While Uber surge pricing will come as no surprise to Sydney's New Year's Eve revellers, the ride share giant has warned the increased cost will also apply to its lesser known taxi partnership.
UberTAXI, which is used by licensed taxi drivers when they can't get conventional fares, has until recently been restricted from applying surge pricing to customers.
However, regulatory reform in NSW means the taxi function has been allowed to apply surge pricing to customers from December 1.
An Uber spokesman told AAP the introduction of surge pricing to UberTAXI was aimed to encourage more cab drivers to use the app over the New Year's period.
The spokesman said it would give drivers more options during peak demand period over the festive season.
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However the NSW Taxi Council has criticised Uber's use of surge pricing, insisting customers should be charged a reasonable fare without any additions.
"We don't believe the pricing should be influenced by taking advantage of the peak period," NSWTC deputy chief executive officer Nick Abrahim told AAP on Friday.
The Uber spokesman said the company used the pricing method in order to entice drivers to work in peak periods or at times they would otherwise not want to be working.
The spokesman said customers would be able to obtain a fair estimate before accepting the Uber trip.
On its website, Uber suggests waiting a few minutes for surge pricing to subside as well as splitting the fare with other people.
More than a million people are expected to pack Sydney Harbour's foreshores on New Year's Eve for the city's iconic fireworks display.
Uber prices are expected to be highest between midnight and 3am, according to the company.
