it's called supply and demand
I agree with the first half of dan1980's post. If you don't like surge pricing, you don't "get" Uber. It starts with the fact that they don't schedule drivers and they are free to work or not work any time they want simply by turning on their phone and logging in. That means that at any point, demand will outstrip supply. They apply standard laws of supply and demand by temporarily raising the price, which both lowers demand by discouraging cheaper riders and increases the supply by encouraging drivers to drive on over.
If you don't get this, then don't use Uber, but this is where I differ from dan1980.
First off, Uber black car drivers are licensed drivers. Only UberX is amateurs. But it's still my and your decision to use or not use the system. But don't use it -- and the wonderful service it provides -- and then complain about how it works, which is completely different than how a taxi company works.
I for one haven't taken a taxi since I discovered Uber. I'd rather walk.