Uber Technologies Inc. made changes to its ride-hailing app in California, tweaking fares and features to respond to a new state law designed to reclassify gig economy workers as employees. Changes for passengers include a shift from showing upfront pricing on trips to showing an estimated price range, the ability to schedule rides with favorite drivers and adjustments to a rewards program. Uber included a cautionary note, however, that drivers shouldn’t refuse trips solely to avoid certain neighborhoods as doing so would violate the company’s policy and California law. Uber and Postmates are attempting to block it with a recent lawsuit against the state. Prices for California rides could increase as much as 30% as a result of the new law, according to industry estimates.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 09, 2020 01:41 UTC