We where out on the streets of Chicago today talking with UBER drivers/ Partners and passengers regarding the: 

COMMISSION & PRICING UPDATES

Summer always ends too quickly - this year that is especially true as Uber Chicago saw demand soar higher than ever! The last few weekends were the biggest we’ve seen in the history of uberX, loyal riders are happier than ever with fast and reliable service, new riders are coming on by the thousands each week, and most importantly, the partners who make all of this possible are earning more than ever before!

 

CHANGES TO YOUR PAY STATEMENT

 

Back in January we announced that we were lowering our uberX commission from 20% to 5% to help maintain partner earnings through what is normally the slowest time of year. The move worked - uberX usage in Chicago grew rapidly, and even after we moved our commission back to 15% in mid-April, uberX partners continued to make more than ever before.

 

As the summer comes to a close and we enter the busiest time of the year, it’s time to move back to the original 20% commission level. Additionally, we will no longer be waiving the $10/week device subscription fee that we have covered since uberX launched back in May 2013. Both the commission change and the device subscription fee take effect this Friday, August 15.

 

LOWER PRICES = INCREASED DEMAND

 

To continue to grow uberX at an incredible rate, we’re also permanently decreasing uberX prices by roughly 15%. The new rates are as follows:

Base: $1.70

Per mile: $0.90

Per minute: $0.20
Minimum trip: $2.70

The drivers are furious and the passengers understand our position.  We need to continue reaching out to drivers and passengers to make them aware of the changes, how they effect us and aware of what we are doing in response to the abuse.

UBER had a good thing going for them:  A bunch of independent drivers that use their own personal cars, gas, maintenance, insurance and time.  We drive for many reasons and needs but now the burden is too much on the drivers with average incomes less than $10.00 per hour after expenses and the real cost of driving for UBER.  All of the risk is on the driver with little compensation and Zero benefits.  This is totally Un-American and shear GREED!