Uber has just revealed some new features that are designed to improve the experience while increasing transparency for drivers. Uber is now piloting this new feature, called “Upfront Fares” which they are now expanding the availability and rolling it out to more of the US over the coming months. Drivers will now be able to see how much they will earn and where they are going for a trip on their request screen before they accept a booking.
Uber says that they calculate the amount that they show using many different factors, including base fares, estimated trip length, duration, pickup distance, and search pricing as well. The company will now show drivers the cross streets closest to the pick-up and drop-off points to help them make a better decision. The company will also be expanding the availability of trip radar, which is a feature that shows drivers the list of possible trips nearby.
Uber is positioning these new features as a great way to support their drivers, but the impact they might have on the customers might be very unclear as they could end up being misused and lead to an increase in writer and trip discrimination If drivers look at them as tools to avoid specific neighborhoods. The company has also launched a new Uber Pro debit card that will help drivers to earn cashback for getting gas at select stations. Back in March, Uber added a fuel surcharge to rights and deliveries as well to help drivers keep up with skyrocketing gas prices.