magic of smartphone technology, can invite hundreds of thousands of drivers in far-flung locations to agree to Uber’s terms,” the judge said.

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Meyer’s lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of millions of U.S. riders who rely on the world’s largest ride-hailing company, and opens a new line of legal attacks on sharing-economy businesses. Uber faces other lawsuits and regulatory challenges over its business model, including demands by its drivers to be classified as employees instead of independent contractors.

~ snip ~

[metroins]

1. These people are going to ruin a good thing

It's very difficult to agree to the surge price on Uber. They make you type in the price.

Lyft is usually cheaper anyway. I use Uber for the black/premium vehicles/features that Lyft doesn't have.

[TampaAnimusVortex]

2. Its a stupid lawsuit

If you dont like the fares, go ride with Lyft or a normal taxi. No one is putting a gun to anyone's head here. Just silly.