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Secretive Algorithm Will Now Determine Uber Driver Pay in Many Cities

Working for an Algorithm

The company has long used ride time and mileage to decide driver pay but is now turning to an opaque calculation called “Upfront Fares” By Dara Kerr

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Uber has quietly changed the way it pays drivers in several major cities across the U.S., using a new feature it’s calling “Upfront Fares.” Instead of paying drivers for trips based on just time and distance, it’s now using an algorithm “based on several factors” to calculate the fare. What all of those factors are is unclear. Uber has long used an upfront pricing algorithm to determine how much passengers pay, which is one of the reasons riders sometimes see vast price fluctuations.

The company says the new feature provides drivers with more transparency. They see more details of a prospective ride before accepting it, such as the fare and pick-up and drop-off locations, which is something drivers say they’ve been asking for. In the past, most drivers wouldn’t receive this information until after they accepted a ride.

Uber spokesperson Harry Hartfield said upfront fares are about giving drivers “more control and choice” but will include a “balancing” of payments. That means, he said, drivers will make less money for longer trips but should earn more on shorter trips.

Some drivers say, however, that they’ve mostly seen lower earnings overall since the change. On top of that, they say, it seems like Uber is taking a bigger cut of fares.

There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Sam Vance, UberX driver

“Before, you could guestimate—back of envelope calculate—and see that [the trip is] this far and this long and figure out you’ll make this much,” said Sam Vance, who’s been a full-time UberX and Lyft driver in Columbus, Ohio, for more than four years. Now, “it’s not based on anything. There’s no rhyme or reason to it.”

Uber has long said the average amount it takes from fares is about 25 percent . But Vance shared screenshots with The Markup of two recent trips he did for Uber that show the company took far more. One shows a customer paid $30 for a 20.9-mile trip, Vance earned $14, Uber got $13, and the rest went to sales tax. The other trip, which was 8.8 miles and included an airport drop, the customer paid $22, Vance got $6, Uber took $9, and the remainder went to airport fees and sales tax. 

When asked about its take from Vance’s trips, Uber’s Hartfield said these trips were not necessarily representative of Uber’s usual take. Vance said that Uber often takes around half the fare.

Before Uber’s change in pay structure, Vance said he’d normally average around $1 per mile once time and distance were calculated, especially if he was driving on the highway. So, the 20.9-mile trip would have earned him about $21, and the 8.8-mile trip would have brought in roughly $9.

“Some drivers are really looking forward to this because they think it’s going to be a positive change,” Vance said. “But it’s not what you think it is.”

The Rideshare Guy blog (which partners with Uber and receives commissions for signing up new drivers for the company) was the first publication to detail Uber’s new pay structure . Reuters additionally reported on it last week . According to both sources, Uber has rolled out upfront fares to a total of 24 U.S. cities in states including Texas, Florida, and throughout the Midwest. It appears the company initially started testing the pay structure in a handful of cities about six months ago, including Columbus, where Vance lives.

“Black Box Algorithms”

Uber isn’t the first gig company to experiment with algorithms to calculate driver earnings. A few years ago, Instacart, DoorDash, and Shipt started calculating pay for their delivery couriers using what workers call “black box algorithms.” Anecdotally, many couriers for those delivery companies have said the seemingly arbitrary fluctuations of the pay algorithms have made it harder to predict and figure out their earnings . They also say they’ve seen their pay decline over time.

Worker advocates say using concrete factors, like time and mileage, helps drivers and couriers better assess if a trip is worth taking and understand how they’re being compensated.  

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Because it turns out moving fast and breaking things broke some super important things.

The more opaque the fare calculations, the more drivers, regulators, and the public have a hard time holding the gig companies accountable to fair and transparent pay standards, said Amos Toh, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch who studies the effects of artificial intelligence and algorithms on gig work .

“Uber didn’t come out and say this is going to be algorithmic, but the criteria that they are using—a range of factors and things that aren’t specified—could indicate that the fares are going to disappear behind a black box algorithm,” Toh said. “When you put a fare calculation behind a black box algorithm, it’s possible to have the capacity to learn from driver behavior … and actually learn what is the lowest rate a driver will take for a ride.” 

“We don’t have any evidence that Uber is doing this,” Toh added. “But the real problem is the secrecy, because it makes it impossible to verify.”

Uber’s Hartfield didn’t respond to questions about why Uber changed its pay structure in these markets, when the pilot first began, or whether it plans to take it nationwide. He also didn’t respond to questions about what cities currently have upfront fares or how Uber’s algorithm calculates driver fares.

[T]he real problem is the secrecy, because it makes it impossible to verify. Amos Toh, Human Rights Watch

When asked for all of the factors that are taken into account to calculate drivers’ fares, Hartfield said in an emailed statement, “Rather than just the time and distance of the trip, upfront fares are based on a much more comprehensive set of factors including base fares, estimated trip length and duration, real-time demand at the destination, and surge pricing. While earnings are subject to seasonal demand patterns and the types of trips a driver chooses to take, we haven’t observed an earnings impact due to this pilot in cities that have had upfront fares for more than six months.” He didn’t respond to questions about whether this was the complete list of factors or whether there were more factors.

Hartfield said The Markup could “learn more about the pilot” from the blog post by The Rideshare Guy and also sent a link to a YouTube video by Uber about upfront fares, saying, “It’s worth looking through the comments under the video, most of which are from drivers saying they’d like to see these changes in more markets.”

The video has several comments from drivers saying they’re happy to see more trip information before accepting a fare. Other commenters say they don’t like the idea of being paid less for longer rides. Several Reddit threads and comments on driver forums have also popped up, with drivers who’ve tested the feature saying they’ve often seen lower fares , confusing fare drops during rides , and an overall decrease in rides .

Along with upfront fares, Uber has also rolled out a companion feature in those 24 cities called “Trip Radar.” The way it works is that Uber shows a trip to several drivers at once, and whoever accepts the ride first gets it. Vance said he usually only has a second or two to see it and click, so he doesn’t have time to see the upfront details right away.

“It’s kind of a moot point because it comes up so fast on the screen, and there are four or five other drivers tapping on it,” Vance said. “It’s like Hungry Hungry Hippos, and everyone is tapping.”

Hartfield didn’t respond to request for comment on drivers not having time to see upfront details with Trip Radar and having to compete for rides.

Vance said recently, in his haste to accept a ride, he got stuck on a five-hour round-trip drive to Cleveland. For that trip, he earned just $90. Before Uber instituted upfront fares, Vance said he liked doing longer trips. Back then, he said, a trip to Cleveland would usually net him at least $140.

“Because there’s no longer a rate card, that’s interrupted the way drivers drive. Your strategy just has to be different,” Vance said. “Now you have to stay out longer, and it takes a lot more to make money, and you don’t make as much.”

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Secretive Algorithm Will Now Determine Uber Driver Pay in Many Cities

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Trip Radar feature

What is Trip Radar?

Trip Radar is a feature that gives you and other drivers a chance to see and show interest in trip requests happening nearby.

For example, you can use Trip Radar to:

• Go where you want if you have somewhere to be, Trip Radar can help you get trip requests that go in a specific direction.
• Get going quickly If you ever feel like you don’t want to wait for your next trip request, open Trip Radar and make your pick.

How it works?

• When you’re not on a trip, you may see an alert for Trip Radar.
• Tap on it to check out a selection of trip requests happening nearby.
• You can tap these requests to indicate which ones you’re interested in.
• Since other drivers will also have access to this list, you won’t necessarily get all of your picks, but you can tap as many as you like.
• The more you tap, the more likely you are to match with an option you really like.

How to opt-in to Trip Radar?

This feature is optional, and will not impact your confirmation rate in any way whether you use it or not, and you will continue to receive incoming trip requests as usual. You will also be presented Out-Of-Preference options. These will be additional to Trip Radar offers and are fully optional.

If you don’t want to use it, you can simply ignore it should the Trip Radar button appear in your app. There is however no possibility to opt-out from receiving Trip Radar requests.

You don’t have to opt-in for the feature, but it will only appear for you if you are online in the driver-app and not currently on a trip.

How does Trip Radar affect the trip requests I get individually?

Trip requests on Trip Radar are extra, you’ll continue to get individual requests.

Remember to always use Trip Radar safely, if you ever feel distracted when interacting with the Uber App consider pulling over to a safe place to interact with your phone.

Does Trip Radar impact my Acceptance Rate?

It does not. When you’re selecting trip requests on Trip Radar, you can go ahead and tap as many as you like. Just like with your usual requests, after you’re matched you can still decide to cancel it if you want to. (However, canceling trips will impact your cancellation rate)

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Uber will start showing drivers how much they’ll be paid for accepting a trip

They’ll also get to see ride requests in their area.

By Mitchell Clark

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Uber says that it’s “completely reimagined the way drivers accept rides” with a feature called “upfront fares,” which shows drivers exactly how much they’ll be paid for a trip and where they’ll end up after dropping a rider off. In its announcement on Friday , the company says the change is part of its push to make driving for the rideshare service more flexible. Uber’s also planning on rolling out a feature that lets drivers see other ride requests in their area, letting them pick specific trips they’d like to do.

For riders, the changes, which have been tested in select locations, could mean fewer canceled trips because a driver doesn’t actually want to go to the destination, or realizes that it won’t be a very profitable trip.

According to an upfront fee support document , the amount shown to drivers before they accept a trip is based on “several factors, including base fares, estimated trip length and duration, pickup distance, and surge pricing.” The document notes that if the rider changes the drop-off address or there’s “unexpected traffic” along the route, the fare will be adjusted. The number also doesn’t include things like tips or wait times.

The document does warn that the switch to upfront fares, set to roll out “to most of the US over the coming months,” could mean that some types of trips earn drivers less. As examples, it lists “long and relatively quick (traffic-free) trips” and “trips to high-demand areas.” However, it also says that the new system will mean drivers earn more on short trips, trips with lots of traffic, trips where they end up in an area with fewer riders, or trips where they have to travel a long way before getting to the rider.

Uber didn’t immediately respond to The Verge ’s request for comment on what areas of the US wouldn’t be getting upfront fares.

Alongside upfront fares, Uber says it’ll be more widely rolling out a feature called trip radar, which gives drivers a list of nearby ride requests. Drivers will be able to pick the trips they want from the list, and if Uber decides it’s a good match, it’ll give them the job. (An article from Uber says that it’ll choose which drivers get their picks based on average wait times for drivers and riders.) Uber also says that drivers will still get individual ride requests, but that they’ll be able to use trip radar to find “another trip that might work better for them.”

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That’s the way I see it. Although I’m still puzzled on why they send radar trips with a pickup 10 minutes away. There are probably 10+ drivers much closer. In a different market maybe 10 minutes is a short pickup. It just doesn’t seem customized by location  

Dongniu said: I wanted to write about this for long time Click to expand...

I had 12 one morning last week. They lock up my phone. Few are less than 5 minutes away. When I do the math the pickup to drop off looks great. When I add in the time to pickup they often suck, sometimes less than $15/hr their algo sucks and their systems have become overloaded  

Average pick up distance is getting further away, worse than ever, even during peak hours in busiest areas of the city, its just dumb.  

Now I am jealous of NYC drivers, they don’t have UFF or radar. And you know what, I heard new drivers are happy because they are making 300+ everyday. Look at this man, this is the new norm, 300 a day is considered good. Goober has achieved its goal of reducing driver payments.  

Trip radar is coming to Uber Comfort and Uber Black. We just got it out here in Los Angeles and it sucks. Five black car drivers fighting over a ride.  

Im surprised they waited so long, LOL  

Dongniu said: How to avoid crap radar trips becoming ping to me? If you see a radar trip and it's crap, go offline and force close the app, wait 3-5 seconds then go online again. Click to expand...

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What Sets Uber Black Apart From a Standard Uber Ride?

How much can you earn as an uber black driver, driver requirements, uber black vehicle requirements, step 1: create an uber account, step 2: maintain a 4.85-star rating, step 3: create an uber black account, is it worth it to drive for uber black, final thoughts, do you need a cdl to drive for uber black, do uber black cars have to be black, uber black driver requirements, income & ratings.

Since 2012, Brett Helling has built expertise in the rideshare and delivery sectors, working with major platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.

He acquired Ridester.com in 2014, the first ridesharing marketplace, leveraging his direct experience to enhance the site. His insights at Ridester are recognized by Forbes, Vice, and CNBC.

Expanding his reach, Brett founded Gigworker.com and authored “ Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy “, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of the gig economy.

More about Brett | How we publish content

What Are Citi Bikes & How Do They Work?

The best gig alternatives for drizly drivers, how to become a point pickup driver [& how the gig works].

Key Takeaways

• Uber Black is a premium service offering luxury rides, requiring drivers to meet specific criteria.
• Drivers can earn a minimum of $15.75 per trip, with earnings influenced by location and demand.
• Driver requirements include a minimum age, clean driving record, and maintaining a 4.85 rating or higher.
• Vehicle requirements for Uber Black include a recent model year, black exterior and interior, and no cosmetic damage.

What Is Uber Black?

Uber Black is the ride-hailing app’s premium service. It caters to passengers who want to travel lavishly in a luxury sedan or SUV. As is the case with other services on the Uber platform, the difference comes down to the number of passengers.

Uber Black customers are willing to pay higher fares to ride comfortably to and from their destinations. Trips typically involve business meetings, but some customers may use the service for personal reasons, such as convenience, date nights, and other special events.

Uber Black hires professional drivers who meet the service’s criteria , ensuring that they deliver a five-star experience to the company’s customers.

Related: What to expect while driving with Uber

This level of customization and luxury sets Uber Black apart from UberX , Uber’s standard service, which is more focused on affordability and basic transportation needs without the added luxury features.

Uber Black drivers, while independent contractors like other Uber drivers, go above and beyond standard services, offering a professional and luxury experience akin to having a personal chauffeur.

This makes Uber Black a unique option for those willing to pay more for comfort, style, and a personalized riding experience.

Uber Black drivers typically earn more money than their counterparts. You can expect a $15.75 minimum fare  per trip and higher tips than people who drive for Uber’s standard services.

The factors that determine your earnings are manifold. Trip locations (the city you operate in), distance, and demand for the service play a role.

How much do Uber Black drivers make?

How much do Uber drivers make?

Uber Black Driver and Car Requirements

Uber Black’s requirements  fall into two categories: driver requirements and vehicle requirements.

All Uber drivers, regardless of whether they’re Uber Black or UberX , must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement:  Uber drivers must be of the minimum age their city imposes for drivers. Depending on the city, the minimum could be 18 (Seattle, Denver, and Chicago) or 21 years of age.
• Licensing Requirement:  Before driving for the platform, you’ll need an in-state license.
• Experience Requirement:  The Uber app requires US-based drivers to have a year of driving experience. Drivers who are younger than 25 years old need to have driven for three years minimum.
• Driving Record Requirement:  You’ll also need a clean driving history. Uber will subject you to a background check  to verify it, as well as your criminal record.

Additionally, if it’s your first time registering on the platform, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• A valid driver’s license.
• Proof that you’re a resident of the state, city, or province you plan to drive in.
• Personal auto insurance or commercial auto insurance, depending on whether or not you own the car you’re driving. To learn more, read about Uber’s insurance policies .
• A profile picture or identification purposes.

Finally, you’ll need to maintain a 4.85 rating or higher to drive for Uber Black. This last requirement is specific to Uber Black drivers. It’s significant because Uber bases your star ratings on your most recent 500 trips .

This requirement implies that you need to have a well-worn Uber account to qualify for Uber Black. If you haven’t driven on the platform for a substantial period and maintained a high rating, you can’t become an Uber Black driver.

If you’d like to drive for Uber Black, your vehicle must meet a few criteria.

• Its model year must be no older than 6 years ago.
• It must have a black exterior and interior.
• Its interior must be in either black or vegan leather.
• Its air conditioner and windows must work.
• Its exterior mustn’t have visible stains or cosmetic damage.
• Its interior mustn’t have missing pieces. Broken door handles, for example.
• It must seat four, or six in the case of an SUV, passengers.
• It mustn’t have commercial branding on it.
• It must undergo a vehicle emissions inspection at an NYS DMV inspection facility.
• It must have TLC plates .

Due to the emphasis Uber’s elevated service places on luxury, the above vehicle requirements are understandably stringent.

An important distinction for Uber Black vehicles is that passengers are not allowed to sit in the front seat, reinforcing the chauffeur-like experience.

Drivers need to remember this when accepting rides, especially in the case of Uber Black SUVs.

What’s the Best Car To Drive for Uber Black?

Uber might have specific requirements for your city, which you can double-check online . Otherwise, the following vehicles are ideal options:

• BMW 7 Series
• Cadillac Escalade
• Cadillac Platinum
• Jaguar Portfolio
• Lincoln Continental

From the sample list, you can see that Uber Black cars  are luxury vehicles. Depending on your preference and driving comfort, you can choose a sedan or black SUV.

Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert

I don’t suggest going out and buying a car with the intention of driving it for Uber Black.

One option is to rent a car to drive with Uber , but these can get very expensive, very quickly. The cost of a rental for this type of car can easily reach thousands of dollars per month.

On the contrary, renting a vehicle is a good way to try out being an Uber Black driver before committing to doing so full-time.

Companies like HyreCar or Turo will rent you a vehicle on a short-term contract, sometimes even just days at a time.

How to Become an Uber Black Driver in Three Steps

Here’s a three-step process you can follow to become an Uber Black driver.

The first step to becoming an Uber Black driver is joining the platform. Move on to step two if you already drive for Uber.

Download the Uber Driver app on Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store.

Next, sign up for an account. You can use an existing Google, Apple, or Facebook account to complete the process. Otherwise, enter your email address or phone number in the field provided and tap the “Continue” button.

Once you’ve signed up, follow the prompts to provide your information and the necessary documents. You’ll also have to agree to Uber’s terms and conditions.

Please note that you’ll need to meet the qualification criteria to complete this step.

You need to maintain a 4.85-star to qualify for Uber Black. That’s your goal for this step. Uber provides a guide  on its website with tips to help you maintain a high rating.

To summarize, give your passengers a pleasant trip, and they’ll reward your efforts. According to Uber, a pleasant experience from the customer’s point of view entails keeping your vehicle clean, being polite and helpful, and obeying traffic laws.

After fulfilling the requirements for step two, book an in-person appointment with the Uber Greenlight Hub.

At your appointment, express your desire to become an Uber Black driver. The personnel will check your account to see whether you’ve met Uber Black’s qualification criteria and proceed to open your account.

You have two choices when opening your Uber Black account. Either convert your existing account or open a separate one. Choosing the former option doesn’t preclude you from driving for other Uber services, like UberX. The latter option requires separate details—email and phone number—and a fresh background check.

Also, you’ll need to procure an Uber Black-compatible vehicle. You have several options , including renting one weekly or buying a commercial vehicle. The latter scenario may require that you register a limited liability company (LLC).

With an Uber Black account and a service-compatible vehicle, you’re ready to start making money as an Uber Black driver.

Deciding whether to drive for Uber Black depends on various factors. The primary advantage is the potential for higher earnings per trip due to the luxury service offered.

Additionally, Uber Black customers are more inclined to tip. If you don’t own a suitable vehicle, you can rent one, and you can also accept standard UberX fares to fill in gaps.

However, driving for Uber Black has its drawbacks. It requires commercial registration and insurance, which can be costly and involve more paperwork.

Your vehicle must be black inside and out, free of dents, scratches, or stickers, and maintaining such a pristine condition can be challenging and time-consuming.

Additionally, a high rating of 4.85 or above is mandatory, and your standing can be significantly impacted by a few bad ratings.

There’s also a limited number of Uber Black drivers allowed in each market, so availability can be an issue.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the increased earnings and tips outweigh the additional expenses and efforts required to maintain the standards of Uber Black service.

If you can manage the upfront costs and maintain the necessary vehicle and service quality, driving for Uber Black could potentially increase your earning potential.

Drivers in similar markets have reported a wide range of earnings, with some noting that it is challenging to make the projected amounts consistently.

At the end of the day, the success of an Uber Black driver can heavily depend on the driver’s market, as well as their ability to navigate the competitive landscape.

I suggest taking the time to speak directly with other drivers in your area to get a realistic idea of potential earnings, typical demand for this service level, and their experiences with it.

More often than not, they’ll be willing to share with you their honest opinions on whether or not the service is worth driving for.

Driving for Uber Black is within your reach, provided you meet the platform’s requirements. Among other criteria, you’ll need to maintain a 4.85-star rating and have an all-black sedan or SUV that’s in flawless condition.

Once you qualify for Uber Black, set up an appointment with the Uber Greenlight Hub and ask to register an account. Whether you convert your existing Uber account or create a separate Uber Black one is up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not required to drive for Uber Black. This type of license is typically necessary for large-capacity vehicles like semi-trucks or buses.

However, it’s advisable to check local regulations, as some cities or states may have specific licensing requirements for Uber Black drivers.

Yes, all vehicles eligible for Uber Black have to have black exteriors and interiors. They also need to be in excellent condition so the passenger feels like they’re getting a luxurious ride.

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Rideshare Houston

What is Uber’s Trip Radar?

Uber introduced a couple of new features in Houston. Now drivers can see how much they make upfront, and exactly how far they will have to travel from where they are, to the rider, and then to the destination which is also shown. Great right? Personally, these are features I have been looking forward to. No more, 3 am trips to Louisiana. =)

However, one of them, called “Trip Radar” was designed to combat cherry-picking of rides, which has always been somewhat of a problem. With Uber showing the trip and payout information upfront, this cherry-picking problem will exponentially increase.

Uber’s Trip Radar works to combat that showing a few drivers at a time a rider that is available. Now, drivers have to accept a ride before another driver does. For those who have been around for a while, especially Austin drivers, you may recall an app called “Get Me”, that ended up failing because it worked the same way, although it looks like Uber is only showing a few drivers (the closest drivers) at a time and not the entire city. Nonetheless, not being able to grab rides quick enough resulted in drivers giving up, signing off and going home, or using other apps. This caused riders to wait a very, very long time and riders found other apps fairly quickly. Of course, there were a few other reasons, but Get Me did pay double of what Uber was paying drivers and drivers gave up because it was not easy to get rides. The same thing will inevitably end up happening.

Uber also announced this week that rates will be changing. “Drivers will see a decrease in longer trips, but an increase on shorter trips”

Guess what? We are seeing more rate cuts in Houston than anything because that is how the city is set up. We are not a walkable city and most of our trips are by default longer. With Trip Radar, you do not have time to calculate your per mile/per minute rate until after you take the ride. Uber has also removed the per mile and per minute rate from the driver app. This means Uber can and will charge drivers whatever they want.

What is Cherry Picking?

Cherry-picking, for those who are unfamiliar, happens when a driver decides to wait for a trip they think will pay out more. Example: After a concert, I like to wait for a trip that comes on a surge that has a long trip indicator on there. This way, there is a good chance I am getting a high-paying ride. Other drivers, like to call and ask how the rider how far they are going with some lame excuse like a doctor’s appointment they have to be at. If they do not like where the rider is headed, they will wait in one spot and/or drive in the opposite direction of the rider in the hopes they cancel. Pretty unethical, but that is what they do. (Uber combatted this by making a stipulation that if you have too many cancels, they will deactivate the driver’s account.)

Update – March 29, 2022

After using Trip Radar for a few weeks, I have learned/observed a couple of things I want to update ya’ll with as well as stop some of the misinformation: 1) Rides only appear in Trip Radar after a driver declines.

Uber realizes if one driver declines, chances are other drivers will also think the ride is “trash”. — If Uber decision-makers read this, perhaps you should increase the price as you show more drivers the ride to entice us.

2) There are some good rides on Trip Radar.

While most are trash, there are a few good ones so you should not write this off completely.

3) Cherry Picking is not preventing riders from getting rides.

I was a bit worried that Cherry Picking while good for drivers (I am 100% guilty of this) while good for drivers, will become a problem for riders. In these past few weeks, I have not seen a Trip Radar ride not be matched with a driver. A driver usually takes it pretty quickly, but the longest time I have seen a trip sit on the screen was for about a minute. A driver then matched with the request. Surprisingly, drivers still want the $3 rides. While that is because of a quest or because it is in a direction they want to go, who knows, but riders are still being picked up from everywhere, despite the distances and low pay.

4) It is not that dangerous

It is not dangerous to have all of this information pop up. Some drivers, like Sergio Avedian from the Rideshare Guy state this has too much information and becomes dangerous to look at.

Yea, no s***t Sherlock:

PSA: Looking at your phone in general while driving is dangerous. Do I really need to remind a “veteran driver” of this? Pullover to a safe spot in between rides. You get to not only be safe, but you get to save on gas, mileage, and the general wear and tear that comes with higher mileage. The only way this could be a little bit trickier is if you are driving in NYC or San Francisco, but I mean, in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to use your phone while driving anyways. Finding a safe spot to watch the phone is just part of the job. If you can’t do that, then please, find another job.

This is not a feature designed for us to lose money :

Hopefully, Lyft adds a similar feature like Trip Radar and shows Upfront Pricing. Despite what Avedian stated in his article, personally, with the introduction of Trip Radar and Upfront Pricing, this turned into a pay raise for me. Yes, I was skeptical at first as both Uber and Lyft love to wrap wolves, aka new features, in sheep’s clothing. This is simply not the case with Trip Radar. Be smart.

Since these companies love to copy one another, come back here to get the scoop when Lyft decides to do right by drivers like Uber.

3 thoughts on “ What is Uber’s Trip Radar? ”

UBER had better start shaping up or many like myself will be done. What has UBER done about rising costs in gas prices? Why does UBER take 50% on some trips? As you mentioned there are up and coming competitors and a driver will go to those who pay more.

Trip radar is stressful. I have to watch the screen, instead of the roadway to make sure I press it quick enough to catch the next ride. This is very dangerous. Uber needs to be sued over this dangerous feature that take the drivers attention off the road.

I 100% agree with you on this front. I am guessing the new decision-makers at Uber forgot about that little Sophia Liu in San Francisco.

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Financial Panther

Financial Independence, Side Hustling, and Ebikes

Uber Eats Trip Radar – What Is It And Should You Accept These Orders?

Last Updated on January 19, 2023 January 19, 2023 1 Comment This post may contain affiliate links. This post may contain affiliate links. Financial Panther has partnered with AwardWallet and CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Financial Panther, AwardWallet, and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. The site does not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Uber Eats Trip Radar is a new feature that Uber recently launched that’ll show you available orders on a first-come, first-served basis (i.e. these orders are available for anyone to accept). This feature was initially limited to a few select cities, but it seems that Uber launched this feature in more cities (or perhaps nationwide at this point). In any event, if you deliver for Uber Eats, you’ve probably started to notice the Uber Eats Trip Radar appearing in your app. 

So what is the Uber Eats Trip Radar? In this post, we’ll take a look at the Uber Eat Trip Radar, analyze how it works, and discuss whether you should accept the orders that you see on the trip radar. 

What Is Uber Eats Trip Radar?

At the outset, let’s look at what the Uber Eats Trip Radar is. This is a feature that Uber Eats recently introduced in their app. Orders that appear in the Trip Radar will appear at the bottom of the app, in a section labeled Trip Radar. These deliveries are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning anyone that sees these orders can accept them. 

Here’s what the Trip Radar looks like on the main screen of your Uber Eats driver app: 

As you can see, Trip Radar will show you the number of deliveries available for grabs, as indicated by the circled number. When you click the Trip Radar button, it’ll bring you to a screen that shows you all the available Trip Radar delivery requests. 

The Trip Radar screen will show you all the information you’d see in a normal delivery request. That includes the payout, the distance, and the restaurant and delivery location. You can use this information to make an informed decision about whether to accept the order. It’s important to note that Trip Radar requests are available to every driver, so you’ll likely have to be quick about whether you want to accept the order or not. 

It’s important to note that you’ll Trip Radar doesn’t replace the regular delivery requests you receive. Uber Eats advertises as a way to get extra trips. Indeed, in their information about Trip Radar, Uber Eats describes it as a feature that “shows you extra trips in your area.” In other words, while you may see Trip Radar requests, those don’t replace the regular delivery requests you’ll receive in your driver app.

Should You Accept Uber Eats Trip Radar Deliveries? 

My understanding of Trip Radar is that orders that are repeatedly rejected by other drivers make their way to Trip Radar. This makes sense, as in the past, orders that were rejected simply sat until new drivers logged in and were sent the delivery request. With Trip Radar, these orders now have a better chance of being completed since they’ll go out to everyone in the area.

The main issue with Trip Radar requests is that most of them are terrible orders. In my time doing Uber Eats, I’ve rarely seen a worthwhile delivery request coming from the Trip Radar screen. Many are no-tip orders and/or are going long distances for little pay.

This makes sense when you think about it. Trip Radar requests, if I understand correctly, only make their way there after they’ve been repeatedly rejected by other Uber Eats drivers . If so many people are rejecting the order, likely, it’s not a very good one. 

So, for the most part, I’d recommend ignoring Trip Radar requests. The exception would be if it’s an order that is on its way to somewhere you want to go and likely won’t take you out of the way or take too long to complete. I’ll sometimes accept low-paying orders when I’m commuting home simply because the order is one I can deliver on the way home. It’s part of the monetizing your life strategy I often use when I think of these gig economy apps. 

That being said, most Trip Radar requests will be terrible and you’ll be better off ignoring them unless you’re desperate for deliveries. Uber Eats tends to make things seem like a game to get more people to accept orders and you can see that Trip Radar would instill a FOMO fear in a lot of people (fear of missing out). Don’t fall for it! Take your time to look at these Trip Radar requests and make sure they make sense for you.

Final Thoughts

The Uber Eats Trip Radar is an interesting feature, but ultimately one that isn’t too useful for most drivers. Orders only make it to the Trip Radar screen after they’ve been rejected by other drivers. And while it can be useful in some circumstances, for most people, the Trip Radar requests will either be too low-paying or take too long to complete (either going too far away or taking you to areas you don’t want to go). The only time I would consider accepting an Uber Eats Trip Radar request is if it’s on my way to somewhere I want to go already. Otherwise, I’m generally ignoring these requests.

Still, my experience with Trip Radar could be different than yours, and maybe you have better luck in your market. If you’ve tried out Trip Radar and have had success with these delivery requests, please let me know in the comments.

This post may contain affiliate links. Financial Panther has partnered with AwardWallet and CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Financial Panther, AwardWallet, and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. The site does not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

More Recommended Ebike/Scooters

Check out these other ebikes and scooters I've reviewed:

• Urban Arrow Ebike – Last year, I made one of the largest purchases I’ve ever made – I bought a $9,000 electric cargo bike from Urban Arrow. In my Urban Arrow review , I will discuss what it is and why I decided to buy this bike, as well as discuss how impactful a bike like this can be on your journey to financial independence.
• Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Ebike – The Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is a fat-tire ebike that I’ve had the pleasure of riding for a while now. It has amazing power, great looks, and awesome range. If you’re looking for a great fat-tire ebike that offers a lot for the price, the Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is definitely one for you to consider. Check out my Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Review .
• Hovsco HovBeta Ebike – The HovBeta is a folding ebike with great specs and a lot of interesting features, and importantly, it’s sold at a good price point. I’ve had a blast commuting with it and using it to do deliveries with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Check out my Hovsco HovBeta Ebike Review .
• Vanpowers Manidae Ebike – The Vanpowers Manidae is a fat tire ebike that I’ve been riding as my primary winter commuting bike and have also been using it to do food delivery with apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. After clocking in a decent number of miles with this ebike, I wanted to write a post sharing what my experience with the Vanpowers Manidae ebike has been like. Check out my Vanpowers Manidae Review .
• Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding EBike Review – A Great Value Folding Ebike – The Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding Ebike is an entry-level folding ebike that offers a lot of value for the price point. I’ve been riding the Sohamo S3 for a while now, putting the bike through its paces, and I have to say, this bike has exceeded all of my expectations. Check out my Sohamo Review .
• KBO Flip Ebike – The KBO Flip is an excellent bike. I’ve had a great time riding it and think it’s a versatile bike that can be used for a lot of purposes and can fit a variety of lifestyles. It’s worked out great for me as a general commuter bike and as a food delivery bike. Check out my KBO Flip Review .
• Hiboy P7 Commuter Ebike – The Hiboy P7 is an excellent electric commuter bike that’s offered at an affordable price point. The range and speed of this bike are both very good, so you won’t have any trouble getting anywhere you need to go with it. As a food delivery vehicle, this is also good – with how much range it offers, you’ll be able to work all day on a single charge. Check out my Hiboy P7 Commuter Electric Bike Review .
• Himiway Escape Ebike – The Himiway Escape is an interesting bike for anyone looking for a moped-style ebike. If you’re a gig economy worker, the Himiway Escape is particularly interesting and it’s possible to think of it as an investment, especially if you can opt to do deliveries with the Himiway versus using a car. It’s not cheap, but you can definitely make your money back when you compare the mileage you’ll put on your car versus using an ebike. Check out my Himiway Escape Bike Review .
• Espin Sport Ebike – The Espin Sport is a good ebike for someone who is looking for an ebike that feels and rides more like a regular bike. There are many ebikes that are really only bikes in name. In reality, they’re basically electric mopeds. The Espin Sport, by contrast, is a bike you could probably ride without the battery and you’d feel like you’re just riding a regular bike. Check out my Espin Sport Review .
• Varla Eagle One Scooter – The Varla Eagle One is an excellent scooter that can make sense for a lot of people. It can work as a primary mode of transportation. You can use it to work on gig economy apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. And it can also be a recreational vehicle if you’d prefer to use it for that. Check out my Varla Eagle One Review .
• Varla Falcon Scooter – The Varla Falcon is an excellent scooter that offers a good amount of power at a lower price point compared to more powerful scooters. It’s not exactly an entry-level scooter, nor is it a high-powered scooter. I think it fits somewhere in-between those two categories – an intermediate scooter if I had to give it a category. Check out my Varla Falcon Review .
• Hiboy S2 Scooter – The Hiboy S2 is an excellent entry-level commuter scooter that's perfect for someone looking to save some money in transportation costs and improve their commute. Check out my Hiboy S2 Review .
• Hiboy S2R Scooter – The Hiboy S2R is one of the more interesting electric scooters I’ve been able to test out. It’s not a high-powered scooter, but for an everyday transport option, it’s very useful, especially given some of the unique features that it has. Indeed, for the price, the Hiboy S2R might be the best value scooter I’ve used. Check out my Hiboy S2R Review .
• Fucare H3 Scooter – The Fucare H3 is a fun scooter and I’ve enjoyed testing it out. For a daily commuter or quick trips or errands, the Fucare H3 is probably the scooter I’ll use. It’s portable and easy to maneuver, so it’s just easier to take on the road when I need it. Check out my Fucare H3 Scooter Review .

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For additional investing app bonuses, be sure to check out the ones below:

• M1 Finance ($100) – This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $100 for opening an account. Check out my M1 Finance Referral Bonus – Step-By-Step Guide .
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More Recommended Bank Account Bonuses

If you’re looking for more easy bank bonuses, check out the below options. These bonuses are all easy to earn and have no fees or minimum balance requirements to worry about.

• SoFi Money ($325) – SoFi Money is a free checking account from SoFi. They’re currently offering a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi account with a referral link and deposit $10. You can also make an additional $300 as well if you complete a direct deposit. This is a good bank that is also 100% free, so you won’t have to worry about managing this account. Here’s a post I wrote with instructions on how to earn your SoFi Money bonus: SoFi Money Referral Bonus: Step By Step Guide .
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Kevin is an attorney and the blogger behind Financial Panther, a blog about personal finance, travel hacking, and side hustling using the gig economy. He paid off $87,000 worth of student loans in just 2.5 years by choosing not to live like a big shot lawyer.

Kevin is passionate about earning money using the gig economy and you can see all the ways he makes extra income every month in his side hustle reports .

Kevin is also big on using the latest fintech apps to improve his finances. Some of Kevin's favorite fintech apps include:

• SoFi Money . A really good checking account with absolutely no fees. You'll get a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi Money account with a referral link, and an additional $300 if you complete a direct deposit.
• 5% Savings Accounts . I'm currently getting 5.32% interest on my savings through a company called Raisin . Opening a Raisin account takes minutes to complete, it's free, and all of your funds are FDIC-insured. I explain how it works, why I'm now using it to store my emergency fund and any other cash savings I have, and why I recommend everyone check it out in this review .
• US Bank Business . US Bank is currently offering new business customers a $800 signup bonus after opening a new account and meeting certain requirements.
• M1 Finance . This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $250 for opening an account.
• Empower . One of best free apps you can use to monitor your portfolio and track your net worth. This is one of the apps I use to track my financial accounts.

Feel free to send Kevin a message here .

Reader Interactions

July 16, 2023 at 8:11 pm

Kevin, thank you for the article on Trip Radar with Uber Eats. I just started UE today and my last hour saw this Trip Radar. Luckily for me the offer was a good one, then I received 2 add ons from a restaurant. So it worked out. The route was direct and not a high traffic issue. I usually work Grubhub or Doordash. Not a fan of Doordash. I have done really well with Grubhub. Once again thanks for explaining this feature with UE.

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Ridesharing Driver

Trip Radar & upfront fares: Are they good for Uber drivers?

By Doug H , Updated August 15, 2023 12 Comments

It used to be that Uber drivers accepted a ride without knowing where the passenger is going or how much the ride would pay.

Now, upfront fares have come to most major US cities.

Trip requests now show you the passengers destination and how much the ride will pay.

More upfront information is a good thing, right?

There may also be some downsides with upfront payouts: Pay for short trips has increased, but pay for longer trips is decreased  and you are no longer paid according to a predictable rate card.

Another addition is Trip Radar , a feature that lets drivers select nearby rides from a list.

Read on to learn how upfront fares and Trip Radar works, how drivers feel about it, and how you can maximize your earnings under this system.

Article contents

• What are upfront fares?
• Trip Radar: Pick nearby rides from a list
• Upsides and downsides of upfront fares

Drivers react to upfront fares

• Driving strategies for upfront fares

Upfront fares: See trip payout and passenger destination

Under upfront pricing, the trip request screen shows an upfront payout amount and the passenger’s destination.

Here’s what the upfront ride request screen looks like:

See upfront payout and passenger destination

Notice the upfront payout amount, the surge amount listed separately, and the passenger destination with estimated time and mileage.

Here’s what Uber says about upfront fares: “ Upfront fares are not based on fixed time and distance rates alone. They include all of the earnings components you already know, and then some more. Even the Surge value is included in the fare you see up front.

If the trip gets a lot longer, you will see a new increased fare on the trip receipt. As always, tips are 100% yours.”

Upfront fares for drivers is similar to upfront pricing for passengers : Passengers see an upfront price that isn’t connected to a specific rate card calculation.

Related: See How Much Uber Drivers Make, According to Top Data Sources

No more rate card

One of the biggest changes about the upfront pay system is that ride payouts are not based on time and distance rates. No more rate card!

In the past, you knew exactly how much you were paid per mile and per minute. Now, you will know your total payment for the ride, but you won’t know how Uber calculated the payout.

Confirmation from Uber that you won’t be paid according to a rate card

You will still see how much the customer paid on each ride receipt, so you can calculate how much Uber is taking from your rides.

But there won’t be a place in the app or online to look up time and distance rates.

The upfront payout is what you’ll get. If the ride ends up longer than expected, Uber will increase the payout, but not according to any predictable measure.

Short trips get a pay boost, long trips get a pay cut

Uber says that payouts for shorter trips will increase so that drivers have more incentive to take them.

That’s a welcome change, because drivers in the past didn’t like having to drive 10 minutes to a passenger only to get a low-paying, short ride.

But to balance out that increased payment, drivers in markets where this system is active report that payouts for longer trips have been slashed.

Airport drivers and other drivers who target long trips may not like the changes to long trip payouts.

• Upfront pricing is killing pay for long rides!

Trip Radar: Select nearby rides from a list

Trip Radar is a list of nearby rides that all drivers can see at the same time. The first to accept gets the ride.

If multiple drivers accept the ride at the same time, typically the driver closest to the passenger will get the ride.

Trip Radar rides show the same upfront info as other rides: Payout, customer destination, and estimated ride duration.

Trip Radar requests show full upfront info

Other drivers compete for Trip Radar rides, so you might miss some requests that you try to get

When and how Trip Radar requests appear depends on the city you’re in. In some cities, you can only see Trip Radar rides when you’re not currently on a ride.

In others, Trip Radar requests can pop up automatically while you’re on a ride.

If your market has upfront fares and Trip Radar, you’ll have to get used to quickly evaluating a request and accepting it as fast as you can.

That could mean more focus on your phone and less on the road. And you may have to keep the app active and open because it takes too long to tap a notification and open the app.

It’s a similar system to other first-come-first-served gig apps like Instacart. On Instacart , shoppers have to closely monitor their phone and quickly swipe to get the best rides.

Can you opt out of Trip Radar or turn off Trip Radar requests?

Currently you can’t opt out of Trip Radar. To prevent Trip Radar rides from popping up while you are on a ride, select ‘stop new requests’ after you pick up a passenger. Then after the ride is over, re-enable ride requests.

Does this change Uber Eats payouts?

Uber Eats already uses an upfront system that shows an estimated payout and the delivery location. This change for Uber rideshare brings the pay system more in line with Uber Eats.

One difference is that Uber Eats includes some or all of the customer’s tip in the upfront payout estimate. Upfront payouts for Uber rides don’t include tip information.

Another difference is that Uber Eats sometimes limits upfront information for delivery drivers who don’t accept enough deliveries. There’s no minimum acceptance rate for the upfront system on rideshareing.

• What it’s Like Delivering Food for Uber Eats

Upfront info in rate card markets

For cities that don’t use the upfront pricing system, drivers are paid according to a rate card and only get upfront info as an Uber Pro reward .

In rate card markets, you won’t see the passenger’s destination or the estimated ride duration on the trip acceptance screen. You will only see the passenger’s destination after you arrive at their pickup location.

You may be able to unlock upfront destination info if you level up your Uber Pro and maintain the required acceptance rate.

Below is an example from a rate card market where upfront trip duration is unlocked if you reach the Gold level and maintain an acceptance rating of at least 85%.

In rate card markets you can only get upfront info as an Uber Pro reward

What’s good about upfront fares

No more uncertainty about ride earnings . You will finally know how much you’ll make before you accept a request. What you see is what you’ll get, so you’ll have enough info to decline rides that don’t pay enough for your standards.

You get to know the ride distance and time. Knowing whether a trip will be short or long is powerful. In the past, you could show up to a passenger only to find that they wanted to go too far, or not nearly far enough. Now you’ll have complete information, no guesswork required.

Pay boost for short trips. Upfront fares give a small boost to short trips, which is a big advantage if you prefer that type or ride. Extra payouts for short rides are especially profitable if you’re doing a Quest , where it’s smartest to do lots of short trips to quickly get the bonus.

What’s bad about upfront fares

Less transparency about your pay. Without a rate card, you won’t know how Uber calculated your pay. Some drivers prefer the transparency of a rate card. Even if rates are low, you at least know exactly what your time and miles is worth.

Long trip pay cut. With the short trip boost comes a long trip pay cut. Long trips used to be the most lucrative, so smart drivers would try to target longer rides. It was worth it to drive way out of your working area for a long trip. Now, you might want to avoid long rides.

Upfront fares are live in many cities. Here’s how drivers are reacting.

“Welcome to raffle rides. Hope you can read all that info in a split second” “We’ve had this in Detroit for months now, I much prefer it to the other system” “Now there will be more incentive to stay in surge zones and consecutive trip areas” “For airport drivers it’s been a real nightmare” “Call me a cynic but it seems to me with every change they just take more for themselves and make it worse for drivers” “I love long rides. And this would definitely change my tactics. We will adapt as we always do” Sources: Thread 1 and 2

Earnings strategies for the upfront payout system

Like it or not, the upfront payout system may be coming to your city. Just like any other changes to Uber, there are new strategies to max out your earnings.

An important skill is to instantly evaluate a trip request. Check the payout, the time to pickup and dropoff as quickly as you can, then accept the ride before someone else does.

Experiment with keeping the app running in the foreground. You may get fewer requests if the app is in the background.

Now that shorter rides have a pay boost, it’s smart to target them. Focus on rides in downtown areas where riders may only need to go a short distance. Focus less on airport rides, which are typically longer and don’t pay as well as they used to.

You can also use the destination information to target areas of the city that you find more lucrative, or that will target short rides.

About Doug H

Gig economy driver, writer, and expert since 2013. I created Ridesharing Driver to help drivers navigate all of the challenges we face in the on-demand world! Read more about my story!

Timothy Jackson says

February 26, 2023 at 2:31 am

The bad part about this new plan is that now my acceptance rate suffers because Uber will send me five long trips that aren’t worth it and one short trip within 30 seconds to one minute with me not accepting the ones that are ridiculous my acceptance rate goes way down in a matter of moments This should definitely be changed

Doug H says

February 26, 2023 at 11:04 am

Many drivers ignore their acceptance rating for this reason. It might only be worth keeping up if you’re going for a specific uber pro reward

Steven Njuba says

November 10, 2022 at 8:08 am

I hate trip radar that I decided to become inactive until a better system comes through. I will focus on other work. 7 dollars for 15 miles is just ridiculous

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The ride options on this page are a sample of Uber’s products, and some might not be available where you use the Uber app. If you check your city’s web page or look in the app, you’ll see what rides you can request.

Premium rides in luxury cars.

Why ride with Uber Black

High-end black cars, highly rated drivers, professional drivers, how to ride with uber black.

Open the app and enter your destination in the "Where to?" box. Once you confirm your pickup and destination addresses are correct, choose Black at the bottom of your screen. Then tap Confirm Black .

Once you’ve been matched, you’ll see your driver’s picture and vehicle details and can track their arrival on the map.

Check that the vehicle details match what you see in the app before getting in your Black .

Your driver has your destination and directions for the fastest way to get there, but you can always request a specific route.

You'll be automatically charged through your payment method on file, so you can exit your Black as soon as you arrive.

Remember to rate your driver to help improve the safety of Uber and make it enjoyable for everyone.

Get your ride right with Uber Reserve

Complete your plans today by reserving a ride.¹ Request your ride up to 90 days ahead with Uber Reserve, so getting there is the last thing on your mind.

More from Uber

Go in the ride you want.

UberX Share

Share the ride with up to one co-rider at a time

Sustainable rides in electric vehicles

Pick a car. See the price. Get moving.

Uber Reserve

Book a ride in advance

As many stops as you need in one car

Affordable rides, all to yourself

UberX Saver

Wait to save. Limited availability

Local taxi cabs at the tap of a button

Uber Intercity

Go city to city

On-demand electric bikes that allow you to go further

Electric scooters to help you get around your city

Auto rickshaws at the tap of a button

Affordable, convenient motorcycle rides

Uber Transit

Real-time public transit information in the Uber app

Affordable rides for groups up to 6

Uber Comfort

Newer cars with extra legroom

Premium rides in luxury cars

Uber Black SUV

Premium rides for 6 in luxury SUVs

Ride assistance for seniors and people with disabilities

The material provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. It is subject to change and may be updated without notice.

¹ When you request an Uber Reserve trip, the trip price you see will be an estimate that includes a reservation fee, which may vary depending on the location of the pickup address and/or the day and time of your trip. This fee is paid by riders for their driver's additional wait time and time/distance spent traveling to the pickup location.

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