More transparency with Upfront Fares

In some California cities, it’ll now be easier to decide if a trip is worth your time and effort, no matter what your acceptance rate is.

Right when you receive a request, you’ll see:

• The estimated fare
• The pickup and dropoff locations

How it works

The fares you’ll see won’t be based on fixed time and distance rates alone. Upfront Fares can be based on several factors. Some you know well, like time to pickup and time to destination, and some are new, like demand at the destination.

Real-time adjustments

Upfront Fares are created in real time and reflect what’s happening around you. Here are 2 examples of what this means: 

• The fare you’re shown up front will be higher when demand is higher
• The request with the longest pickup in the area will get a higher fare

If things change

• If there’s unexpected traffic and the trip gets a lot longer, your fare will increase
• If there’s a change of pickup or dropoff address in the app while you’re on your way, your fare will be updated as you go

Frequently asked questions

• Can I switch back to the old experience?
  

  No, but keep in mind that now you will have a lot more information to help you decide which trips are worth your time and effort.

• Why am I no longer able to view time and distance rates?

  We will no longer post set time and distance rates since you’ll see the fare on every request before you accept it. With Upfront Fares, you’ll have more information to decide if a trip is worth your time and effort.

• How are fares determined now, if not per mile and per minute?

  Upfront Fares are different in that they’re not based on fixed time and distance rates alone. Upfront Fares can be based on several factors. Some you know well, like time to pickup and time to destination, and some are new, like demand at the destination. If surge pricing is available on a trip, Upfront Fares will include it. 

• Why am I earning less on some trips?

  Upfront Fares are different in that they’re not based on fixed time and distance rates alone. Upfront Fares can be based on several factors. Some you know well, like time to pickup and time to destination, and some are new, like demand at the destination. 

  No matter what, you’ll see the fare on every request before you accept it, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and effort.

• What is not included in Upfront Fares?

  Items that are not included in Upfront Fares are wait time fees and tips, which continue to be added as soon as they’re paid out. Amounts related to Quests and other driver promotions will also continue to be added to your balance as they’re paid out.

• Do fares still account for long pickups?

  Yes. 

• If there’s extra traffic, will I still earn the same amount?

  If there’s unexpected traffic and the trip gets a lot longer, you’ll see an increased fare on the trip receipt. 

• If the rider changes the destination in the middle of the trip, will I still earn the same amount?

  If there’s a change of address in the app while you’re on a trip, you’ll see an updated fare as you go.

• Will my fare decrease whenever I find a route that’s shorter or faster?

  You’ll typically earn the fare you saw up front even if you take a shorter route. So if you’d like, you can continue to choose a quicker or shorter route based on your own expertise.