Is Uber about to finally reward drivers with higher pay?
In the Rideshare Universe for the past 10 years, I have learned that nothing from the TNCs comes without strings attached. I was sent this information before Uber released it, and I am compelled to share it with you all. We discussed it in detail on SMTMC on Tuesday!
Coming Soon: Advantage Mode and Driving Insights
According to Uber, reliable trips keep riders coming back to the Uber app.
Beginning next month, Uber will start piloting Advantage Mode, a new program in select markets to offer higher earnings and more exclusive ride requests to highly rated drivers who accept more often, cancel less, and get riders where they need to go safely.
This program will gradually roll out between the following dates in these select cities:
- July 8th – 11th: Sarasota
- July 11th – 15th: Austin; Charlotte; Columbus; Kansas City, KS/MO; Miami; Nashville; Phoenix; and Tampa
Advantage Mode and Standard Mode
Uber shared with me a preview of a new pilot program that tests updates to how drivers in the select markets above receive ride requests: Advantage Mode and Standard Mode.
When a driver is in Advantage Mode, they’ll receive more exclusive ride requests sent directly to them and earn 5% more on UberX and other non-premium ride types than they would in Standard Mode.
When this pilot begins, drivers’ eligibility for Advantage Mode will be based on their acceptance rate, cancellation rate, star rating, and eventually, their CMT driving score:
- Acceptance rate of 25% or more
- Cancellation rate of 8% or less
- Star rating of at least 4.85
- Coming 9/2: CMT driving score of 75 or more
Depending on your market, beginning on July 1 or July 8, the acceptance rate and cancellation rate lookback period will be based on the last 100 trip requests. This change should help drivers in the pilot get to Advantage Mode faster if they don’t meet the above criteria.
Drivers’ criteria will be checked each day by 5 AM local time to determine their eligibility for Advantage Mode that day.
If they don’t meet the requirements that day, they’ll be in the new Standard Mode, where most of their ride requests will come through Trip Radar and they won’t earn the 5% Advantage Mode perk.
Understand the Difference Between Advantage Mode and Standard Mode
Advantage Mode
- Earn 5% more on UberX and other non-premium ride types compared to Standard Mode
- More exclusive ride requests, sent directly to you, compared to Standard Mode
- Continued access to exclusive trip requests at airport queues
- Continued access to Trip Radar
Standard Mode
- Not eligible for 5% more on UberX and other non-premium rides
- Fewer exclusive ride requests
- More ride requests through Trip Radar
- Receive only Trip Radar offers at airport queues; still eligible for Rematch requests, where available
Driving Insights/Driving Score
In mid-July, drivers in pilot markets will start to see a dashboard that provides insights and a score based on their driving while riders are in their cars.
Powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), experts in safe driving analytics, the new Driving Insights dashboard provides drivers with useful information about their driving, including an overall score and how it compares to other drivers in their area.
This information can help identify areas in which they may want to improve their driving. Drivers in the pilot markets will be able to view their dashboard in the Safety Hub by tapping the blue shield on the home screen of the Driver app.
On September 2, a CMT driving score of 75 or more will be added as an additional eligibility requirement for Advantage Mode. Uber will remind drivers 2 weeks before this change takes effect.
FAQs
What is Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT)?
Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) is a leading telematics provider whose mission is to make the world’s roads and drivers safer. Like many insurance companies, Uber is partnering with CMT to give drivers more insights into their driving behaviors and information on how they can drive more safely.
How Driving Insights Works?
CMT uses a driver’s phone sensor data to generate insights and a score based on their driving. These include speeding, hard braking, harsh accelerating, sharp turning, and phone handling.
How To Understand the Driving Insights Dashboard and Driving Score?
Drivers will have access to a dashboard that can help them stay on top of their driving trends, breaking down what they’re doing well, suggesting areas for improvement, and offering tips for better driving practices. Drivers can see how their score compares to other drivers in their area.
How Does the Driving Score Relate to Advantage Mode?
Beginning September 2, drivers in the Advantage Mode pilot program will need to maintain a driving score of 75 or more to be eligible for Advantage Mode. Today, the vast majority of drivers have a score above 75.
Where To Find the Driving Insights Dashboard and Driving Score?
In mid-July, Drivers in select markets will be able to find their Driving Insights dashboard and driving score in the Safety Hub by tapping the blue shield on the home screen of the Driver app.
As always, you should always read the small print with any changes that come up. I have included screenshots of all the details below from the Uber Blog!