Uber makes drivers’ app more responsive to their needs

Uber’s new features for the drivers’ app include a scrolling feed of promotions and gamified ‘quests’.

Uber drivers’ app gets new features. (AP)

Amid rising tensions over workers rights, global ride-hailing major Uber has incorporated several changes to its app for drivers to improve the experience for both newer as well as seasoned drivers.

Uber is testing out several new features for drivers, including a scrolling feed of promotions and gamified 'quests' that would be viewable before drivers sign in to start driving, The Verge reported..

For newer drivers, there would be a 'simulated trip' to walk them through the virtual steps of their first ride before they commit to actually picking up passengers. The update on Uber's app comes at a time when ride-hailing drivers are supporting legislation in California that would reclassify them as employees rather than contractors.

The app would also give notifications to drivers for longer than average trips.

When drivers need to cancel a trip, the app would allow them to specify the reasons why - while a new feature would automatically accept the next trip to help the drivers earn the 'consecutive trip' bonus paid out by Uber, the report said.

Critics have dismissed these 'gamified' features as psychological tricks meant to keep drivers on the road longer. However, Uber argues that these features are popular with drivers because they often put more money in their pockets.

Earlier in May, ride-hailing drivers in cities across the US went on strike to protest unfair pay, poor working conditions and lack of transparency from Uber.