Weekly Roundup: DoorDash Keeps Cracking Down on Account Sharing

DoorDash keeps cracking down on inauthentic accounts and account sharing. GM scraps Cruise robotaxi plans. Uber will allow drivers to bring their own rideshare insurance in select markets. Rideshare drivers demand fair pay in NYC. We break it all down for you.

DoorDash Keeps Cracking Down on Account Sharing, Inauthentic Accounts

SOURCE: DoorDash Newsroom

DoorDash is continuing to enhance its security measures to combat account sharing and unauthorized platform access. The company is implementing more frequent identity re-verification processes and deploying advanced machine learning technology to prevent fraud on the platform.

  • Over 150,000 Dashers will now undergo real-time identity checks weekly, including between deliveries, to prevent unauthorized account access and deactivated Dashers from rejoining.
  • New machine learning technology will detect inauthentic activity patterns and anomalies, prompting immediate identity re-verification if necessary.
  • As a result, monthly deactivations of inauthentic accounts have doubled since last year, with 2024 surpassing 2023’s total by July, showcasing the effectiveness of these measures.
  • Earlier this year, DoorDash also cracked down on dangerous delivery drivers.

General Motors Scraps Robotaxi Rideshare Service

SOURCE: Barron’s (Paywall free)

General Motors has decided to halt Cruise robotaxi operations due to strained resources and increased competition. Instead, GM will concentrate on developing its Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system and merge its technical teams with Cruise for this goal.

  • Cruise, acquired by GM in 2016, reported over $10 billion in losses, leading to GM’s strategic pivot and Microsoft’s $800 million write-down on its investment in Cruise.
  • Uber’s stock rebounded 3.6% on Thursday, recovering from Wednesday’s 5.8% drop following GM’s announcement to close its Cruise robotaxi program. Uber was set to partner with Cruise on the service.

Uber is Allowing Drivers to Bring Their Own Commercial Insurance

SOURCE: Show Me the Money Club on YouTube

According to screenshots obtained by “Show Me The Money Club,” Uber is piloting an option for its drivers to purchase their own commercial insurance, a move aimed at cost reduction for the company. This shift allows drivers to obtain a $0.48 per mile payment from Uber if they secure their own commercial permits and insurance, which are currently being tested in San Diego.

  • Drivers who opt for their own insurance can earn $0.48 per mile but must cover significant insurance costs themselves, with policies potentially reaching north of $1,500 per month.
  • Full-time drivers may find this financially beneficial if they drive over 1,000 miles per week, though part-time drivers may not see the same advantages.
  • This change would also enable drivers to offer private rides outside the Uber platform, potentially increasing their revenue opportunities, but requires weighing the high cost of insurance.

Rideshare Drivers Demand Fair Pay, Treatment in NYC Protest

SOURCE: BK Reader

Hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City, represented by the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG), protested against unfair pay and treatment by rideshare companies this week. The drivers marched across major city landmarks to the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) office in Queens, demanding action to address high expenses, lost wages, and “driver lockouts.”

  • Drivers accuse Uber and Lyft of violating minimum wage rules and are pushing against Uber’s efforts to cut pay further in 2024 despite record profits.
  • Rising operational costs and reduced earnings are contributing to financial strain, with drivers warning of impending homelessness due to wage issues.
  • The group, representing 80,000 drivers, has collected over 5,000 petition signatures seeking higher wages, protection from wage theft, and limitations on new for-hire vehicle licenses.

Gig Wage Relaunches with New Features and Secures $8.25 Million Funding Boost

Source: Dallas Innovates

Gig Wage, based in Dallas, has relaunched with new tools for the gig economy and secured $8.25 million for its Series A extension, raising overall funding to $20.2 million. New investors include Discover and Chartline Capital Partners.

  • Founder Craig J. Lewis announced the overhaul after disruptions due to Synapse’s collapse, which affected many fintech firms. Gig Wage rebuilt its platform and secured new banking partnerships.
  • “Gig Wage 2.0” now offers tools like a contractor payments wallet, health benefits, and free invoicing, enhancing support for 1099 contractors beyond traditional payment platforms.

RSG Contributor Joe’s Uber Account Was Put On Hold Due To A Fraudulent Rider Claim

SOURCE: YouTube

At The Rideshare Guy, we frequently hear from rideshare drivers who have faced fraudulent deactivations.

Generally, Uber’s trust and safety team conducts a thorough investigation to reinstate drivers. However, if there is insufficient evidence, Uber may side with the fraudster, leading to the unfortunate end of the driver’s days on the platform.

Our very own contributor, Joe, who has given over 10,000 rides on the platform, was recently deactivated from Uber over a misconduct allegation from a passenger. He not only lost access to the driver app, but the passenger app as well. Even more shocking was that the allegation was reported two and a half weeks after the ride occurred.

What was the outcome? Watch the video and find out!

QUICK HITS

  • Splend, which leases vehicles to Uber drivers in Australia and the UK, has obtained a $300 million debt facility from Macquarie to expand its fleet with thousands of electric vehicles. – AFR
  • Robot food delivery vehicles have arrived in Dallas, Texas. – Dallas Observer
  • Utah is distributing rideshare certificates for the holidays. – KPCW
  • In Boston, a rideshare driver drove onto the tracks of the public transit system. – Boston 25 News
  • Goldman Sachs says Uber is a top stock pick for 2025. – CNBC

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos: