As an Uber driver, you’re more than ever forced to find ways to make the most out of a gig that used to pay a lot more. Uber is aware of the strategies honest drivers employ (and some not-so-honest ones), and they’re constantly finding ways to counter these methods. Today, I’d like to share a few things I’ve noticed during my driving experience and get your thoughts, especially if you’re a fellow driver.

I believe Uber is using a bait-and-switch technique here. The company remains tight-lipped about its methods, but it feels like they’re actively working against drivers’ interests. We’re definitely not on the same team. Uber wants profits for itself, and so do drivers, which doesn’t always align.

Bait and Switch #1: The Disappearing Surge. For those driving for Uber, you’re familiar with the activity map that shows areas with surge pricing. Typically, when a surge is nearby, drivers (myself included) often shut down the app and head toward the surge zone, right? But here’s where the bait and switch happens. I can’t tell you how many times, just as I’m about to enter the surge area, the surge suddenly disappears.

It’s as if Uber wasn’t in control of what each driver sees on the app individually—we’ve established that in that article “Uber, the new modern slave trader?” just saying.
Bait and Switch #2: Changing the Bonus System. In Massachusetts, Uber recently introduced some changes, claiming they’re to help drivers earn more. They revamped the weekend bonus system.

Now, instead of earning bonuses based on the number of rides, you have to reach a specific earnings goal. Of course, this seems designed to reduce driver pay, as I’ve found it nearly impossible to hit these goals in recent weeks—and I’m sure only a few drivers can.

Bait and Switch #3: The Hourly Bonus Trick. Uber also recently added an hourly bonus during peak times.

For example, this weekend, they offered $10 per ride for one hour. But here’s the catch: drivers had to register for this bonus. If you missed the notification or forgot to register, no bonus for you. In the past, you’d be automatically enrolled in weekend bonuses, but now they’ve applied the same bait-and-switch principle to these new bonuses, which are essentially disguised surges to make more money at the drivers’ expense.

Bait and Switch #4: More Distractions for Drivers. Uber keeps adding tasks you can do as a driver, like answering questions to improve their GPS system—while driving, mind you. They regularly send out surveys to keep drivers “engaged,” knowing they still need us until driverless cars become a reality. They’ve even started asking drivers to deliver groceries.

While this isn’t exactly bait and switch, it’s worth mentioning because it adds more tasks that don’t necessarily improve earnings.

Bait and Switch #5: Shorter Time to Accept Rides. Finally, Uber has been reducing the time that trip requests appear on your screen. This change means you don’t have enough time to see all the details about the destination and trip length, preventing you from making an informed decision about whether the ride is worth it.

When you have a rider in the back, it’s even harder to decide because you need to stay focused on the road. In response to these tactics, I’ve developed a system where I quickly memorize the price and destination and decide on the spot if it’s worth it. I’m trying to avoid those 54-minute, $29 trips these days.

Bait and Switch #6:This is the most obvious one and certainly one of the most powerful one. The whole premise of this uber driver endeavor. The call to work for them .Come. and for us you will have flexible hours and can win a living for you and your familly. Well not sur how this is working out right now ?

Bait and Switch #7: This last one is the most powerful—and it’s how Uber managed to cut the communication between drivers and customers, despite us having the customers right in the backs of our cars. That is a feat in itself. The bait is just pure loyalty to a company not really loyal to the drivers.The switch is that they keep lowering the prices of the rides to get more customers. Customers want service—they’re not concerned about fairness and equity when it comes to work. Uber knows this.

Clients don’t care if we are paid fairly; they just want to get from point A to point B and leave it at that. So, Uber works to blur the lines between us. They actively discourage us from discussing ride prices with customers whenever possible. Have you ever received one of those messages asking you not to discuss details with the client? I get them every time a customer calls me. It reminds me of a line from the movie « The Usual Suspects »: « The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. » That’s exactly what Uber is doing. They want to convince both sides—drivers and customers—of their goodness. But in the end, Uber is focused on one thing and one thing only: profit.
Now it is time to share your side of the story by commenting on this article. Wether you are a driver or a customer please share your experience.