Uber will start showing drivers how much they will be paid for accepting a ride

Uber says it has “completely reimagined the way drivers accept rides” with a feature called “advance fares,” which shows drivers exactly how much they’ll be paid for a ride and where they’ll end up after dropping off a passenger. In your ad on friday, the company says the change is part of its push to make driving the ride-sharing service more flexible. Uber also plans to roll out a feature that allows drivers to see other ride requests in their area, allowing them to choose specific rides they’d like to take.

For passengers, the changes, which were tested in select locations, could mean fewer trips canceled because a driver doesn’t really want to go to the destination or realizes it won’t be a very profitable trip.

According to an advance fee support document, the amount shown to drivers before they accept a ride is based on “several factors, including base fares, estimated trip length and duration, pickup distance, and price markup.” The document states that if the passenger changes the delivery address or if there is “unexpected traffic” along the route, the rate will be adjusted. The number also doesn’t include things like tips or wait times.

Image: Uber

The document warns that the change to advance fares, which will be implemented “in most of the US in the coming months,” could mean that some types of trips generate less income for drivers. As examples, it lists “long, relatively quick trips (without traffic)” and “trips to high-demand areas.” However, he also says the new system will mean drivers will earn more on short trips, trips with heavy traffic, trips where they end up in an area with fewer passengers, or trips where they have to travel a long way before reaching the destination. horse rider.

Uber did not immediately respond to the edgeThe request for comments on which areas of the US would not receive advance fees.

Image: Uber

In addition to up-front fares, Uber says it will more widely roll out 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 give them the job. (A uber article says it will choose which drivers will get their picks based on the average wait times of drivers and passengers). Uber also says drivers will still receive individual ride requests, but will be able to use ride radar to find “another ride.” that might work better for them.”