We have all ordered a ride from Uber, a cab aggregator. In fact, we have often had experiences where the drivers cancelled our rides after accepting them. However, do you know that Uber drivers can earn by cancelling rides? This 70-year-old Uber driver did so and earned ₹23 lakhs! Here’s how he was able to do this trick.
70-YO Uber Driver Earned ₹23 Lakhs By Cancelling Rides!
By cancelling more than 30% of his trips in a year, an Uber driver from North Carolina, USA, aged 70, was able to earn almost $28,000 (₹23.3 lakhs). In 2022, the driver—who goes by the alias “Bill”—shared that he completed over 1,500 trips and accepted less than 10% of requests, according to an Insider story.
The man began working part-time at the ride-hailing company six years ago after retiring in order to supplement his income. He makes sure the travels are worthwhile though, and he does not accept any ride. According to Bill, his area’s surge price has decreased, thus he has cut back on the number of hours he drives. The man used to put in 40 hours a week, but since the surge has subsided, he only puts in 30 hours.
According to him, he spends a lot of time saying no to rides and doesn’t work unless there is a surge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill said that he and other drivers were able to earn up to $50 per hour when some of them had to temporarily cease driving due to health issues. He now only makes $15 to $20 per hour due to an increase in the number of drivers.
Also Read: Uber Authorisation Hold: What Is It, When Is It Removed, Why It Is Used & More
Bill did, however, mention that he uses a variety of tactics to earn a respectable living. To help with surge pricing, he positions himself in busy venues like bars and airports between 10:00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
He Stays Away From One-Way Rides
According to him, the price of Ubers increases significantly when passengers request them after a plane lands. A twenty-minute ride costs $10, $20, $40, and occasionally $50. You can pay $30 to $60 for a 35-minute ride, while the driver only receives somewhat less than 50% of the fare.
The 70-year-old disclosed that he stays away from one-way rides. Bill described taking a customer to a distant spot that was about two hours’ journey from his city. He was paid $27 for the trip, but since there were no customers returning, he had to drive for free.
There are considerable risks associated with these tactics, though. Uber states that a driver may lose access to their account if they refuse or cancel a ride due to their destination. Bill has heard of drivers being banned from airport pickups for having to cancel lengthy trips, though he hasn’t personally experienced it. In addition, drivers who cancel more frequently than 10% are not allowed to participate in the company’s loyalty system, which offers benefits like special discounts at certain petrol stations.
Also Read: Man Shares How His Uber-Taxi Rider Is An Ex-Google Employee Out To Explore Bangalore
For the time being, though, Bill plans to follow his strategy and only drive when he feels it will be advantageous. He asserted that it is advantageous for him to not rely on Uber for revenue.
Cover Image Courtesy: Media Library
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