Uber's image rehabilitation efforts took a major step forward on Thursday, as the company released the results of two studies on its ride-hailing program that were commissioned at Uber's behest.
The first focuses on its drivers. The Benenson Strategy Group surveyed 601 divers in 20 Uber markets about their experiences driving for Uber. The results found that 71% of drivers said working through Uber had boosted their income, and 61% cited improved financial security. Drivers on average make $19 per hour, according to the study.
The other study focuses on the economic impact of Uber. Princeton economist Alan Krueger, using data from the Benenson study, found that Uber "provides a great deal of flexibility to driver-partners" by allowing drivers to work when they want without a penalty to their wages.
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Krueger also found no evidence that Uber drivers make less than others employed in similar professions. "Although it is difficult to compare the after-tax net hourly earnings of Uber’s driver partners and taxi drivers and chauffeurs taking account of all costs, it appears that Uber driver partners earn at least as much as taxi drivers and chauffeurs, and in many cases more than taxi drivers and chauffeurs," Krueger wrote.
The studies come at a particularly useful time for Uber. The U.S. Conference of Mayors entered its second day on Thursday. David Plouffe, the former campaign manager for Barack Obama who now serves as Uber's vice-president of policy and strategy, is scheduled to speak at the conference.
BONUS: What Is Uber?