It’s going to be an option in the app for all U. S. cities by August 1.
Uber drivers want tips, according to the ride-sharing company.
In fact, that’s the number one issue facing drivers as Uber – already reeling from corporate-level scandals and leadership turnover – now turns to keeping drivers in its fleet happy.
“For the next 180 days (and beyond) , we’ll be making meaningful changes to the driving experience, ” according to a statement from the San Francisco-based technology company on June 20. “Some changes will be big, some will be small – all will be changes drivers have asked for.”
Making it easy to tip in the app used to set up and pay for a ride is a big change for a company that launched by distinguishing itself from traditional taxi service. The no-tipping model was a part of that.
But Uber is rolling out the tipping option in three cities starting today: Minneapolis, Seattle and Houston.
“We’re starting with only 3 cities so we can create the best tipping experience for you and your riders, ” according to the note from Uber to its 160,000 drivers.
It reaches the rest of its markets by the end of July, the company said.
Other changes rolled out at the same time:
Uber, which started as an alternative to traditional taxis, now has to follow the same regulations in Michigan as taxis. That includes having them register and pay a per-vehicle fee.
Problems in the Uber corporate world include: having to pay New York drivers millions after deliberately underpaying them for two years; 20 employees were fired over sexual harassment claims; CEO Travis Kalanick took a leave of absence over the workplace culture; and a board member resigned after making a sexist joke. All of that took place in the last two months.
