Uber makes it easier for drivers to decline rides
Uber is stepping up its efforts to win over drivers -- by making it easier for them to say no to rides they don't want to take.
Today the company announced several new features meant to make it easier for Uber drivers to plan trips around their schedules.
Now, drivers will be alerted if a ride is likely to take 45 minutes or longer, and they can opt to decline it.
Moreover, declining rides won't negatively impact drivers as much as it did before.
This has been a sore point for many drivers as refusing to take a certain number of rides could affect their account status and their ability to take advantage of certain promotions. This will no longer be the case.
In addition, Uber is increasing the number of "driver destinations," which allows drivers to be matched with riders going in the same direction as them, from two to six per day. Drivers are also able to specify an arrival time when setting their location to help them schedule their day.
Finally, the company is making it easier to switch between driving for Uber and Uber Eats so they can pick up deliveries in between rides.
The latest updates are part of the company's recent PR blitz meant to make the ride-hailing app friendlier to drivers, beginning with finally introducing a tipping system in June. The company also added better support features in July.
Topics Uber
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
