Uber officially announced a new feature for how riders can pay for their trips. Available in select cities, verified users can now select to pay their Uber drivers with cash, as well as the already in place option of digital wallets, credit cards, and Apple Pay.
“Getting where you need to go should be accessible to everyone,” Uber said in its announcement. “That’s why we’re making it easier for anyone to ride — by accepting cash.”
Cash payments are now available in major cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Tampa, and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as some smaller ones, such as Laredo, Texas.
For verified riders to use the new feature, they simply have to select the “cash” option under payment method when booking a ride. When the trip is over, the rider can simply hand their balance in cash to the driver. But there are a few rules and guidelines to follow.
Uber recommends riders bring smaller bills, with the possibility that drivers don’t have adequate change to give back. If a rider overpays their fare, the remaining balance will be credited as Uber Cash or can be used for Uber Eats orders. Under the circumstance that a rider is unable to pay the full fare, the remaining balance will be reflected on the app, and it must be cleared before booking a new trip.
The new feature also comes with certain limits on usage, with the rider unable to use the cash option for rides between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It also can’t be used for scheduled trips through Uber Reserve. Riders must also be aware that they cannot add a stop or change destinations once they use the cash option.
Seeing as riders choose to pay the driver with cold, hard cash, it also applies to giving tips to the drivers.
The new old-school approach opens the door for people without bank accounts, credit cards, or other forms of electronic payment. But drivers still have the choice to opt out of accepting cash rides, as well as opting out of cash rides all together.
