Pricing changes in Cali, 2020 predictions and drivers talk dash cams - Rideshare Drivers React

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[Editor’s note: Quotes are lightly edited for clarity]

No More Upfront Pricing for Uber Drivers and Riders in California!

Uber has been rolling out some big changes to the driver experience lately, and this latest announcement actually affects both drivers and passengers! Uber announced they are getting rid of upfront pricing and flat rate surges in California.

What this means is that riders will now see a range of what their ride will cost instead of an exact price. And driver pay will be coupled to what a rider pays. So no more exorbitant commissions taken by Uber. Don’t live in California? Well, Uber has indicated that if these changes go well in California, they could eventually roll out nationwide. 

Here’s what readers are saying:

Why is Uber doing this for California drivers? It’s pretty clear - California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5)! Most readers realized they had AB5 to thank for this, but were still understandably concerned about Uber’s motives. Reader Sergio summed up the positive changes and driver concerns:

“One thing I have to mention, although I welcome these positive changes, what will happen if AB5 is defeated in November? But until then, enjoy the ride!... My early prediction, Uber will not make money in CA unless they raise the passenger fares!”

Chime in on the discussion here.

7 Predictions for Uber and Lyft Drivers in 2020

It’s a new year, and that means new predictions for ridesharing companies in 2020! What will 2020 and beyond bring for companies like Uber and Lyft? For one, certainly more regulation or threat of more regulation. Also, a certain big-time CEO might not make it to the end of the year with his CEO title - who could it be?

One thing we are predicting in 2020: a raise in Uber/Lyft driver pay. Why is that? We think retaining higher quality drivers will become even more important, especially after Uber’s recently released safety report. Also, unhappy drivers lead to fewer drivers, meaning higher recruitment costs for the new drivers Uber and Lyft do onboard (plus longer wait times for passengers). 

What are your predictions for Uber and Lyft in 2020? Do you think we’ll see an increase in driver pay or continued race to the bottom?

Here’s what readers are saying:

One prediction we made regarding Uber/Lyft driving improvements to public transit received some pushback. Reader Mike summarized the general complaints about public transit in suburbs and towns:

“Other than dense urban areas, public transit just isn't practical and a primary means of transportation.”

One prediction we didn’t make, but would be intrigued to see how it would work out if it comes true in 2020, is the emergence of a new, more driver-friendly rideshare company. Given what happened to Juno in New York City, we’re skeptical, but would look forward to seeing this:

“There needs to be a new rideshare company created that will treat drivers and passengers better than Uber and Lyft combined.”

Chime in on the discussion here.

Uber is Offering Dash Cams to Drivers for $5/mo, but There’s a Catch

Uber added the ability to record video and audio trips for some drivers in the United States in July 2019, working with the company Nauto Inc. to offer a subscription-based service that would provide a dash camera and cloud storage for a monthly price. Drivers in certain cities (mainly in Texas and Florida) received emails from Uber offering to ‘upgrade their car’ with a dash cam for a price of $5 to $10 a month.

Here at The Rideshare Guy, we’re firmly in favor of drivers using dash cameras to protect themselves and their car in the event of an altercation with a passenger or accident. However, is this deal with Nauto Inc a good one? Drivers weighed in with their thoughts on this ‘deal’ from Uber. 

Here’s what readers are saying:

The overwhelming response to this news was negative - most drivers do not trust Uber to do the right thing with the information (including audio) that the dash cameras record. Reader DF cited years of mistrust for the reason he wouldn’t accept a dash cam offer from Uber:

“I don’t care if UBER paid ME $5 a month to use their cam, I still wouldn’t do it. I barely trust Uber enough to think they aren’t already manipulating the app/algorithms any which way they want, any time they want, on whoever they want (or don’t want) for whatever reason they want. There is no way I will trust them with dash cam footage and trust them to use it ethically and honestly. 

From their past history of shenanigans they have pulled, they are going to need a good many years of a better track record before they gain my trust to curate driver dash cam footage!”

On the other hand, drivers like STSA pointed out this could be the perfect opportunity for a less technologically-savvy driver, or a driver who doesn’t want to spend $100-300 on a dash cam and doesn’t mind paying $5 a month for a dash cam plus cloud storage:

“For those of us who struggle with technology, this might be an option. I have bought and returned three dashcams because they were too complicated…

Besides, not everyone has $100 to $300 to spend on a dashcam, nor do we want to put it on our credit cards. $5 a month is nothing, I spent $14 at BurgerFi today, I can afford $5 a month.”

Chime in on the discussion here.