Uber’s New in-App Tipping Feature

Big News at Uber this week – and this time, it’s not all about the resignation of Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Uber has introduced in-app tipping for their drivers in a select number of U.S. cities.

In-App Tipping

After much debate about the tipping policies at Uber, the company has decided to introduce in-app tipping for their drivers. This new feature is likely a reaction to many Uber drivers considering moving to different applications, such as Juno or Lyft. Previously, passengers were only able to tip their drivers in-person with cash.

Tipping is not required for Uber passengers – it is an optional feature for riders to use to thank their drivers who exceeded their expectations. It is a seamless process, and you can add your tip after the ride is complete through the application. In fact, you can add your tip up to 30 days after the trip is completed by looking through your trip history and trip receipt.

The tipping process is also respecting of your privacy as a passenger, and the tip will be associated with your trip, and not your name.

Current Locations

In-app tipping is now available in Seattle, Minneapolis, and Houston starting on June 20, 2017. By July 31st, all U.S. cities will have the in-app tipping feature. Uber will also be adding more countries in the coming months.

More to Come for Uber

Uber also announced in an email to their drivers that they will be introducing a series of improvements in the next 180 days, including less time for passengers to cancel their ride before incurring a fee, charging riders for making drivers wait for them to get into the car, and adding a $2 fee for teenagers riding without their parents.

This in-app tipping comes at a convenient time – just as Uber starts to lose market share from competitor Lyft. Lyft has offered the in-app tipping feature for years, which is definitely a feature that incentives drivers to work for Lyft instead of Uber.

Felicia is a Ride Guru at RideGuru. She recently graduated from Bentley University with a B.S. in Marketing and minor in Computer Information Systems. She is an avid rideshare user who enjoys both domestic and international travel.

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