Uber has introduced a set of new features on its app to make it even easier for driver-partners across Nigeria to choose when, where, and how they drive. The fresh features have thus provided extra incentives to the river-partners in the country that chose the brand because of the advantage of using its app on their own terms.
The latest development is following the recent launch of Uber’s In-App Chat which allows driver-partners and riders to chat right in the Uber app without having to share their phone numbers with one another when they need to get in touch.
General Manager for Uber West Africa, Lola Kassim, explains, “Over the last few months, we’ve spent a lot of time listening to and engaging with over 7,000 driver-partners across Nigeria, hearing what they need from the Uber app, so that we can improve and transform the driver experience.
“We are thrilled about the feedback we received as driver-partners have been very clear on what they need. Based on their responses, we will be rolling out products that can address three keys areas: more flexibility for drivers when it comes to when they want to use Uber, using Uber technology to create a stress-free experience, and building on safety.”
The latest features Uber introduced in deference to the feedback from the drivers, are:
Driver Share My Trip: Uber already offers a way for riders to share their trip status with their contacts, and so the Share My Trip feature now allows drivers to share the trip information with loved ones, without implicating the privacy of the rider or divulging personal information or specific drop off or pick up points.
Arrival Destination & Time: Drivers will now be able to set the time that they want to arrive at their final destination at any time of the day with the Arrival Time feature. As drivers go about their day with the destination and arrival time set, the app will notify them when it’s time to start heading toward their destination.
Long Trip Notification: Information will be sent to driver-partners to fit 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.
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.
What does this mean for driver-partners? Kassim explains, “When Chinonyerem goes online to start accepting rider requests, he can use the “Share My Trip” feature to share his information about his trip with his wife such as where he is on the map. He is in control to start and stop sharing with his wife or other contacts as he’d like, and she can easily see his whereabouts on a map with quick-dial contact details and his license plate number.”