Uber drivers in California can now set their own rates on select airport pickups
California Uber drivers have officially started to test setting their own UberX fares.
This change comes after the state of California introduced the Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) law, which classifies individuals previously considered contract workers as employees. In an effort to keep drivers categorized as contract workers, Uber has introduced a new fare-setting system that allows them to pass the "ABC test" set by Bill AB5.
As of Jan. 22, drivers in Palm Springs, Sacramento and Santa Barbara are testing a new fare-setting system on airport pickups. According to The Verge, Uber reportedly wants to test this new pricing approach in smaller cities before deciding whether to roll it out statewide and to larger cities, like Los Angeles.
What's changed?
Drivers will be able to increase ride prices in 10% increments, up to five times the fare originally set by Uber. Essentially, this creates a bidding system where the drivers willing to drive for the lowest price will be matched with riders first, whereas those who are charging higher prices will be matched as demand increases.
Related: You could now wait over an hour for an Uber at LAX — here's how I avoided the headache
Another change impacting riders in the test California locations is that fares listed when you request a ride are a range, not an exact number.
In addition to the fare-setting change, Uber has made some changes for California drivers. For one, drivers will now be able to see trip request information, such as pickup, trip time, distance and destination, prior to accepting the ride. This change allows drivers to see what they can expect to earn from the ride. Based on that, drivers can reject rides without penalty but that could make it more difficult to get a ride.
Passengers will also be able to add drivers to a list of "favorites," which gives them priority when it comes to future ride reservations. Unfortunately, with the new fare system comes the loss of Uber Rewards benefits, such as price protections on certain routes and flexible cancellations.
Related: The best credit cards for Uber
Why did these changes happen?
The purpose of the bill that contributed to these changes was to give contract employees, like Uber drivers, increased protections like minimum wage, sick days, workers' compensations and unemployment benefits. Uber's goal is to continue to help connect riders and drivers, thus, keeping drivers as independent contractors.
In order to avoid the new AB5 law that would require Uber to pay workers significantly more in benefits, it has to pass the "ABC test," which dictates that the individual is:
- Free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and, in fact,
- The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business
- The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity
Uber's new fare-setting system allows the company to comply with the new law by giving drivers more independence. Uber has expressed concerns about the new bill. "AB5 threatens to restrict or eliminate opportunities for independent workers across a wide spectrum of industries," said an Uber spokesperson in an emailed statement.
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Bottom line
Uber's new fare-setting system is still in the experimental phase in select cities. Time will tell what the service's long-term approach will be to comply with this law.
Are you located in any of these three testing areas? We'd love to hear your thoughts about the new changes.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees