ORLANDO, Fla. — New Year's Eve: It's the day to overpay for everything from that glass of flat Champagne to the impossibly high heels you'll wear just once, to — once again — that ride from Uber.
Before and after the orange drops in downtown Orlando, tens of thousands of revelers are expected to be out ringing in 2015.
But it could mean starting the New Year with a lighter wallet if you're using ride sharing services.
Prices are expected to surge during peak times before and well after midnight.
"You have to agree to accept the price increase. Passengers know in advance when they request a driver; Uber tells them how many times the normal fare is going to be," said ride share driver Ron Gualtieri.
The ride-hailing app expects this New Year's Eve to be its busiest night ever. Due to high demand — and because it can — Uber is bringing back surge pricing, a boon to its drivers but a bane to passengers. Fares can increase sevenfold during the busiest hours between 12:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.
Gualtieri advises people to select a pick up location after the ball drops, away from the crowds.
"Go to a place where drivers can get to you to pick you up, and the best way to avoid unexpected costs, especially after a spirited celebration," said Gualtieri.
Here's what to expect: Uber prices will surge all night with no ceiling cap.
It could cost you 400 percent more than the base price.
Competitor, Lyft caps its surge at five times its base price.
Mears taxi said it will keep its standard cab fares the same all night.
WFTV
