Uber moves to boost earnings for driver-partners in Ghana

After recently seeing through its one-off clearance of all outstanding service fees owed by driver-partners, ride service hailing and multinational transport network company, Uber says it is taking other actions to invest in the lives of driver-partners in Ghana.

“We are always exploring new ways to positively impact the lives of our driver-partners in Ghana, and through these changes, we are committed to ensuring that driver-partners in Accra, whether they operate part or full time on the platform continue to thrive as we succeed when our partners succeed”, says Jessica Poku, Country Manager for Uber in Ghana.
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Among the measures are;

1. The dropping of rates on UberX in Accra by up to 10%,
2. Improved driver promotions from Uber at a reduced service fee, and
3. Cash bonuses for increased trips.

“We always consider driver economics in each city that they operate in and after years of experience, what we‘ve seen in cities across the world is that lower fares mean greater demand, lower pickup times and more trips per hour — increasing earning potential and creating better economics for drivers”, said Jessica Poku.

She explained that reduced fares translate into increased rider demand, which coupled with increased incentives will protect earnings on the driver side, saying fare reductions are designed to help drivers by boosting demand so more people are requesting more rides through Uber, meaning drivers will spend more time with paying riders in the backseat and less time sitting idly waiting for a request.

“We believe these changes will help, and while the city adjusts to the new prices, we will heavily invest in incentives to boost driver partner's earnings to mitigate the impact of the price reduction. However, these lower prices are not always permanent and operational expenses and partner economics are closely monitored. In the unlikely event that the lower prices don’t result in driver-partners making the same or more, we will rethink the fare reductions”, she said.

Uber recently celebrated three years of operations in and describes the country as one of its most important markets, constituting a melting pot of rapid infrastructural development, rich cultural diversity, and burgeoning entrepreneurship.

Uber Ghana said it has notified drivers about the fare reduction through dedicated workshops and focus groups.