Split Residents Complain of Uber's 'Priority' Ride Push and High Prices

Hundreds of residents in Split, Croatia, are voicing frustration over what they describe as manipulative pricing and service practices by ride-sharing apps, primarily Uber.

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Is this just me or is Uber intentionally pushing people to pay more?

Many users report that the app frequently offers only a more expensive "Priority" ride option, even for short distances. One user shared her experience of needing a ride to work and being offered a 7-euro trip for just 2.5 kilometers. When she declined the higher price, all nearby cars disappeared, and she was eventually connected with a driver located 20 minutes away.

This issue appears widespread, with numerous Split residents sharing similar stories on social media. Some claim that for months, the app has rarely shown standard UberX prices, forcing them to opt for "Priority" rides that can cost up to 16 euros for a 2-kilometer trip. Others complain about drivers accepting rides only to remain stationary, seemingly waiting for passengers to cancel.

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For me, for the last three months, UberX prices are not accepted at all, almost every time I had to take 'priority'.

The growing dissatisfaction has led many to consider alternatives, with comments ranging from deleting the app to returning to traditional yellow taxis. However, the discussion also revealed a driver's perspective. Some Uber drivers admitted to avoiding cheaper rides, preferring to wait for surge pricing or "Priority" options. They explained that after Uber's commission, fuel, and vehicle rental costs, the profit from a standard ride is minimal, sometimes as low as 1.5 euros.

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From these seven euros, Uber takes its 40 percent, the boss takes another 10 percent, and we pay for fuel and car rental ourselves, so it becomes a profit of one and a half euros.