Uber Technologies Inc on Tuesday launched a new app for drivers that include a real-time earnings tracker, an effort put by the service for improving an often contentious relationship. Uber’s ‘180 days of change’ program launched last June to create certain changes that drivers much requested by drivers such as tipping and compensation for the time spent waiting for passengers.
While 180 Days was about correcting missteps of the past, we also needed to think longer term and so the most pronounced way to start was with a Driver app. The rollout follows a Beta version developed with the drivers.- Dara Khosrowshahi, Chief Executive Officer, Uber
The said app will introduce a new status bar to help drivers decide their next location based on a spike in requests and also a new notification feature allowing drivers to keep track and see messages about upcoming earnings opportunities and feedback from riders.
Last year, the new navigation system was outlined by Uber along with a series of improvements for drivers, such as the fairer approach to review performance, in response to years of complaints by drivers about their pay and treatment as mentioned that Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees, thus lacking paid sick leave and vacation. Moreover, they also need to pay for car maintenance and other costs.
The company lost $4.5 billion last year and has been fiercely struck by competition at home in the United States and across Asia, as well as a regulatory crackdown in Europe.
