- The Australian Open creates one of the first significant surges of 2023 say experts at leading rideshare and taxi comparison and booking app, Placie
- Australia may be in for rideshare price surges of as much as 88% as summer sees revellers push up demand for rideshares and taxis
- "Know your options" says ex-rideshare driver and Australian Idol, Casey Donovan
- Warning comes following spikes in demand seen during major events in 2022
Aussies looking for cheaper rideshare fares after the Christmas rush are potentially in for a disappointment as the Australian Open has already created one of the first surges of the year.
This week, experts at leading rideshare and taxi comparison and booking platform, Placie have observed quotes vary by up to 200% on trips within a 5km radius of the Olympic Park precinct.
"Our data shows that trips within 5km of the Olympic Park precinct varied from around $4 per km at their lowest, to over three times as much ($14 per km) between midnight and 2am on 18th January," says Jo Hewlett, CEO of Placie. "The spike was heavily influenced by large crowds leaving Novak Djokovic's highly anticipated first match of the tournament," she adds.
It's expected that the Australian Open will continue to create demand for rideshares through to the final on 29th of January but it won't be the last, Jo Hewlett continues.
"Australia Day, World Pride, The Festival of Sails, The Gold Coast Open and Perth Festival are all events that may create surges in the coming months. Last year, we saw events of a similar scale create significant surges."
In 2022, fares increased by up to 88% around the Melbourne Cup, 28% during the T20 Cricket World Cup, and demand rose by over 75% in general during festive period peak hours.
"Major events can see rideshare prices go out of control, with fares of up to $500[1] reported during the Australian Grand Prix last year," adds Jo Hewlett.
Ex-rideshare driver and Australian Idol, Casey Donovan has partnered with Placie to help Aussies beat the summer surge season:
"Summer is a time to get out and enjoy yourself. After a challenging year for Aussie bank balances in 2022, the last thing anyone wants is to be hit with unexpected costs when enjoying gigs, festivals, matches and other events. So, it's always best to look for a bargain, even with ride services," Casey Donovan says.
Unpredictable factors that affect surges in demand include the number of rideshare and taxi drivers working at the time, bad weather, concurrent events, traffic disruptions and many more. As such, consumers are advised to check their options when they need them.
"We're already seeing a strong rebound in demand for rideshare and taxi services as major events in 2023 kick off," says Jo Hewlett. "We encourage consumers to plan ahead and remain vigilant of unpredictable demand peaks that may affect pricing, and to use Placie to check fares in real-time to find, choose and pay for the best option for them."
Placie also observed a two-fold (100%) increase in both total airport trips and trips per user during the festive season, signalling that Aussies are returning to holidaying in droves. Consumers are again urged to plan ahead if they have summer travel plans.
"Whatever your destination this Summer, the best advice is to check your options. Don't let an unexpected fee ruin your summer fun," concludes Jo Hewlett.
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