Global Scans · Uber · Weekly Summary

• The acquisition of Uber's operations by Grab is expected to shape the future of ride-hailing and food delivery in Southeast Asia. Employment Security Commission
• The acquisition of Uber's operations by Grab will likely have a significant impact on the ride-hailing industry in Southeast Asia. Employment Security Commission
• By removing in-house delivery services, Pizza Hut will rely on third-party delivery apps, including GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, which classify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying employment taxes, essentially pushing workers into precarious employment as gig workers. World Socialist Web Site
• This month, DoorDash, along with GrubHub and Uber Eats, filed lawsuits against New York City to block a city-passed minimum wage increase for delivery drivers to at least $17.96 per hour, citing the risk of limited worker flexibility and other economic impacts to consumers. Sludge
• Uber WAV drivers arguably get better tips than other Uber drivers, seeing as they have the opportunity to provide hands-on assistance to riders. Ridester
• Uber's digital labour platform has the potential to decrease unemployment and enhance the standard of living of households in South Africa. ODI: Think change
• Uber Technologies announced on Wednesday that it will accept more payment methods on its meal delivery platform and will launch an artificial intelligence - powered assistant to help users locate deals and explore different food alternatives. TVC News
• Dubbed Electric Boda, Uber's new environmentally friendly offering in Kenya will comprise of 3,000 bikes within six months or a little under a fifth of its fleet. PC Tech Magazine
• Platforms will no longer be able to fire their workers automatically as part of new EU rules that will affect millions of people, including Uber drivers and Deliveroo couriers. Wired
• As of August, Uber is reportedly testing out an AI chatbot for its food delivery service, Uber Eats, which will assist users in finding relevant restaurant dishes in an effort to personalize customer recommendations. PYMNTS.com
• For example, Amazon plans to add 10,000 EVs to its India logistics fleet by 2025, Zomato aims to electrify 100% of its delivery fleet by 2030, and Uber plans to add 25,000 EVs by 2026 as part of its Uber Green initiative. Bain
• New York will become the third state - after Washington and California - to have minimum pay rates for Uber and Lyft drivers. Minnesota Reformer
• With over 890,000 merchants in more than 30 countries, along with millions of couriers and drivers, Uber has a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on creating a greener future. Polis Network
• Drivers outside of New York City will receive a minimum of $26 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation, ensuring for the first time that the thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers working primarily outside of New York City will be guaranteed minimum pay. New York State Attorney General
• In all likelihood, Uber will reach its zero emissions goal a decade sooner than planned, as electric cars become the vehicle of choice for mainstream drivers. CleanTechnica
• Ride-sharing applications like Uber and Lyft use ML to match riders and drivers, set prices, examine traffic and, like Google Maps, analyze real-time traffic conditions to optimize the driving route and predict an estimated arrival time. IBM Blog
• As self-driving rolls out, some Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers might lose jobs or revenue opportunities. Slate
• With the increasing presence of other food delivery services, Uber Eats will need to innovate and differentiate itself to maintain its position as a leading player in the competitive food delivery sector. The Tech Report
• The convenience of Uber Eats, coupled with the ability to use EBT cards, will help SNAP recipients access nutritious food while minimizing health risks associated with in-person shopping. Blogging Big Blue
• Uber Eats announced Wednesday that its app will eventually allow customers to use food stamps and flexible spending accounts for food orders and fresh groceries. KIRO 7 News Seattle
• A software professional driving for Uber part-time will have a different need in comparison to a full-time Uber driver, making add-ons in social security benefits far less useful for some than for others. East Asia Forum
• Uber Eats will join the ranks of Instacart and Amazon in allowing customers who benefit from government-funded food assistance programs to pay for food delivery using their government benefits. MARCA
• If Brussels forces Uber to reclassify drivers and couriers across the EU, we could expect to see a 50-70 per cent reduction in the number of work opportunities. CityAM

Last updated: 05 February 2024