Uber Drivers At Airports Can Now Set Their Own Fares; You Can Tip Your Uber Driver in India!

Uber has launched a very interesting experiment in the US, especially for drivers in and around airports: Some selected Uber drivers can now set their own fares!

Meanwhile in India, Uber will now allow riders to tip their drivers, right from the app.

Some very interesting initiatives from Uber, to find out what drivers and riders actually want.

Uber Drivers In US Can Set Their Own Fares

Drivers who prefer taking rides in and around California airport, can now set their own fares. As per the rules devised by Uber, some drivers in and around California airport can set their own fares, which can be maximum 5-times of the base fare of Uber, for any route.

There are some rules incorporated: For instance, in the first week of this new rules, the drivers who set their fares below Uber’s surge pricing, will get eventually get higher fare.Then, next week onwards, these drivers can either set their own fare much higher than surge pricing, or disregard surge pricing all together, and set their own fares.

There is a strategic angle to this as well: California Govt is imposing AB5 rule for Uber, which will make all drivers as employees, rather than independent contractors.

If this happens, then Uber will need to provide employee benefits such as medical assistance as well.

By allowing drivers to set their own fares, Uber is actually converting them into independent contractors, or freelancers, who have the power to set their own rules.

Uber Drivers In India Can Get Tips

Meanwhile in India, Uber has rolled out the in-app tipping feature for all user.

Initially, this tipping feature was piloted in Mumbai for two months, and going by the response, Uber has now decided to roll out the tipping feature across 50 cities.

In Mumbai, Uber observed that Rs 25 was the most common tip which drivers received. While rating the driver, once the ride ends, riders will be presented with option to give tips in the denomination of Rs 25, Rs 50, Rs 100 or custom amount.

Uber will give 100% of the tip to the driver.