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Uber And Lyft Apologize For Spiking Prices After NYC Terrorist Attack

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Ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft apologized for spiking fare prices after the explosion Monday in a Port Authority station, and promised to refund customers.

Both Uber and Lyft maintain surge pricing when demand is particularly high, and as commuters rushed to find alternate transportation Monday, prices spiked 2.5 times the typical amount, The New York Post reported. While disgruntled customers complained that the ride-sharing services were attempting to capitalize off of a terrorist attack, the companies insisted that it was a momentary oversight.

“Within minutes of seeing reports of an incident, we disabled dynamic pricing in the area,” Uber spokeswoman Alix Anfang told the NY Post.

“In addition, we are proactively refunding riders for dynamic pricing on affected trips in the area,” Anfang said, adding that drivers will still get to keep their shares of the prices.

Lyft also had to apologize for the expensive prices, saying that they are planning on reimbursing passengers who were forced to pay lofty fees for a car service in Midtown.

Officials have identified the alleged terrorist as Akayed Ullah, 27, who had a 5-inch metal pipe bomb and battery pack strapped to his midsection. The bomb detonated prematurely, severely wounding Ullah, who is now in custody and receiving hospital treatment.

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