Uber said Friday it will let drivers in the United States see trip details before deciding whether to accept them — a new feature drivers have long been asking for.
A common complaint from drivers on the driving platform invoked by the app was that they have to accept a request before knowing where they’re going or how profitable they’ll be.
“Our new ride request screen makes it easier for drivers to decide if a ride is worth their time and effort by providing all the details upfront – including exactly how much they’re making and where they’re going,” said Dara, CEO Khosrowshahi in a blog post.
Disclosing details only after a driver has accepted a ride was seen as a way to ensure drivers were picked up promptly and not snubbed for driving to locations deemed undesirable by drivers.
But Khosrowshahi said riders have made it clear they want more flexibility and choice.
Uber said the new feature, called Upfront Fares, has been tested in multiple cities and has been a hit with drivers while resulting in reduced wait times for passengers.
The ridesharing company will also no longer just send drivers one ride request at a time, but will let them choose from a list of detailed passenger requests in an area.
Uber makes long-term efforts to demonstrate that its business model is socially and economically viable.
The “gig economy” — which uses temporary, independent contractors for short-term tasks — has grown rapidly since the launch of Uber in 2009 and is promoted as a flexible way for people to make money without the constraints of a full-time job.
But in countries around the world, there is a growing backlash to the conditions and dangers faced by gig workers.
Uber driver ranks – which shrank during the Covid-19 pandemic – have not recovered as quickly as demand for rides, and rising fuel costs have made gigs less attractive.
The company announced in March a surcharge for Uber Eats rides and meal deliveries that would go directly to drivers to offset high fuel prices.
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