Uber surges out of control as London tube disruption sees users charged up to £41 to travel to neare

Wednesday's tube disruption saw commuters desperately scramble for alternative modes of transport to work, with some turning to ride-sharing app Uber.

Shocked and angered, many turned to social media to vent their disapproval of the inflated prices Uber were charging. 

One Twitter user, Chris Gray, posted a screenshot showing rates reaching as high as £41 to travel to the nearest working tube. 

A journey from Stockwell to Balham, south London, with a travel time estimated at 18 minutes, was quoted between £32-£41. 

A second user, Shell, posted, saying "it's got even more reasonable in the north", with a screenshot of a 37 minute journey being quoted at between £60-£78. 

Steve McNamara, head of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: "Uber’s extortionate surge pricing is daylight robbery. 

"The app capitalises on desperate commuters struck by failing public transport, and is one of the many reasons why the Mayor and TfL should not grant Uber another London licence when its probationary licence expires later this month. ‘Our regulated fares mean black cabbies always treat Londoners fairly, and never charge them more for events out of their control." 

The Metropolitan line and Northern line were both suffering from severe delays due to signalling problems, said Transport for London.