Uber has added a feature to its driver-focused app that shows where the nearest and cheapest gas stations are in relation to the vehicle. Called Fuel Finder, it’s rolling out to all active drivers in the U.S. and should be available to everyone by this week.
In addition, the on-demand private car service has also begun implementing a faster way for drivers to cash out their earnings onto a GoBank debit card. The process has been streamlined so that instead of emailing a request for the card, drivers can do so right from within their app.
These latest features are an aim to address pain points that drivers have while they’re out on the road. While transporting passengers to and from, they’re going to need to fuel up every now and then. But instead of circling around endlessly to find the cheapest place to find gas for their car, Uber makes it easier by simply looking at the map on the driver/partner app.
Using data from third party services and also from where its Partner Fuel Card has been used, Uber has mapped out gas stations throughout the U.S. and updates the gas prices at each location every hour, although it’s likely prices will fluctuate once a day. Tapping on a station icon will display the name, price per gallon, and distance away. When one is selected, Uber’s app can provide turn-by-turn directions there using either Apple or Google Maps.
Other driver benefits Uber has added previously include savings at Exxon Mobile gas stations, resources to find health insurance — the company still doesn’t provide its drivers with that, ways to rapidly claim their earnings, discounts on phone plans and car maintenance, and even testing out its Advance Pay program to allow some drivers to borrow up to $1,000.
As the battle between Uber and Lyft continues, one of the major theatres is how drivers are treated. Lyft hasn’t shied away from the fight, offering its drivers discounts at Shell gas stations, rental car savings at Hertz to make it easier for anyone to be a partner, and an Instant Deposit service powered through Stripe.
On the surface, Uber is providing helpful features for drivers that will keep them happy. The company hasn’t shied away from touting the flexible schedules and income drivers can receive by participating in the service, but another way to look at the release of these features is perhaps as a compromise to those who seek to be treated as full-time employees and not independent contractors. Last week, Uber and a band of drivers agreed on a $100 million proposed settlement which in effect ensured that drivers remained classified as independent contractors.
Uber’s Fuel Finder feature is available within the driver app, which received an update in October. That effort streamlined where drivers could find all the information about being on the platform, including their ratings, reviews, earnings, and what’s happening in the city such as surge pricing and activity. Drivers need only open up the app and instantly see the closest and cheapest gas stations right on the home screen.
Fuel Finder is available to all drivers in the U.S., but there are plans to expand service to Canada soon.