Demand fair fares and fair pay for private hire drivers in the UK
The Issue
To: The UK Government, Department for Transport, Members of Parliament, relevant licensing authorities and Uber UK.
Subject: Request for fair driver earnings, transparent pricing, consistent surge opportunities and protection for private hire drivers.
1. Introduction
We, the undersigned private hire drivers, respectfully request urgent action to make private hire driving a fair and financially sustainable way to earn a living.
Drivers work long hours to support their families and provide an essential service to the public. However, rising fuel prices, insurance, vehicle finance, maintenance, tyres, licensing fees and household bills are making it increasingly difficult to cover expenses and earn a reasonable income.
We want to work, support our families and meet our financial responsibilities. We ask the Government and Uber UK to listen to drivers and take practical action to improve fairness, transparency and sustainability across the private hire industry.
2. Fair fares and lower, transparent commission
Drivers need to know that the fares they receive reasonably reflect the work and costs involved.
We request:
• A review of Uber's commission and other deductions, including consideration of a fair and reasonable cap.
• Transparent fare breakdowns showing customer payments, platform deductions and driver earnings.
• A review of minimum fares and appropriate per-mile and per-minute rates.
• Fair payment for waiting time, cancellations and additional distance.
• Clear explanations of how fare adjustments and other deductions are calculated.
In my experience working in Leeds, an 18-mile journey may be offered at approximately £18.85–£19.45. These fares must be assessed against fuel, time, traffic and vehicle operating costs.
We recognise that Uber has its own operating expenses. However, drivers also have substantial costs and responsibilities, and the balance between customer payments, platform deductions and driver earnings should be clear and fair.
3. Surge pricing: why do drivers see different offers?
One of my major concerns is that customers may be charged higher fares during periods of high demand, while some drivers cannot see any surge opportunity on their apps.
At times, two drivers may be sitting together in the same location, at the same time, yet one sees a surge offer while the other sees none. Both drivers are available for work and face similar operating costs, but their apparent earning opportunities differ.
We recognise that demand, location, timing and driver availability may affect surge offers. However, drivers deserve a clear explanation of how these offers are calculated and why differences occur.
We request that Uber:
• Explain how customer surge charges relate to driver earnings.
• Clarify why drivers in the same location may see different surge offers.
• Investigate the consistency and accuracy of surge displays and payments.
• Make applicable surge-related payments clear before a trip is accepted.
• Provide a fair process for drivers to question missing or disputed surge payments.
We are not demanding identical offers in every circumstance. We are demanding transparency, consistency and accountability.
4. Real example: the Manchester journey
I was offered approximately £58 for a 48-mile journey towards Manchester. During the trip, the customer requested that I continue using a motorway route. I agreed, and the journey ultimately covered approximately 55 miles.
I contacted Uber support to request an adjustment but was told the fare had already been increased and no further adjustment would be made.
• Original offer: approximately £58 for 48 miles.
• Actual distance: approximately 55 miles.
• Original rate: approximately £1.21 per mile.
• Actual rate: approximately £1.05 per mile, before expenses.
The additional seven miles represented approximately 14.6% more distance without additional payment beyond the £58 received.
We request a fair, transparent process for additional distance, changed journeys and fare disputes.
5. Long-distance journeys and empty returns
When drivers take passengers to distant destinations, such as Manchester, they are unable to get a return booking due to boundary restrictions and must drive back empty.
For example, a 55-mile outward journey followed by a 55-mile empty return means 110 miles of driving for a £58 fare. That is approximately 53 pence per mile before fuel and all other expenses.
Drivers should not have to assess long-distance trips solely on the passenger distance when the return journey may generate no income.
We request a review of long-distance pricing that considers unpaid return mileage, fuel costs, vehicle wear and the difficulty of obtaining return bookings.
6. Uber earnings screenshot: £76.17 is not profit
My Uber Driver app screenshot shows:
• Customer payments: £89.94.
• Net fare: £71.86.
• Per-trip holiday entitlement: £4.31.
• Total earnings and entitlements displayed: £76.17.
The difference between customer payments and the net fare is £18.08, but the screenshot alone does not show exactly how that amount is allocated. I request a full, transparent breakdown.
The journey covered 66.65 miles. If the driver must return empty over the same distance, the total driving distance is approximately 133.3 miles.
Using an illustrative diesel vehicle averaging 45 miles per imperial gallon and diesel priced at approximately £1.99 per litre:
• Estimated fuel cost for 133.3 miles: £26.75.
• Total earnings and entitlements shown: £76.17.
• Remaining after estimated fuel alone: £49.42.
These figures are estimates and assume an empty return over the same distance. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, fuel price, traffic and driving conditions.
The remaining £49.42 is not profit. Insurance, finance, maintenance, tyres, repairs, depreciation, licensing, tax and other expenses must still be paid.
This example shows why driver earnings must be considered alongside the full working distance and actual operating costs.
7. Smaller local operators and the Leeds market
In Leeds, I have experienced the difficulties smaller private hire operators face when competing with Uber.
A smaller local operator has explained that raising fares is difficult when customers can compare its prices with lower fares offered through Uber. This creates pressure on smaller businesses and their drivers.
We request an examination of how platform pricing affects fair competition, smaller local operators and sustainable driver earnings, while preserving customer choice.
8. Cost of living, debt and family responsibilities
Drivers must cover both business and household expenses, including:
• Fuel and private hire insurance.
• Vehicle finance or rental.
• Servicing, repairs, tyres and maintenance.
• MOT, licensing fees, driver badges and vehicle plates.
• Rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities and family bills.
When earnings do not cover these costs, drivers may accumulate debt, use savings or fall behind on payments despite working long hours.
Private hire driving also provides flexible work for people with different qualifications, language abilities and family responsibilities. If the work becomes financially unsustainable, people who want to remain in employment may lose a valuable source of income and require other support.
This petition does not criticise people receiving Universal Credit or other assistance. It asks for action to prevent avoidable financial hardship and the loss of viable work opportunities.
9. An appeal to the public: please support fair treatment for drivers
We respectfully appeal to passengers, members of the public, local communities and everyone who depends on private hire services to support our call for fairer treatment.
Behind every journey is a driver who must pay for fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, licensing, finance and household bills. Drivers carry these costs and responsibilities while often having limited control over fares, platform deductions and access to surge opportunities.
We are concerned that customers may pay substantial fares while drivers receive considerably less after deductions and the costs of completing a journey. We believe there should be greater transparency about how fares are divided and whether drivers receive a fair return for their work.
We recognise that Uber also has operating costs. Our request is not to attack any company or demand unfair treatment of passengers. It is to ensure that the people who provide the service are treated fairly and can earn a sustainable living.
We ask the public to stand with private hire drivers and support:
• Fair fares that reflect the real cost of providing the service.
• Reasonable and transparent platform commission.
• Clear explanations of customer payments and driver earnings.
• Fair and transparent surge pricing.
• Recognition of the costs of long journeys and unavoidable empty returns.
• Protection for drivers, their families and smaller local private hire operators.
Please support this petition, share our concerns with your local MP, and encourage Uber UK and the Government to listen to working drivers.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, transparency, dignity and a sustainable future for people who work hard to serve the public.
Together, drivers, passengers and communities can call for a private hire industry that works fairly for everyone.
10. What we ask the Government and Uber UK to do
We respectfully request:
1. Fair commission: Review platform deductions and consider a reasonable, transparent cap.
2. Fair fares: Review pricing against distance, time, fuel prices and legitimate operating costs.
3. Surge transparency: Explain how surge charges relate to driver earnings and why nearby drivers may see different offers.
4. Fair journey adjustments: Ensure additional distance and material route changes can be reviewed properly.
5. Recognition of empty returns: Review long-distance pricing and the burden of unpaid return mileage.
6. Clear earnings statements: Provide itemised customer payments, deductions, driver fares and adjustments.
7. Fair dispute resolution: Give drivers an accessible way to challenge fare calculations and missing or disputed surge payments.
8. Fair local competition: Examine the effect of platform pricing on smaller private hire operators.
9. Driver consultation: Consult working drivers, including those in Leeds and those using local operators.
10. Government action: Explain what can be done under current law and whether further regulation or legislative reform is needed.
11. A formal response: Provide a clear response explaining the evidence considered and the actions proposed.
11. Final appeal
We are not asking for unreasonable earnings or unfair treatment of passengers. We are asking for fair fares, lower and transparent commission, clear surge pricing, fair journey adjustments and recognition of the real cost of working.
Drivers should not be left guessing how much they will earn, why another driver sees a surge offer that they cannot see, or whether a long-distance trip will cover its costs after an empty return.
Our examples demonstrate why these concerns deserve serious investigation. We ask the Government, relevant authorities and Uber UK to work with drivers and the public towards a fairer, more transparent and sustainable private hire industry.
Fairer conditions would help drivers support their families, protect legitimate work opportunities, strengthen local operators and maintain a dependable service for passengers.
We respectfully request formal consideration of this petition and a written response.
132
The Issue
To: The UK Government, Department for Transport, Members of Parliament, relevant licensing authorities and Uber UK.
Subject: Request for fair driver earnings, transparent pricing, consistent surge opportunities and protection for private hire drivers.
1. Introduction
We, the undersigned private hire drivers, respectfully request urgent action to make private hire driving a fair and financially sustainable way to earn a living.
Drivers work long hours to support their families and provide an essential service to the public. However, rising fuel prices, insurance, vehicle finance, maintenance, tyres, licensing fees and household bills are making it increasingly difficult to cover expenses and earn a reasonable income.
We want to work, support our families and meet our financial responsibilities. We ask the Government and Uber UK to listen to drivers and take practical action to improve fairness, transparency and sustainability across the private hire industry.
2. Fair fares and lower, transparent commission
Drivers need to know that the fares they receive reasonably reflect the work and costs involved.
We request:
• A review of Uber's commission and other deductions, including consideration of a fair and reasonable cap.
• Transparent fare breakdowns showing customer payments, platform deductions and driver earnings.
• A review of minimum fares and appropriate per-mile and per-minute rates.
• Fair payment for waiting time, cancellations and additional distance.
• Clear explanations of how fare adjustments and other deductions are calculated.
In my experience working in Leeds, an 18-mile journey may be offered at approximately £18.85–£19.45. These fares must be assessed against fuel, time, traffic and vehicle operating costs.
We recognise that Uber has its own operating expenses. However, drivers also have substantial costs and responsibilities, and the balance between customer payments, platform deductions and driver earnings should be clear and fair.
3. Surge pricing: why do drivers see different offers?
One of my major concerns is that customers may be charged higher fares during periods of high demand, while some drivers cannot see any surge opportunity on their apps.
At times, two drivers may be sitting together in the same location, at the same time, yet one sees a surge offer while the other sees none. Both drivers are available for work and face similar operating costs, but their apparent earning opportunities differ.
We recognise that demand, location, timing and driver availability may affect surge offers. However, drivers deserve a clear explanation of how these offers are calculated and why differences occur.
We request that Uber:
• Explain how customer surge charges relate to driver earnings.
• Clarify why drivers in the same location may see different surge offers.
• Investigate the consistency and accuracy of surge displays and payments.
• Make applicable surge-related payments clear before a trip is accepted.
• Provide a fair process for drivers to question missing or disputed surge payments.
We are not demanding identical offers in every circumstance. We are demanding transparency, consistency and accountability.
4. Real example: the Manchester journey
I was offered approximately £58 for a 48-mile journey towards Manchester. During the trip, the customer requested that I continue using a motorway route. I agreed, and the journey ultimately covered approximately 55 miles.
I contacted Uber support to request an adjustment but was told the fare had already been increased and no further adjustment would be made.
• Original offer: approximately £58 for 48 miles.
• Actual distance: approximately 55 miles.
• Original rate: approximately £1.21 per mile.
• Actual rate: approximately £1.05 per mile, before expenses.
The additional seven miles represented approximately 14.6% more distance without additional payment beyond the £58 received.
We request a fair, transparent process for additional distance, changed journeys and fare disputes.
5. Long-distance journeys and empty returns
When drivers take passengers to distant destinations, such as Manchester, they are unable to get a return booking due to boundary restrictions and must drive back empty.
For example, a 55-mile outward journey followed by a 55-mile empty return means 110 miles of driving for a £58 fare. That is approximately 53 pence per mile before fuel and all other expenses.
Drivers should not have to assess long-distance trips solely on the passenger distance when the return journey may generate no income.
We request a review of long-distance pricing that considers unpaid return mileage, fuel costs, vehicle wear and the difficulty of obtaining return bookings.
6. Uber earnings screenshot: £76.17 is not profit
My Uber Driver app screenshot shows:
• Customer payments: £89.94.
• Net fare: £71.86.
• Per-trip holiday entitlement: £4.31.
• Total earnings and entitlements displayed: £76.17.
The difference between customer payments and the net fare is £18.08, but the screenshot alone does not show exactly how that amount is allocated. I request a full, transparent breakdown.
The journey covered 66.65 miles. If the driver must return empty over the same distance, the total driving distance is approximately 133.3 miles.
Using an illustrative diesel vehicle averaging 45 miles per imperial gallon and diesel priced at approximately £1.99 per litre:
• Estimated fuel cost for 133.3 miles: £26.75.
• Total earnings and entitlements shown: £76.17.
• Remaining after estimated fuel alone: £49.42.
These figures are estimates and assume an empty return over the same distance. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, fuel price, traffic and driving conditions.
The remaining £49.42 is not profit. Insurance, finance, maintenance, tyres, repairs, depreciation, licensing, tax and other expenses must still be paid.
This example shows why driver earnings must be considered alongside the full working distance and actual operating costs.
7. Smaller local operators and the Leeds market
In Leeds, I have experienced the difficulties smaller private hire operators face when competing with Uber.
A smaller local operator has explained that raising fares is difficult when customers can compare its prices with lower fares offered through Uber. This creates pressure on smaller businesses and their drivers.
We request an examination of how platform pricing affects fair competition, smaller local operators and sustainable driver earnings, while preserving customer choice.
8. Cost of living, debt and family responsibilities
Drivers must cover both business and household expenses, including:
• Fuel and private hire insurance.
• Vehicle finance or rental.
• Servicing, repairs, tyres and maintenance.
• MOT, licensing fees, driver badges and vehicle plates.
• Rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities and family bills.
When earnings do not cover these costs, drivers may accumulate debt, use savings or fall behind on payments despite working long hours.
Private hire driving also provides flexible work for people with different qualifications, language abilities and family responsibilities. If the work becomes financially unsustainable, people who want to remain in employment may lose a valuable source of income and require other support.
This petition does not criticise people receiving Universal Credit or other assistance. It asks for action to prevent avoidable financial hardship and the loss of viable work opportunities.
9. An appeal to the public: please support fair treatment for drivers
We respectfully appeal to passengers, members of the public, local communities and everyone who depends on private hire services to support our call for fairer treatment.
Behind every journey is a driver who must pay for fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, licensing, finance and household bills. Drivers carry these costs and responsibilities while often having limited control over fares, platform deductions and access to surge opportunities.
We are concerned that customers may pay substantial fares while drivers receive considerably less after deductions and the costs of completing a journey. We believe there should be greater transparency about how fares are divided and whether drivers receive a fair return for their work.
We recognise that Uber also has operating costs. Our request is not to attack any company or demand unfair treatment of passengers. It is to ensure that the people who provide the service are treated fairly and can earn a sustainable living.
We ask the public to stand with private hire drivers and support:
• Fair fares that reflect the real cost of providing the service.
• Reasonable and transparent platform commission.
• Clear explanations of customer payments and driver earnings.
• Fair and transparent surge pricing.
• Recognition of the costs of long journeys and unavoidable empty returns.
• Protection for drivers, their families and smaller local private hire operators.
Please support this petition, share our concerns with your local MP, and encourage Uber UK and the Government to listen to working drivers.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, transparency, dignity and a sustainable future for people who work hard to serve the public.
Together, drivers, passengers and communities can call for a private hire industry that works fairly for everyone.
10. What we ask the Government and Uber UK to do
We respectfully request:
1. Fair commission: Review platform deductions and consider a reasonable, transparent cap.
2. Fair fares: Review pricing against distance, time, fuel prices and legitimate operating costs.
3. Surge transparency: Explain how surge charges relate to driver earnings and why nearby drivers may see different offers.
4. Fair journey adjustments: Ensure additional distance and material route changes can be reviewed properly.
5. Recognition of empty returns: Review long-distance pricing and the burden of unpaid return mileage.
6. Clear earnings statements: Provide itemised customer payments, deductions, driver fares and adjustments.
7. Fair dispute resolution: Give drivers an accessible way to challenge fare calculations and missing or disputed surge payments.
8. Fair local competition: Examine the effect of platform pricing on smaller private hire operators.
9. Driver consultation: Consult working drivers, including those in Leeds and those using local operators.
10. Government action: Explain what can be done under current law and whether further regulation or legislative reform is needed.
11. A formal response: Provide a clear response explaining the evidence considered and the actions proposed.
11. Final appeal
We are not asking for unreasonable earnings or unfair treatment of passengers. We are asking for fair fares, lower and transparent commission, clear surge pricing, fair journey adjustments and recognition of the real cost of working.
Drivers should not be left guessing how much they will earn, why another driver sees a surge offer that they cannot see, or whether a long-distance trip will cover its costs after an empty return.
Our examples demonstrate why these concerns deserve serious investigation. We ask the Government, relevant authorities and Uber UK to work with drivers and the public towards a fairer, more transparent and sustainable private hire industry.
Fairer conditions would help drivers support their families, protect legitimate work opportunities, strengthen local operators and maintain a dependable service for passengers.
We respectfully request formal consideration of this petition and a written response.
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 21 October 2026