Re:The Effects of Uber's Surge Pricing: A Case Study [pdf]
by gavazzy on Thursday September 17, 2015 @10:32PM
(#10237233)
I think this will create a damped feedback loop. Over time, the delay caused by "don't chase surge" will mean that the prices remain higher longer. Drivers will realize that the surge doesn't instantly vanish. As a result, surges will mostly get the drivers who were about to end a shift, or were going to begin a shift in an hour or so, or are in the most need of $$$.
This behavior means that surge pricing will result in a smaller increase in drivers, but a one that more closely resembles demand, which is exactly the kind of efficient allocation we'd hope for.
This behavior means that surge pricing will result in a smaller increase in drivers, but a one that more closely resembles demand, which is exactly the kind of efficient allocation we'd hope for.