Uber testing a new bid-your-fare tool in tier 2 & 3 cities

Uber is testing 'Uber Flex,' which allows users to bid on ride fare. Similar to a bidding game, users set a price, and drivers in the area view it before deciding whether or not to accept the ride. Additionally, users can choose a driver based on what their fare offers. The feature is accessible in tier 2 and tier 3 Indian cities like Aurangabad, Ajmer, Bareilly, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Gwalior, Indore, Jodhpur and Surat.

 

“We are piloting this feature in some of the tier 2 and 3 markets in India currently,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. 

 

Uber Flex is also being tested in Lebanon, Kenya and Latin America. Unlike Uber’s standard pricing model, Flex allows riders to bid a fare of their choice from nine pricing points, with a default price selected. 

 

Riders can select a fare that will be shared with nearby drivers, who can then accept or reject the ride based on the offered fare. 

 

Drivers similarly have the option to quote their rates to the user. 

They can pick whichever driver’s offer catches their eyes and then, the ride is confirmed. 

Another ride-hailing app inDrive currently allows riders to manually input a specific fare.