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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sydney-siege-video-shows-female-hostage-draw-fingers-across-throat-as-standoff-continues-9924709.html
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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Sydney siege: Uber price surge attacked by social media users | Sydney siege: Uber price surge attacked by social media users |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| An international taxi firm provoked outrage after it raised fares on journeys within Sydney during an armed hostage situation – before rapidly reversing its position and announcing free fares. | An international taxi firm provoked outrage after it raised fares on journeys within Sydney during an armed hostage situation – before rapidly reversing its position and announcing free fares. |
| Uber’s prices spiralled as news broke today of the armed Sydney siege – a move that the company claimed was governed by an algorithm and occurs whenever demand rapidly increases within a particular area, in order to encourage the arrival of more drivers. | Uber’s prices spiralled as news broke today of the armed Sydney siege – a move that the company claimed was governed by an algorithm and occurs whenever demand rapidly increases within a particular area, in order to encourage the arrival of more drivers. |
| As authorities cordoned off the area – and a small number of hostages fled to safety – social media users reacted angrily to the global company. | As authorities cordoned off the area – and a small number of hostages fled to safety – social media users reacted angrily to the global company. |
| One Australian users wrote: “It's just so nice to know that no matter what happens, @Uber will fight to remain #1 douche company of the world.” | One Australian users wrote: “It's just so nice to know that no matter what happens, @Uber will fight to remain #1 douche company of the world.” |
| Another: #Uber sees the #SydneySiege as a giant business opportunity, apparently. Lovely people.” | Another: #Uber sees the #SydneySiege as a giant business opportunity, apparently. Lovely people.” |
| #Uber price surge, if true, should kill the company. Nobody with any self-respect can abide such behavior. #sydneysiege | #Uber price surge, if true, should kill the company. Nobody with any self-respect can abide such behavior. #sydneysiege |
| The company has since announced that all fares from the Central Business District (CBD) – where the Lindt chocolate shop is located – will be free for passengers. | The company has since announced that all fares from the Central Business District (CBD) – where the Lindt chocolate shop is located – will be free for passengers. |
| In a statement posted on their Australian site, the company said: “We are all concerned with the events happening in Sydney. | In a statement posted on their Australian site, the company said: “We are all concerned with the events happening in Sydney. |
| “Uber Sydney will be providing free rides out of the CBD to help Sydneysiders get home safely,” they added they would also be refunding fares for passengers. | “Uber Sydney will be providing free rides out of the CBD to help Sydneysiders get home safely,” they added they would also be refunding fares for passengers. |
| “Our thoughts are with those affected and the NSW Police Force.” | “Our thoughts are with those affected and the NSW Police Force.” |
| Uber rides out of the CBD today are free for all riders to help Sydneysiders get home safely. See http://t.co/UIwoom25Bm for more info. | Uber rides out of the CBD today are free for all riders to help Sydneysiders get home safely. See http://t.co/UIwoom25Bm for more info. |
| @TunWellsWoodies @Independent surge pricing is automated. We took action to cap surge & made trips free for riders. http://t.co/UIwoom25Bm |