The feature is being tested by some drivers in California
Uber is testing a new feature starting in California that will enable drivers to set their own prices for trips. The American multinational ride-hailing company, probably the most popular in the market has faced so many criticisms including disrupting the taxicab business, safety concerns, and lately the unfair treatment of drivers. This may be an answer to one of these criticisms, particularly the one against the drivers
According to the Wall Street Journal, Uber confirmed in an emailed statement on Tuesday that it is doing an “initial test” that “would give drivers more control over the rates they charge riders.”
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| How the new feature will look like (Uber Driver App) |
Some Uber drivers who operate around airports in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Sacramento in California can charge up to five times the fare Uber sets on a ride. A measure to bring balance to this move is that riders will be matched with the driver who has set the lowest price -- and those who have a high price leading to a lower demand will gradually be laid off.
This will obviously be positive on the side of the drivers' end but the impact on the rider is yet to be known. Though still in a piloting phase, and not much has been said about expanding this to the more cities -- it would be no surprise to see this widely expanded worldwide if the feedback from this is positive. We still await their plan to deliver meals using drones for their UberEats app to be realized.