UPDATED 23:47 EDT / JUNE 20 2017

APPS

Uber embarks on six-month plan to make things right, starting with tipping option

The sudden departure late Tuesday night of Uber Technologies Inc. Chief Executive Travis Kalanick makes anything else happening at the embattled ride-hailing giant look pale in comparison. But earlier Tuesday, in an effort to regain the public’s confidence after a long period of turmoil, Uber said it has embarked on a “180 Days of Change” mission that aims to right some wrongs at the company.

One of the first of these changes: adding a tipping option to the app. Speaking of the improvements that will happen over the next six months, Uber wrote, “Some changes will be big, some will be small — all will be the changes you’ve asked for.” Tipping, it seems, is in the “big” category.

This option is currently available only in Seattle, Minneapolis and Houston, but more cities will be added shortly and by the end of July it will be available in all U.S. cities. Passengers can leave a tip right away after rating the driver or contemplate tipping within a 30-day window. They will have the option to choose a pre-set amount of $1, $3, or $5 or add another amount. Drivers will then be prompted to hit the “receive tips” button.

Other changes coming in the next 180 days will include a shorter cancellation window, per-minute payments for waiting time, making it easier for drivers to earn via their Quest goals, expanded driver destinations, improved driver insurance options and more cash for teen fares.

Why has Uber decided to make life seemingly much easier for its drivers? Because, the company said in a blog post, “It’s the right thing to do, it’s long overdue, and there’s no time like the present.” It surely is also related to an image restoration PR campaign following a stream of negative publicity that has taken on mythic proportions in the tech industry.

While the company improves the life of its drivers, the smoke is still clearing after two internal investigations relating to its infamous “bro culture.” The probes led to more than 20 people getting fired, including some of its top executives — now joined by Kalanick.

But the troubles aren’t over yet. The company is still involved in a rather hostile legal battle with Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo over alleged stolen files relating to self-driving technology. “Change does not happen overnight,” Uber Chief Human Resources Officer Liane Hornsey said following the investigations, adding, “We’re committed to rebuilding trust with our employees, riders and drivers.”

Image: torbakhopper via Flickr

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