Hailing Uber drivers is usually pretty straightforward. You pull up the app, select a vehicle type, and pay your fee. However, thanks to a new investigation, Uber passengers in Chicago could receive refunds after potentially paying unnecessary fees. In many ways, this raises doubts about the popular rideshare application among passengers in other states. 

Uber drivers remain an important option despite this controversy

According to The Chicago Sun-Times, thousands of people who have used Uber drivers in the “windy city” could be due small refunds. This comes as the company has admitted to improperly charging $1.50 for congestion pricing outside the city mandates. This fee should go towards rides between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. due to extra traffic. However, many rides after the cut-off time also included the fee. 

It’s unclear how many people who called Uber drivers had the fee. While Uber has admitted the mistake, the company says it has not pocketed any money from the fees. A representative said, “Due to an internal error, customers have been mistakenly charged the congestion fee after 10 p.m. since January 6th. These overcharges were remitted to the city. We are actively identifying all affected customers and will issue refunds accordingly.”

Uber has to audit all of the rides involving its drivers since the rules around congestion prices changed in December. Alderman Brian Hopkins had this to say on the charges, “It appears to be widespread, just from anecdotal evidence — people who have responded on social media. My office has gotten a few calls. It doesn’t appear to be isolated.”

While having an extra charge of $1.50 may seem minor for people seeking Uber drivers, there’s more to consider. Many passengers use the service multiple times daily, meaning this fee could double or even triple. Additionally, they’re paying for something they were not required to, which is also problematic. There are also people who visit Chicago who could have been charged. In addition to refunding passengers, Uber could face hefty fines.