UBER is introducing a new feature where riders can select a “Quiet Mode” option when requesting for rides.
The new feature announced on Wednesday, is only available for UBER Black and UBER Black SUV riders, who the car-hailing platform says wants “high-quality service and premium comfort.”
The new features include the following:
- Quiet Mode: if you need to respond to emails or are in the mood for a nap, make your trip a quieter one with just one tap. If you’re in the mood to chat, that’s an option too.
- Help with Luggage: let your driver know an extra pair of hands is needed for your luggage.
- Temperature Control: communicate your optimal temperature before entering a vehicle.
- Extended Pickup Period: riders will have a little extra time to get to the car when unexpected delays pop up.
- Premium Support: access premium phone support with live agents if you need something to be made right.
- Professionalism: ride with confidence knowing that your professional, commercially-licensed driver is at the top of his or her game.
- Consistent Vehicle Quality: expect the same kinds of rides, every time, with consistent vehicle model, makes, interiors, and exteriors.
“We know that when riders choose Uber Black and Uber Black SUV, they want a consistent, high-quality experience every time they ride. With these new features and more to come, we’re excited to ensure that our riders can arrive relaxed and refreshed, wherever they’re headed,” a press statement said.
UPDATE:
An Uber spokesperson told us that:
“At this time, these features were only rolled out in the USA, while we are always looking at new features and products, this is not something we are looking at launching in Nigeria at this time.”
Uber drivers in Lagos have been discovered to be using a fake GPS app called Lockito to inflate rider fares.
Lockito, an android app created for developers to “test geofencing-based apps,” allows drivers to track a false route while the phone also keeps track of the actual route.
The drivers who spoke to Quartz Africa revealed that the use of the app began after Uber slashed its base fare by 40%.
“Uber was sweet, until they slashed the price. They did not bring back their price up, so the work started getting tough and tougher. When the thing was just getting tougher, I had no choice but to go on Lockito,” one driver, Williams said.
“There are a lot of drivers on Locki, every driver on Uber is on Locki. The only ones that are different are the new drivers… and they’re still coming to us to teach them Locki.”
He uses the app 4 to 5 times a week, he said.
The way Lockito works, a driver may have the app calculating a fake fare from the pick-up point to the drop-off location, even before the rider is picked up. When the trip begins, the real GPS app calculates the original fare. When the trip is over, the two fares are tallied up as one, inflating the price, in some cases, 3 times.
Uber says it is aware of the abuse, and it is in violation of the company’s guidelines.
The company’s spokesperson Francesca Uriri said the company is “constantly on the lookout for fraud by drivers and riders who are gaming our systems.”
Another driver, Uchenna, who spoke to Quartz asked that Uber return to the former base fare if they want drivers to quit using Lockito.
“If you block that same Lockito today, another one will come out.
If that base fare is normal, everybody’s receiving their incentive on a normal level, that thing will go off. They want to get the normal, accurate price that Uber were before,” Uchenna said.
Williams also said that Uber is aware its drivers are using Lockito, but are unconcerned because they wish to maximize profits. He said:
If you’re using Lockito, Uber will tell you “fake location detected”…they will tell you.
Sometimes when I run it, Uber will tell me, “your map of your location…is fake,” you’ll now click OK… and I take my money…
Uber debunked this allegation. Uriri said:
Uber has automated rules in place that warns and permanently deactivates any account or accounts associated with fraudulent activity.
We encourage both riders and driver-partners to rate their journey at the end of the trip. Honest feedback helps ensure that everyone is accountable for their behavior.
However, Taxify, the ride sharing app’s largest competitor in the country, has been blocking drivers attempting to use the app. Williams said:
You can’t do that anymore on Taxify, they were doing it before on Taxify but then Taxify made drivers update the app, once you update your app, you can’t use Lockito anymore.
The drivers are asking that their welfare is considered. Williams said: “I pray Uber should learn from now. This is Nigeria, not abroad, the more things are getting worse, the more drivers are planning things.”
Driver-partners in Nigeria can now choose to drive on their own terms with the newly introduced features unveiled by Uber.
With the set of new features on the Uber app, it makes it easier for driver-partners across the country to choose when, where, and how they drive.
These features follow the recent launch of Uber’s In-App Chat, a feature which allows driver-partners and riders to chat right in the app without having to share their phone numbers with one another when they need to get in touch.
According to the firm, it will be launching a number of products to include, Driver share my trip; Arrival destination and time, Long trip notification and Rating protection.
The driver share my trip allows drivers to share their trip information with loved ones, without implicating the privacy of the rider or divulging personal information or specific drop off or pick up points.
With the arrival destination and time feature enable drivers to set the time they want to arrive at their final destination at any time of the day. The app will notify them when it’s time to start heading towards their destination. At that time, they’ll be connected with a trip along the same path. This allows for more flexibility and allows them to make a little extra money on the way.
Also the long trip notification sends information to driver-partners to fit in to driving around their lifestyle, which means drivers will now get a heads-up when a trip is estimated to be 45 minutes or longer, so they can plan accordingly.
For the rating protection, sometimes riders might give their trip a low rating for reasons beyond a drivers control like an issue with the Uber App. With the new ratings policy, these type of ratings won’t count towards a drivers score. Uber will still get the feedback to help them improve but it won’t impact the driver’s overall rating.
Commenting on the introduction of the new features, General Manager, Uber West Africa, Lola Kassim, said: “Over the last few months, we’ve spent a lot of time listening to and engaging with over 7000 driver-partners across Nigeria, hearing what they need from the Uber app so that we can improve and transform the driver experience.
Based on their responses, she said Uber would be rolling out products that can address three keys areas, which includes more flexibility for drivers when using the app; using Uber technology to create a stress-free experience, and building on safety.
“Drivers play a key role in defining Uber’s future and we want them to know that we are committed to ensuring the app works best for them first. We believe these new features will create meaningful changes to their lives and driving experience,” Kassim said.
She restated the firm’s commitment to continuously work on improving the experiences of driver-partner with the app, adding that “This isn’t just about new features, it’s about a sustained commitment over time, and Uber is incredibly excited to apply the full strength of its network to improve and transform the driver experience for its 7000 men and women who drive with Uber every week.
Expedia boss Dara Khosrowshahi has been chosen to replace Travis Kalanickas Uber Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ending months of speculation in the firm’s search for a new leader.
According to BBC, Uber’s board made the decision on Sunday, but the company has made no official announcement.
Uber has chosen Expedia boss Dara Khosrowshahi to be its chief executive, ending months of speculation in the firm’s search for a new leader. The decision was made by Uber’s board late on Sunday, a source told the BBC, but the company has made no official announcement.
In an internal memo to staff, Expedia said it expects Mr Khosrowshahi to take the role. He will replace Travis Kalanick who resigned following investor pressure.
Expedia’s chairman, Barry Diller, said in the memo to staff: “Nothing has yet been finalized, but having extensively discussed this with Dara, I believe it is his intention to accept.”
Uber is battling to repair its image after a series of scandals.
Several big names – including Hewlett Packard boss Meg Whitman and General Electric chairman Jeff Immelt – had been touted for the role.
Mr Immelt ruled himself out of the race over the weekend, while reports intensified that Ms Whitman was the most likely successor despite her saying she was not interested in the job either.
Kalanick resigned in June after months of turmoil at the firm, including a series of controversies about sexual harassment, macho culture and departure of senior executives. Pressure from shareholders may have also contributed to his resignation and the role has attracted several big names including Hewlett Packard boss Meg Whitman and General Electric chairman Jeff Immelt.
Immelt ruled himself out of the race over the weekend, while reports intensified that Whitman was the most likely successor despite her saying she was not interested in the job either.
A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the appointment and there has been no comment from Khosrowshahi.
He has been chief executive of online travel firm Expedia from 2005.
Travis Kalanick has resigned as the chief executive of Uber. According to CNN report, his resignation follows a series of PR controversies including the use of a software to evade local transport authorities in cities where it was not authorized.
In a statement, Kalanick said:
I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight.
Kalanick, who is a co-founder of Uber, will remain on the board of directors according to a statement by the board, made available to TechCrunch.
“Travis has always put Uber first. This is a bold decision and a sign of his devotion and love for Uber. By stepping away, he’s taking the time to heal from his personal tragedy while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber’s history. We look forward to continuing to serve with him on the board.”
Kalanick’s resignation comes after his weeklong leave of absence following the death of his mother in a boat accident.
Instagram users @ebiluvly and @bigsholz have shared how they met in July 2016 when the man (@bigsholz) arrived her pickup location as the Uber driver she requested for.
Fast forward to 2017 May 2017, the duo are married. They shared the cute story on their Instagram pages.
See below:
OUR UBER LOVESTORY
On the 19th of July, 2016 after a very hectic time at a Client’s office, I ordered for an Uber ride somewhere around Bourdilion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Then one ‘Gregory Shola – @bigsholz ’ picked up my request and called to get exact description to where I was. I described it to him and asked to let me know when he arrives. On getting to me, he said ‘goodevening Maam’, he got out of the car, took my bag, asked where I wanted to sit and opened the door for me. He was like “hope you’re okay Ma?” then I just cut in, “if you call me Ma again I will call you Sir”….lol.
Shortly after, I got a call from my Bestest Nonso and we spoke for a while as there seemed to be a very long traffic that day. At the end of the conversation she told me Afam our friend got us Ribs of fire (barbeque pork ribs) with fries. I was so excited I was singing ‘Afam is the best’…my favorite meal from Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Then I got off the call with a better countenance than I got in the car.
Then Shola cut in saying, ‘sorry to eavesdrop into your conversation but did you say you found ribs of fire in Lagos?’ I said ‘yes’. He had this big grin on his face then said it was one of his favorite meal in Manchester, UK. Then I looked at him like, “You’ve been to the UK?” he said YES! Did a Masters in Petroleum and Gas Engineering and graduated with Distinction. I was in shock and he said you don’t believe, here is my certificate.
He’s got his documents scanned on phone. So I was like why are you driving Uber then? He said well job is not forth coming and Uber provided him an Entrepreneurship platform so he grabbed it. But that day in particular, his driver lost his dad and he said rather than the car just being at home doing nothing he decided to drive. I was thrilled and we got talking on and on about life in the UK and Lagos and his aspirations. Then we moved on to his present walk with God and how he’s desirous of a higher walk with God. On getting home, I said, oh! I was going to the church for Choir rehearsal then he offered to wait and take me there. I just knew I had met an ANGEL somehow.
Amazingly, we did not speak or see till about 2 weeks later when he called me to ask about my welfare. Then about 2 weeks later again I called him and we got talking regularly. The Sunday after he introduced me to his brother and then on my birthday 21st September, asked his Mum to call me and wish me a happy birthday and I was in so much awe as to how things were walking out. Then he pulled the biggest stunt on me.
While I was planning with my friend Nonso, to get a surprise cake and all for his birthday 12th December, he was planning something else bigger with her for me. Whoaaa! Yes! that evening after running around, we eventually went out to Hardrock Café, VI, Lagos, his favorite restaurant. At a point during dinner with friends, DJ played some of our favourite songs and then they brought cake and we sang etc. Then they said ‘madam the closed plate is for you’, I was like ‘ooooh whoaaa.. Thanks..’ When I opened and saw an engagement ring, I ran away with the cover of the plate….loool!! I Can never forget that moment….I didn’t gerrit!
We met families much later who accepted us regardless of the crisis both ethnic groups had faced earlier (IJAWS/ITSEKIRIS). By God’s infinite mercies and incredible purpose. WE ARE MARRIED TODAY “MR & MRS SHOLA & EBIEMI -.” We celebrate our Families ….oh our super mothers; brothers; friends; Sisters; Bosses; Mentors; Guardian; Pastors; Bishop; Colleague Everyone who made the entire wedding process (Introduction; Dowry Payment; Registry; Traditional & Church Wedding) super amazing like heaven on earth. We had overflow of attendance we were like Gosh!!
Where did they all come from?? Indeed God’s time is the best and when God plans a thing.. it definitely ends in perfection (Proverbs 16:3). To GOD the Orchestrator of our destiny; the Way Maker; Miracle Worker & Promise Keeper; the Anchor of our hope; the Author and Finisher of our Faith; to our Jehovah Derekh HaYashar. ALL GLORY TO YOU
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