Uber has made a big change in how auto rickshaw rides work in India. Instead of taking a commission from each ride, the company has introduced a subscription-based model for drivers. Now, auto drivers will pay a fixed fee to Uber instead of sharing a percentage of their earnings per trip.
What’s Changing?
1. Direct Payments to Drivers – Riders must pay auto drivers directly in cash or via UPI. Payments through credit cards, debit cards, or Uber credits will no longer be accepted.
2. No Fixed Fare – Uber will suggest a fare, but the final price will be decided through negotiation between the rider and the driver.
3. No Trip-Based Commissions – Uber will not take a cut from each ride, ensuring drivers keep the full fare they earn.
4. No Cancellation Charges – Riders and drivers won’t be charged for canceling trips.
5. Uber Won’t Handle Ride Disputes – If there are any fare disagreements between the rider and the driver, Uber will not intervene.
6. No GST on Auto Rides – Since Uber is only acting as a middleman to connect riders and drivers, it will no longer collect GST from either party.
Why Is Uber Doing This?
Uber says this change follows a growing trend in the industry. Competitors like Ola and Rapido have already switched to this model. The goal is to make things simpler for drivers and give them more control over their earnings.
Where Was This Tested?
Uber first tried this system in six cities, including Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam, as a test run in April 2024. After the trial, they decided to expand it across India.
What About Rider Safety?
Even with these changes, Uber riders can still report safety concerns through the app. However, since Uber is no longer managing payments or ride disputes, its role is now limited to connecting riders with auto drivers.
Bottom Line
Uber’s new system gives drivers full control over their fares and earnings while simplifying how rides are handled. Riders, on the other hand, will need to pay directly and negotiate fares with drivers. This shift reflects how ride-hailing services in India are evolving to better suit driver’s needs.