Uber held its annual event on Tuesday “Only on Uber“, where it revealed the upcoming features and improvements that will be implemented in its transportation app and its food delivery platform, Uber Eats. At the event, held in Washington DC, the company highlighted that these innovations are designed not only to improve user experiencebut also to provide greater security and ease to drivers and delivery people who depend on the platform daily.
It is worth noting that Uber plans to make all of these features available to riders and drivers by the end of the first quarter of 2025..
New security features
Identity verification
One of the main novelties announced was the nationwide implementation of user identity verification. Starting today, all drivers in all 50 U.S. states will be able to identify whether a passenger has verified their identity by a visible badge on the ride request.
Uber had tested this feature in some cities from the United States and, after receiving positive feedback from drivers, decided to extend it to the entire country. Passengers will be able to verify their identity using third-party databasess, and even those who are members of CLEAR will be able to earn their “Verified” badge.
Video recording
Another safety feature that will now be available to all drivers is the video recording via smartphone cameraUber had launched this option as a limited pilot program last year, but its success has motivated the company to expand it.
This function allows drivers to record both audio and video of their journeys, offering an extra layer of protectionUber explained that the recordings are encrypted and can only be reviewed by Uber if the driver decides to send them, thus guaranteeing the privacy of passengers.
Improved experience for drivers
Uber also introduced a series of tools designed to facilitate the driver experience, especially those who use electric vehicles like Teslas. Now, drivers who own these cars will be able to Connect your vehicle’s screen directly to the Uber appwhich will allow them to see routes more clearly and avoid distractions while driving.
It was also announced that Drivers using iOS devices will be able to take advantage of voice commands through SiriWith this integration, drivers will be able to perform actions in the app, such as calling a passenger or starting navigation, without having to take their hands off the wheel.
Another useful feature that will start to be implemented is the Identity verification with a PIN codePassengers will be required to provide a PIN to the driver to confirm they are taking the correct trip, which will help prevent confusion and potential inconvenience.
Additional improvements
Guest Users
One of the situations that generates the most stress for drivers is confusion when the passenger is not the same person who requested the trip. To solve this problem, Uber will allow drivers to communicate directly with passengers, even if they do not have the Uber app installed.. This improvement seeks facilitate coordination between drivers and users in situations where a third party books the trip.
Transparency in drivers’ earnings
To make earnings more transparent, Uber has added a feature that will show drivers exactly how the money paid by the user for a trip is distributed.
This new tool will help drivers better understand what percentage goes toward local taxes and commercial auto insurance, an obligation in all 50 states that Uber covers on behalf of drivers.
Redesign of the app for drivers
The company also announced the Uber Driver app redesignits first significant change since 2018. This new design seeks to facilitate navigation of the app so that drivers can better plan their time and accept trips more efficiently. The home screen has been updated to offer clear guidance on the best times to connectand the “Earnings” and “Inbox” sections will now be more accessible with just one tap.
The “Only on Uber” event demonstrated that the company continues to invest in improving the safety and experience of both drivers and passengers. The new features, which include identity verification, video recording and improvements to the app, reinforce Uber’s commitment to offering a safer and fairer platform. With these advances, the company seeks to consolidate itself as the preferred option for millions of drivers and delivery people around the world.
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