New UK Uber driver reward scheme to offer free access to university courses and subsidised gym membe

Uber drivers will have free access to university courses and subsidised gym membership in the UK. Uber Pro, a driver loyalty and reward scheme, is planned to be fully rolled out across the UK from January 2020. The reward system is already available in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, India and France.

Uber drivers can unlock rewards that will help them on and off the road. These include two free MOTs, 24/7 roadside assistance and a discounted car maintenance allowance, all provided by the AA. Drivers can also claim free subsidised gym membership with Gympass. In addition, drivers will be able to receive airport pickups more quickly, which are some of the most valuable trips, and will have access to extra Destinations feature, which allows drivers to only receive trip requests going in the direction they want. Uber is also expanding its partnership with AXA XL to include vehicle interruption insurance, where a lump sum payment is made to drivers if their vehicle is damaged and they are unable to earn money. This insurance is in addition to AXA’s Partner Protection, which provides all drivers with compensation for injuries and sickness, and one-off maternity/paternity payments. Off the road, the ride-hailing firm are partnering with the Open University to offer undergraduate degrees, diplomas or certificates to drivers. The tuition is completely free, and is transferable to any eligible family member. Drivers will be able to choose from over 900 different Open University courses, which include undergraduate degree options. Uber Pro is a tiered customer rewards system with four tiers: Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. All drivers who opt into Uber Pro will automatically receive Blue status. To unlock rewards in the Gold, Platinum or Diamond tiers, drivers need to maintain at least a 4.85 star rating and a low cancellation rate. Drivers earn points on every trip during a fixed 3 month period which go towards unlocking a status. Drivers receive one point per trip, and three points per trip if it is taken during peak hours. A spokesperson from Uber said: “Drivers are at the heart of our service – we can’t succeed without them – and thousands of people come into work at Uber every day focused on how to make their experience better. “We know that drivers take tremendous pride in the service they provide, moving people from A to B up and down the country. They have told us that we could do more to recognise and reward their commitment to quality service to their riders – and help them achieve their goals on and off the road.

“That is why today we are announcing Uber Pro, a customer loyalty programme that acknowledges drivers, and help them to build towards their future.” 

Image credit: Uber