Uber introduces in-app tipping system

 ·14 Aug 2017

Uber has announced a number of changes to its ride-sharing platform in the United Kingdom, including a new tipping system which will enable passengers to leave in-app tips for drivers.

The feature will also apply to UberEats drivers with 100% of the tips earned going directly to the driver, the company said.

The tipping system which was first introduced in a US pilot programme in June, is expected to improve driver earnings and forms part of a number of changes to help drivers improve their work flow. It is unclear how rapidly this system will be adopted in other countries.

“We are currently testing these features in various cities around the world, and we’re considering the same for South Africa, however there are no official launch dates as yet,” said Uber spokesperson, Samantha Allenberg.

Other changes being introduced later this week include a shortened wait time of two minutes (previously five minutes) after which the driver will charge you and additional 20 pence per minute waited (R3.50).

Drivers can now also opt of the less lucrative UberX trip requests, can instantly reject a trip request through a “no thanks” button, and can select trips which are heading to the same or similar destination as them.

Last week Uber UK also announced that it had made a number of changes to the app’s rating system.

“Compliments” give passengers  another chance to tell drivers what they specifically enjoyed about the trip if they rated it five stars.

Riders can choose from nine Compliment badges, which include options such as Made me Laugh and Clean and Tidy.

After they select the badge, passengers are given the option to write down exactly why they enjoyed their trip.


Read: Taxify announces new 50%-off Tuesday special on all rides in SA

 

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