Why is Uber giving people Rs 7500? Here's new compensation policy by company if you miss...

In a path-breaking initiative, cab aggregator service provider Uber has launched a new scheme where compensation of up to Rs 7,500 is provided if a passenger is late for his flight because of traffic delays. The scheme covers both domestic and international flights. Uber will also bear OPD and medical costs if a passenger is injured in an accident during the journey.

Addressing driver concerns

The Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS) has been pressing for solutions to problems raised by Uber drivers. Several drivers have complained that riders frequently blame them for missing flights because of traffic jams, which results in fights and verbal abuse. MRRKS Organizing Secretary Anand Kute explained that the Uber app occasionally gives inaccurate estimated times of arrival, not taking into consideration delays resulting from road construction. Due to this, drivers are reluctant to give airport rides to passengers. 

How does the insurance work?

Uber's 'Missed Flight Connection Cover' will be of use only when the passenger is booking a ride with the choice of 'Airport' as destination. The ride duration estimated between 90 minutes to 120 minutes must meet the conditions to make a claim. In order to use the compensation, the following documents need to be presented by passengers:

• Claim form
• Booking reference number and ride details
• Copy of the flight ticket
• Proof from the airline stating that they have missed the flight
• Ticket for the newly booked flight
• Cancelled cheque

A senior Uber official pointed out that the time of booking and travel should be in line properly with the insurance conditions to qualify for the claim.

Impact on drivers' earnings

Poor road conditions have significantly affected Uber drivers' earnings. On Tuesday evening, frustrated drivers at Mumbai airport staged a strike from 5 PM to 9 PM. One driver expressed concerns over the high commission rates of 25-30% charged by ride-hailing companies, which, combined with bad roads, have led to declining earnings.

Pointing to the poor road condition, an Instagram user @mojorojo posted tagging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), jokingly asking how much the BMC has to say it is 'full' and begin repairing the roads.

Collaboration with reliance general insurance

Uber partnered with Reliance General Insurance to execute this compensation plan. The company made the move so that drivers' fears about taking airport rides would be alleviated as they are concerned about getting delayed and having conflicts with riders. The source from Uber informed that the riders will have to pay just Rs 3 extra for this coverage.