Drivers Notice Uber Has Cut Free Waiting Time on Multi-Stop Trips
Uber drivers have noticed a subtle yet significant change in how multi-stop jobs are structured, sparking discussion across the rideshare community. The update, which was quietly rolled out, reduces the amount of free waiting time at stops before additional pay kicks in.
Previously, when completing a multi-stop journey, drivers had a three-minute free waiting window after arriving at the first stop. This period was technically covered within the upfront fare, meaning drivers weren’t earning extra pay for those minutes. However, after the three-minute mark, Uber would start a paid timer, compensating drivers for any extra waiting time required by the passenger.
Now, drivers have discovered that this free waiting period has been reduced from three minutes to just one minute before the paid timer kicks in.
The update was first spotted by several Uber drivers who reached out to Driver Matty, a well-known YouTuber covering the rideshare industry. Many were caught off guard by the change, as Uber made no official announcement regarding the adjustment.
What Does This Mean for Drivers?
On the surface, this could be seen as a positive move for drivers, as they now start getting paid for waiting after just one minute instead of three. However, some worry that the upfront pricing model may have already adjusted for this change, meaning fares may not necessarily be increasing to compensate for the lost time.
One possible reason for this update could be to encourage more drivers to accept multi-stop jobs, which are often less desirable due to the additional waiting involved. By reducing the unpaid waiting time, Uber may be trying to make these jobs more attractive to drivers.
Drivers React to the Change
The reaction from Uber drivers has been mixed. Some welcome the update, as they will now start earning sooner when passengers delay at stops. Others, however, suspect that Uber’s upfront pricing may have already factored in the change, meaning drivers aren’t actually earning any extra money overall.
“Before, we were waiting three minutes for free at each stop. Now it’s one minute, but are we really getting paid more? We need to see the numbers,” one driver commented.
