Should Washington curb rideshare surge pricing?

06/03/2025 11 min
Should Washington curb rideshare surge pricing?

Listen "Should Washington curb rideshare surge pricing?"

Episode Synopsis

Surge pricing. When there is a lot of demand for rideshares, fares can double or triple their usual rate – or even more.  But a first-of-its-kind bill is looking to slow the surge in Washington State. SB 5600 would cap surge pricing and make sure drivers get more of a share of those extra dollars.  The bill was inspired by the expected flood of attendees Seattle will be handling during the 2026 World Cup games, but it would also apply to other large events. Rideshare companies say this will only increase prices for everyone. But drivers, like Kyle Graham, think this will only benefit drivers and passengers.  Guest: Uber, Lyft and DoorDash driver Kyle Graham. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.