Uber will start showing drivers how much they will be paid to accept travel

Uber says it has “completely reimagined the way drivers accept rides” with a feature called “Upfront Fare,” which shows drivers how much they’ll be paid for a trip. And where will they end up once they drop a rider. In its announcement Friday, the company says the change is part of its effort to make driving more flexible thanks to the rideshare service. Uber is also planning to roll out a feature that lets drivers view other ride requests in their area, allowing them to choose the specific trips they want to take.

For riders, the changes that have been tested in select locations could mean fewer canceled trips because the driver doesn’t actually want to go to the destination, or feels it won’t be a very profitable trip.

According to an advance fee support document, the amount shown to drivers prior to accepting a trip is “based on several factors, including base fare, estimated trip length and duration, pickup distance and escalation price.” The document states that if the rider changes the drop-off address or “unexpected traffic” en route, the fare will be adjusted. The number also doesn’t include things like tips or wait times.

The document warns that the switch to advance fares starting “in most parts of the US in the coming months” could mean that some types of trips earn drivers less. As an example, it lists “long and relatively quick (traffic-free) trips” and “trips to high-demand areas”. However, it also says that the new system will mean that drivers take short trips, trips with high traffic, trips where they end up in an area with low ridership, or trips where they have to travel a long way before arriving. Will earn more. riding.

Uber did not immediately respond ledgeRequest for comment on which areas of the US will not receive advance fares.

Image: Uber

Along with advance fares, Uber says it will more broadly introduce a feature called Trip Radar, which gives drivers a list of nearby ride requests. Drivers will be able to choose the rides they want from the list, and if Uber decides it’s a good match, it will hire them. (An Uber article said it would select drivers they like based on average wait times for drivers and riders.) Uber also says that drivers will still receive individual ride requests, but they Will be able to use travel radar. To find “another trip that might work better for them”.