Uber has announced many new driver-first updates aimed at improving safety, increasing flexibility in earnings, and bringing more transparency to the lives of the over one million drivers in India. It is believed that this is part of an ongoing effort by the company to improve the working experience and help the government in various initiatives, such as the e-Shram portal.
Improved Safety for Drivers
- Helmet Selfie Check: Drivers of two-wheelers would need to click selfies wearing their helmets before embarking on trips. This first-of-its-kind feature has been devised to bring safety on the roads and at the same time, meet the government’s regulations.
- Preference for Women Riders: Now, women drivers may accept trip requests only from other female riders, too, becoming helpful during night rides. This feature therefore adds to their safety and opens up more opportunities for lady drivers.
- Audio Recording: Drivers can record the audio of a trip in case of any unsafe feel. This recording gets encrypted, and it will only be accessed when the safety concern gets reported.
New Features for Earnings and Transparency
- Upfront Tipping: Riders can tip at the time of booking for drivers, which would further increase their earnings and give way to a better assignment of trips during high demand.
- Instant Pay-out: Drivers have instant withdrawal access to their earnings up to four times a day for quicker access to their hard-earned income.
- Earnings Hub: This is a redesigned dashboard for more detailed insights into what drivers will earn for the week, including exactly how much goes to Uber, to taxes, and from tips to raise transparency.
- Deactivation Review Center: Hitherto, there is an in-app process for appealing deactivations; over 5,000 drivers have had their accounts reinstated after appeals.
Social Security Support
It also encourages drivers to register in the e-Shram portal—a national database of gig workers—offering cash incentives of up to ₹550 for the first 10,000 drivers who register in the portal and hence, secure social benefits in the future.
These updates reinforce Uber’s commitment to making the platform safer, more transparent, and rewarding for drivers in India.
