Uber recently revised pricing for its services in Penang, an act that has caused drivers in the state to cry foul. Penang Uber Partners spoke person, Francis Loke, has said that the new zero base fee and RM0.50 per kilometre (or RM0.20 per minute) rates are hurting driver incomes.
Loke, who had been driving for three months before he was suspended, said that the new rates clearly show that Uber management does not take the interests of drivers into consideration. He also pointed out that incentives for Uber drivers in Penang were removed recently; while drivers who complained about the situation were suspended from the service.
Uber drivers in the state have said that they are prepared to quit driving for the ride-sharing service unless their demands are met. The group is recommending that Uber set the base rate at RM3, with an additional rate of RM0.60 per km and RM0.30 per minute.
Uber Malaysia General Manager Leon Foong responded to the criticism by saying that the company will continue to engage with the driver-partner community. Foong pointed out that pricing decisions are made using data gathered from both drivers and customers. This also includes experimenting with the pricing structure, which is communicated with partners ahead of time.
[Source: Bernama]
