Uber and other taxi apps are taking users for a ride in the U.K.

Several people in the U.K. are vocal about their experience with taxi apps such as Uber Inc. (NYSE: UBER) and Bolt Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: BOLT). A section of users told CNBC that the apps did not connect them to a chauffeur. As a result, they were late for a meeting or left stranded. Another section of users laments that they were charged an enormous sum for the ride. A spike in price occurs when apps are busy, particularly during the weekend or late in the evening. Users in the U.K. believe that taxi apps are taking them for a ride.

Demand supply mismatch causes a spike in cost

In a scenario where there are not enough chauffeurs to accept the rides, the cost for the ride spikes. In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box Europe, Markus Villig, co-founder and CEO of mobility app Bolt, said:

Echoing his views is Uber. A spokesperson for Uber’s U.K. business said:

Getting a ride is either difficult or impossible

Several users have either had to wait for a long time to get a ride or experience cancellation of their ride. Based out of London, Dave Thomson, chief product officer at video conferencing platform Whereby, in an interview with CNBC, said:

Chauffeurs have taken a u-turn

Chauffeurs have moved to the grass, which is greener on the other side. During the pandemic, they took up jobs that gave them financial security along with professional and benefits. Meanwhile, a section of chauffeurs has realized that their vehicles could also transport food instead of people. Ride hailing expert Harry Campbell said to CNBC: