Uber drivers will now reject a request for a long trip.

david nganga

December 4, 2017 12:53 PM

Uber has for the past few months introduced a raft of measures aimed at enhancing driver welfare.

Uber drivers will now be allowed to accept or reject long trip requests through a new in -app feature added by the taxi-hailing firm.

The feature seeks a driver’s consent before the online-hailing firm links them to a rider taking a long trip usually defined as a 45-60 minute journey.

“The 45 to 60 minute is based on the expected time to arrive at the rider’s destination. Of course, there will be times when unexpected traffic or a change in the rider’s destination means that the trip could take longer,” said Uber’s East Africa spokesperson, Janet Kemboi.

Mrs. Kemboi noted that the new feature will help drivers make better decisions on what is right for them.

“This (new feature) allows drivers to better plan their lives. We are giving drivers more information that helps them make the decision that is right for them. While there are some drivers who are not in a position to accept a long trip, there are even more preferring the long trips.”

In November, the company started charging a waiting fee on its riders to compensate drivers when made to wait for lengthy periods.

On a driver’s arrival, the firm sends a notification to the rider advising that the per-minute charge will apply after the allowed first five minutes of waiting.

And in June this year, Uber introduced a feature designed to protect drivers from fraud, theft and risks. The safety feature, dubbed Real-Time ID Check, requires drivers to take a selfie from time to time before going online so as to ensure that the driver using the app matches the account the company has on file.

david nganga