That's possible. But it's also possible that the author is really upset at having paid such a large amount of money, and is exaggerating (lying) by saying there was no way to know the price beforehand.

Highly unlikely. Sounds like the author knew full well surge was in effect, he just didn't expect the bill to be so high and now he wants them to cut him a break.

Also this is nonsense: There was absolutely no excuse whatsoever to be charged the surge price—not even their "supply and demand" cop-out justification, which falls short in this instance.

Bar closings etc have nothing to do with it if they are trying to get more drivers on the road. There could be 10 or 100 cabs around, it doesn't mean they are barred from enabling surge pricing.