Uber has announced a new set of features for its more than 20 lakh driver partners in India, introducing more flexible subscription passes, easier onboarding, emergency assistance and additional ways to earn. The updates were unveiled at the third edition of Uber Pragati on October 29, 2026.
The company says the changes are based on driver feedback and are intended to make work on the platform more flexible, safer and convenient.
Flexible Drive Passes and WhatsApp Onboarding
Uber’s new Flexible Drive Pass offers subscription options ranging from six hours to 180 days, allowing part-time and full-time drivers to choose a duration that suits their working pattern.
Through Quickstart, drivers can also join Uber using WhatsApp, simplifying the onboarding process. The company has additionally introduced an “Earn First, Pay Later” feature that lets eligible drivers continue accepting cash trips after their balance runs out, within an additional credit limit.
Other updates include voice notes in the in-app chat and a simplified Driver App that brings earnings, trip details and important updates together.
Ambulance Assistance and Encrypted Trip Recordings
Uber says its ambulance assistance service, available through its 24-hour Safety Line in partnership with Dial 4242, has been used 25 times in less than four months to help drivers and riders access medical support after accidents.
The company also highlighted Record My Ride, an encrypted video-recording feature designed to help establish what happened during a trip. Uber says a recording has already helped police clarify a disputed incident involving a driver and rider.
A new Safety Content Flag is intended to identify potentially inappropriate language in rider messages and prompt users to reconsider before sending them. Drivers receiving inappropriate messages can cancel eligible trips without affecting their cancellation statistics. A Driver Safety Hub brings selected protections, including audio recording and trip-sharing, together in one place.
More Ways for Drivers to Earn
Uber is expanding earning options beyond regular rides. Bike Intercity enables bike drivers to take shorter trips between neighbouring cities, while Uber Direct supports business deliveries and Uber Parcel allows drivers to deliver personal packages within cities.
Participating car drivers can also earn by accepting passengers travelling with pets through Uber Pet. Uber’s Refer & Earn programme offers another way to receive rewards for bringing new earners onto the platform.
Rollout Across India
Uber said many of the initiatives are already available in selected locations, with a broader rollout planned. Availability may vary by city and service.
The announcement adds new earning, onboarding and safety tools to Uber’s platform, though the company has not provided a single nationwide launch date for every feature.
