Uber Adds Cash Payment Option in Los Angeles and San Diego for Riders

Uber is giving riders in select cities a new way to pay. Drivers in Los Angeles, San Diego, and a handful of other cities can now accept cash from passengers, offering more flexibility for riders who prefer not to use a credit card or app payment.

The program, currently in pilot mode, started recently in Los Angeles and is also available in Dallas, Orlando, Cincinnati, and smaller cities like Colorado Springs, Colo., according to an Uber spokesperson.

To pay with cash, riders select the cash option when requesting a ride and hand their payment to the driver at the end of the trip. Only passengers with a verified Uber account can use this feature.

“We believe transportation should open doors for everyone,” Uber said in a statement. “Not everyone has access to a bank account or credit card — and some riders simply prefer paying with cash. That’s why we’re introducing a cash payment option.”

The company noted that cash payment is not yet available in San Francisco. Early response from riders has been encouraging, Uber said.

There are a few rules for cash rides to keep trips smooth. Customers who choose the cash option cannot change their destination or add stops during the trip. If a rider doesn’t have enough cash to pay for a trip, the remaining balance must be settled in the app before requesting another ride.

If a driver doesn’t have change, Uber will automatically credit the difference to the rider’s Uber Cash account. Drivers can also opt out of accepting cash rides at any time. Uber advises drivers not to dispute fares with passengers, and the company will cover any shortfalls if a rider underpays.

Cash trips are restricted to daytime hours, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and all the app’s safety features, including the emergency button and optional ride tracking, remain active.

This new payment option comes as Uber’s shares have climbed more than 45% so far this year.

Source: Los Angeles Times