The internet blew up last month with my blog post titled “Uber Tip- Hustling Schemes are Getting Out of Control“, and I just came across an interesting article today that may bring us a step closer to ending awkward driver/rider tension over tipping all together.
According to Business Insider, New York City has already taken initial steps to require Uber to add an in-app tipping feature. Under a new proposal, car services that only accept credit or debit cards must also have a way for riders to leave optional gratuity at the end of the ride in that same, cashless manner.
If the proposal goes through, NYC riders could expect to see a tipping feature by mid-end summer this year (and I can only expect many other cities to follow). Undoubtedly, adding a tipping screen will greatly increase the number of tips given, and I believe this feature will make both drivers and riders happy.
Photo: Uber
From a rider’s standpoint, many of us are attracted to using Uber and other ride share services because it’s cashless and hassle-free. Drivers may feel like they are better compensated and may ease up on the uncomfortable haggling tactics that sometimes go on in the car.
This seems like a win-win for all, but the only thing I worry about is perhaps this creating a bias between riders and drivers, “judging a book by its cover“, or maybe drivers only favoring certain areas with the perception that riders in specific areas are more likely to tip.
What are your thoughts? Do you think this proposal will go through? Will it change the way you tip with Uber?
And I can guarantee I will keep not giving tips. I am paying you to do your job. As simple as that. I don’t tip the lady at the Target check out becauseshe did her job.
Every other city will probably have it. Uber isn’t going to change the app for just NYC, they will make it universal for every city. Only ones this won’t be positive for are the tight asses who won’t tip, they can no longer use the excuse of no cash
As a driver it won’t effect the area of the ping since Uber always pings the closest driver and I’m sure not Fiji gets to drive to a different area for a pick up. When deciding in accepting a ping the biggest factor I use is the rating. If Uber has an in app tipping feature I am still only
Going to play Kc up higher rated passengers since that’s the best indication of if they tip or not, bit the area they are in
If anything it could mean more pickups from places like grocery stores. Many Uber drivers including myself will ignore a super market pin or if we accept it not knowing it was a grocery store when accepting a ping will cancel when we realize it is a grocery store or will cancel when we arrive and see the ping has a cart load full of stuff. If there is a tipping feature I will be a lot more
Likely to accept the trip. If people confuse to be tight wads and not tip in grocery store tips then I’ll just stop accepting
Pings like I do now
You are going to always have rightward that won’t tip. I used Carmel between my hotel and lga last week and was telling the driver I drive for Uber as a side job and he told me there are plenty of non tippers with Carmel and it isn’t just Uber drivers that get stiffed but Carmel is a lot like Uber.
Are there any cab drivers in here? If so did your tips increase when cabs started accepting credit cards?
263 comments in that original post means the internet blew up over your blog post? Overselling yourself much? I always new bloggers had a God complex but this has to be the worst example of that. Get over yourself!
Lighten up… and it’s knew*
Ah so you’re a grammar nazi now too? Nice to know, Ms. Perfect. Your arrogance knows no bounds, eh? Keep on thinking 200 comments means your post went viral! I’ll lighten up when you stop writing about how important you think you are.
I always tip the drivers and I choose Lyft over Uber (except when I have my AmexPlat credits to use) because I can add a tip to the app. I think the Uber app will be updated with the tipping option. Surprised it took so long.