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Uber testing ‘late fees’ for passengers

Uber is testing late fees and shorter cancellation times. (Image: Uber)

Uber is testing late fees and shorter cancellation times. (Image: Uber)

When you use the Uber app to order a ride, who gets to the meeting spot first – you, or the driver? If it’s always the driver, you might want to start being more prompt, or it could cost you.

Uber is running some pilot tests of new fees that would kick in if their drivers have to wait at curbside an unreasonable amount of time before the passenger shows up – although “unreasonable” has a specific definition.

According to Uber’s website, drivers in the test markets – Dallas. New York, New Jersey and Phoenix – will be able to collect a new fee from passengers who make them wait more than two minutes. The company didn’t say how much the fee would be.

“While we encourage riders to only request a ride when they’re ready, we understand that sometimes they are running a little behind. In these cases, drivers will be compensated for the extra minutes they need,” Uber said.

The tests also shorten the acceptable times for canceling a ride the passenger has already ordered. The old grace period for canceling was five minutes, but in the test markets it’s being cut to two minutes, after which the cancelling passenger “may incur a small fee,” Uber said.

If the pilot tests “improve the experience for riders and drivers, we’ll look at rolling them out more broadly,” Uber said.

Usually, when I’m late to the car, I’ll be sure and give the driver a tip– that’s a lot easier on Lyft because the service includes a tipping option in the app while Uber forces those who’d like to tip to use cash. That’s is why I’ve become a recent devotee of the pink moustache. And you? Please leave your comments below. 

Get $50 in ride credits from Lyft when you use our referral link! 

NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about: United’s newest, longest flight + Tipping Uber drivers + Qantas 747 Trip Report + Confusion over PreCheck policies + No-fee earlier flights

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