Uber has announced a series of comprehensive updates aimed at improving the experience for its more than 7 million drivers and couriers worldwide.
The announcement, made during an event in Washington, D.C., is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance safety, fairness, and ease of use on its platform.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the importance of these updates, noting that drivers and couriers spend significant time on the app. “New features and app improvements have an outsized impact on their daily lives, which is why we must continuously find ways to improve their experience,” he stated.
Key updates include significant safety enhancements such as the nationwide launch of a “Verified” rider badge, which indicates that riders have completed additional verification steps. This feature, developed from driver feedback, aims to provide added confidence to those picking up passengers.
Additionally, the "Record My Ride" feature will now be available to all drivers, allowing them to use their smartphones to record audio and video during trips, with recordings encrypted and stored securely. Other new features include Tesla integration for seamless navigation, a hands-free control option via Siri for iOS users, and a PIN verification system to ensure drivers are picking up the correct riders.
Uber is enhancing driver-rider interactions by implementing new warnings and tips for riders reported for inappropriate behavior. Additionally, a pilot program allows drivers to block riders they rate 2 or 3 stars, giving them greater control over their ride requests.
The company also introduced its first major redesign of the Driver app since 2018, simplifying navigation for drivers and couriers. The update features a revamped homescreen for easier access to key sections like Earnings and Inbox, along with a new Work Hub where couriers can find additional opportunities.
According to data from Uber analyzed by backlinko.com, globally in the first quarter of 2024, Uber had 7.1 million active drivers and couriers on its platform, collectively earning $16.6 billion during that period. This represents a 24.56% increase in the driver pool compared to 5.7 million drivers and couriers in Q1 2023.