Uber App Update News: Adds New App Features That Fines Riders Who Are Late

By Jenn Loro - 09 Jun '16 11:32AM

Ride-sharing giant Uber is now rolling out a raft of app features aimed at keeping its army of drivers from taking the company to court over labor-related issues and benefits. To placate drivers who are often forced to wait by some passengers for more than two minutes, the app-based car-hailing firm will empower drivers to charge riders for being late.

In addition, Uber drivers can now specify their preferred routes to match pick-ups with their journeys. Moreover, drivers are now allowed pause incoming road requests one hour before their shift ends and before they dropped off their last passenger.

The 'fine system' is calculated according to an agreed length of time the driver is expected to wait for the rider to come to the car. The system in currently being tried in New York, New Jersey, Phoenix and Dallas to test its viability.

According to Value Walk, the wait fee ranges from $5 to $10 if riders are late by more than two minutes. The system is expected to gradually expand to other US cities. Another feature called 'Driver Destinations' enables drivers to specify their destination when they are heading home after their shift. The company will only forward ride requests that coincide with the drivers' homeward destination.

These are the additional Uber app features for drivers as quoted by BBC News:

1. Instant Pay- Introduced across all US cities where Uber is allowed to operate. The feature enables drivers to press an 'instant pay' tab on their app.

2. Pause Request- Enables drivers to temporary halt the flow of requests coming in if they want pause for a short break or when are about to end their shift. Before, drivers would have to decline online trip requests sent by riders.

3. Ride Discounts- Some drivers are passengers themselves. This newly rolled app gives Uber drivers 15% discount off their ride per 10 completed trips every week.

Meanwhile, the app-based ride-sharing business is now expanding into auto financing long dominated by traditional financing organizations. As reported by Quartz, Uber is now offering would-be drivers a chance to own or rent cars in a subprime auto financing scheme through Xchange Leasing- wholly owned subsidiary.