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Who Pays for Air Conditioning? Uber Drivers Face Heat and High Costs

A recent hot topic on social media is the debate over whether Uber drivers should turn on the air conditioning in their cars. The hashtag #UberDriversRefuseToTurnOnAC has been trending, with similar discussions like #DriverSaysACCosts600YuanMorePerMonth and #ExpertsSuggestACFeeShouldBeSharedByPlatformPassengers.

Many drivers are reluctant to use the AC because it cuts into their daily earnings by 20 yuan, resulting in a monthly loss of 600 yuan. With an average daily income of 200 yuan, this 20 yuan loss is a significant portion. A professor has pointed out that Uber and other ride-hailing platforms charge a percentage of the order amount as their fee, often as high as 25%. This high platform fee makes it difficult for drivers to afford the additional 10% cost of running the AC in the hot summer months.

Some argue that the rising cost of services, such as the inability to have deliveries brought to the doorstep or food delivered upstairs, reflects an increasing demand for convenience. They suggest that platforms should bear the cost of the AC, as their “tolls” are also on the rise. Others believe that the cost should be shared between the platform, the driver, and the passenger.

In reality, the ride-hailing market in many regions is experiencing oversupply, with reports in May suggesting that the nationwide capacity for Uber and similar services is already saturated. The fierce competition among drivers means they are less likely to spend money on comfort for themselves and their passengers.