Uber introduces tipping

Uber is introducing tipping, with the full amount going straight to the drivers.

The move comes as the international corporation’s chief executive Travis Kalanick announced an indefinite leave of absence. The new tipping option was included in Uber’s announcement of its ‘180 Days of Change for drivers’, which the company said was ’’designed to meaningfully fix and improve the driving experience’’.

Head of United States operations Rachel Holt said: ‘‘Each month for the next six months, we’ll share major improvements that will make driving more flexible and less stressful, giving you earnings and support you can depend on.’’

Uber wouldn’t take any part of tips given to drivers. But passengers are about to get slammed with fees for indecision and running late. They will be charged by the minute if they kept an Uber car waiting for more than two minutes and the company was reducing the time allowed to cancel a ride from five to two minutes.

Uber spokesman Casper Nixon said most of the changes, including tipping, would be available in New Zealand by the end of the year. The 180 Days of Change plan comes as Uber continues to confront a rocky 2017. The company repeatedly flouted local law by not requiring new drivers to obtain a P endorsement.