As fuel costs proceed their sharp ascent, rideshare drivers are struggling to maintain up with prices.
Drivers who had been choosing up passengers at Logan International Airport say issues have been powerful these days, and the rise in costs is simply making it worse.
Beth Griffith is correct at house behind the wheel. Over the final seven years, she’s pushed for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash. She’s by no means seen fuel costs fairly like this.
“It’s the little guys like us that are really feeling the effects of this,” she mentioned.
Gas costs had been already climbing, however they’ve been skyrocketing since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the U.S. ban on Russian oil imports is anticipated to gasoline it additional.
Griffith and others who drive for {dollars} are getting squeezed.
It’s gotten so dangerous that Griffith lately parked her automotive, deciding she could not afford to proceed on as a rideshare driver.
“We were already losing money, but now, it’s making it even worse,” she mentioned. “It’s cutting into our profit margins.”
Both Uber and Lyft inform NBC10 Boston they’ve lately created gasoline cash-back applications as a method of easing the burden, and each say they’re monitoring fuel costs carefully.
“It’s an enormous problem, and it’s only getting worse,” mentioned State Rep. Peter Durant, R-Worcester.
Durant filed an modification late Tuesday afternoon to repeal the state’s fuel tax, which quantities to 24 cents a gallon.
“I think people are looking for some relief, and this is just one of those ways that we, as a state government, can help provide that.”
Griffith worries fewer drivers may result in surge pricing.
Uber and Lyft say extra adjustments may come quickly as they proceed to speak with drivers.
Durant mentioned a debate over repealing the fuel tax in Massachusetts may start as quickly as Wednesday.