Ride-hailing company, Uber, has increased its UberX fares for yet another time in just 3 months. In what the firm has termed as “Investing in technology to enhance trip safety”, the changes – which take effect on 29th January 2020 – shall see an increment in the per kilometre and per minute fares charged on trips.
As the base fare and minimum fare remain at UGX 1,250 and 6,000 respectively, the per kilometre fare has been increased from 700 to 850 while the per minute fare from 100 to 130.
Uber says the increase is because “of the increased costs for driver-partners.” The company recently implemented an in-depth earnings review to ensure that the app continues to be a “reliable economic opportunity for driver-partners, as well as an affordable option for riders.”
Accordingly, the new fare structure will enable Uber ably invest in improvements to its existing technology to help keep you safer on the road.
Second UberX fares increase in just 3 months
In October last year, the company put into effect its fare changes for UberX users in Kampala with a 13% rise in the charges incurred for trips made.
The changes saw an increase in the Base Fare from UGX 1,000 to UGX 1,250; the Per Kilometre charge from UGX 600 to UGX 700; Per Minute charge remaining at a constant UGX 100 while the Minimum Fare was increased from UGX 5,000 to UGX 6,000.
In a bid to understand the changes, and their implications on both the app users and drivers, an Uber spokesperson detailed to us then that Uber is emphasizing the provision of safe, reliable and affordable rides to its customers.
What are Uber’s new safety measures?
- Trusted contacts: you’re able to select up to 5 loved ones as ‘Trusted Contacts’ and can choose to be prompted to share trip details with them during every ride – with a single tap.
- GPS tracking: all Uber rides are tracked by GPS from start to finish, so you can follow your ride and see exactly where you’re going.
- 24-7 Customer Support: whether you have a query or a problem with a trip, it’s easy to get the help you need with 24⁄7 in-app support.
- Rider insurance coverage: In the unfortunate event of injury, death or disability while on-trip.
- Plus the PIN code feature for riders to identify the right drivers
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