According to an in-app message sent to Uber London drivers, cash will be introduced as a new payment option for riders from Monday 1 December. The message explains that drivers will be able to opt out once cash goes live, must confirm with riders at the start of each trip that it is a cash booking, and should be prepared to manage both overpayments and underpayments, with Uber covering any shortfall or reimbursing riders where needed.
DM News Commentary
This marks a significant shift for Uber London, which has operated almost entirely cashless for years. For private hire drivers, the change brings mixed reactions. Some welcome the flexibility and the chance to receive instant payment, but many are concerned about safety risks — especially on night shifts — along with the hassle of carrying change and dealing with disputes at the kerbside.
Cash introduces practical complications that app-based systems were designed to avoid. Drivers could face higher chances of no-payment situations, arguments over fares, and slower pickups while confirming riders have the correct cash. Although Uber says it will cover any underpayments, drivers still shoulder the responsibility of collecting the fare in the moment.
With the opt-out option in place, many London PHV drivers may choose to avoid cash entirely, preferring the security and simplicity of digital payments. This will be one to watch closely as 1 December approaches.
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