Uber has launched a new surge pricing strategy, and has revealed plans to make some workers eligible for “surge bonuses” if they work more than 10 hours a week.
The company is launching a new pricing scheme that it says will help its drivers earn more money, but is also expected to cause some confusion.
Key points:Uber will offer surge bonuses to workers that work more hours than 10, which will make them eligible for bonus payIf you’re eligible for a “surprise bonus”, Uber will offer to pay you up to $150,000If you’ve worked more than ten hours in a row in the last two months, you will be eligible for the new “survey bonus”The new system will allow Uber drivers to earn up to 10 per cent of their earnings over a 12-month period.
That’s a major boost for Uber drivers, who typically make around $25,000 a year.
Uber has not yet announced how much it will be paying drivers, but said it would be “in the millions”.
Uber’s new surge plans are similar to those that the company implemented in New York City, where it now charges a one-time fee of $25 for an Uber ride.
“Uber is taking action to ensure that drivers who are making the most of their jobs, like Uber’s drivers, can earn more while working less hours,” Uber spokesperson Andrew Denton said.
“We have more than 100,000 drivers across the US and many of them are earning more than $25 an hour.
We know that the number one reason drivers choose Uber is because of the incredible work we do, and we want to reward them for that work.”
The company said it had already started accepting applications for the surge bonus, which is valid for up to four weeks.
“As part of this initiative, we’re giving drivers a ‘surprise’ bonus, meaning that they’ll earn more if they spend at least 10 hours working per week, as long as they’re doing more than four consecutive days of work,” the spokesperson said.
Uber is currently offering an incentive to encourage drivers to take on more hours.
For example, Uber drivers who work a minimum of 30 hours per week will earn $50,000, while those who work more will get $80,000.
Other new policies will be rolled out over the next six months, including one that will provide free childcare for the first child a driver has.
“At the same time, we are rolling out additional policies that will make sure that Uber drivers are compensated in accordance with the federal minimum wage, including: $15 an hour, $15 per hour, and $20 an hour,” Uber’s spokesperson said in a statement.
“To make sure we’re doing our part to support our drivers, we will continue to offer incentives for drivers who provide the best value for our customers, including a ‘bonus’ bonus.”