I have personally watched Uber drivers (Not in the USA) do exactly this - lots of them in a Whatsapp group all agreeing when to disconnect their apps and turn them back on again.
In front of me. During the ride.
They definitely do this and it happens all the time. I sent my complaint about it to Uber, to only get ignored. The drivers are gaming the system and the customers get hurt. Right now, Uber is still better than taxis where I am, but I tell you the absolute second there is a decent competitor I am switching. I absolutely despise Uber.
It would be so easy to stop this. Prevent someone who turned off their phone prior to a surge, from participating in the surge price for a time window before and after.
In front of me. During the ride.
They definitely do this and it happens all the time. I sent my complaint about it to Uber, to only get ignored. The drivers are gaming the system and the customers get hurt. Right now, Uber is still better than taxis where I am, but I tell you the absolute second there is a decent competitor I am switching. I absolutely despise Uber.
It would be so easy to stop this. Prevent someone who turned off their phone prior to a surge, from participating in the surge price for a time window before and after.