Uber rolls out zero commission for auto drivers

Uber, the ride-hailing giant, has decided to shake things up in India with a shiny new model that’s got everyone talking. Picture this: instead of taking a cut from every auto ride, Uber is now asking drivers to pay a flat subscription fee. No more commission drama—just a fixed fee, and drivers are free to roll (literally) without worrying about Uber skimming off the top. The announcement came on Monday, February 17, 2025, via a blog post that probably had drivers doing a happy dance. This move comes exactly a year after Uber’s rival, Rapido, pulled the same card and expanded its subscription model to autos.

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Now, let’s rewind a bit. Over the past few years, Uber and its homegrown competitor Ola have been dealing with some serious driver drama. Strikes, protests, and social media rants have become common. Drivers have been vocal about the hefty commissions these platforms take, while customers have been flooding X with complaints about canceled rides, rude drivers, and questionable service. It’s been a bumpy ride, to say the least. Under the new zero-commission model, Uber is basically stepping back and saying,Uber’s hands are officially off the wheel—no more managing ride quality, cancellations, or drivers who suddenly decide they’re not in the mood to drive. It’s a bold move, and Uber is betting big on it.

This isn’t Uber’s first rodeo with subscription models, though. Back in April 2024, the company tested the waters in six cities, starting with Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam. Fast forward to 2025, and here we are—full throttle into a zero-commission world. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: drivers in Chennai recently went on an indefinite strike against Uber and Ola over high commissions. And let’s not even get started on the CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) calling out Uber and Ola for charging different prices based on whether you’re team Android or team Apple.

Here’s what it means for you:

1. Potentially Lower Fares: Since drivers aren’t paying a commission per ride, they might be more willing to offer competitive fares. Theoretically, this could lead to lower prices for riders. However, this isn’t guaranteed. Drivers could choose to keep the extra earnings for themselves.
2. Increased Availability: If the subscription model incentivizes more drivers to join or stay with the platform, you might see increased availability of rides, especially during peak hours or in less popular areas.
3. Demonstrate your value: Make sure your contributions to the company are visible and recognized. Highlight your accomplishments and how you’re adding value beyond just your job description.
4. If you are looking for a job highlight transferable skills: Even if you don’t have direct experience in a specific growth area, emphasize transferable skills from your previous roles. For example, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills are valuable in many industries.

Source; Hindustan Times, Gadgets 360, Tech in Asia.

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