Mario Bautista
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently shared a post explaining how the company plans to improve multiple aspects of its business. The goals for the developments are to improve safety, fairness, and usability for its 7 million monthly drivers and couriers. The three main aspects discussed were:
- Safety enhancements: Key updates include the nationwide launch of the “Verified” rider badge, which indicates that riders have undergone additional verification. This follows successful pilot tests showing verified riders receive higher ratings and generate fewer complaints. Additionally, the “Record My Ride” feature, now available in all states, allows drivers to record their trips for added protection while maintaining privacy.
- Promoting fairness: Uber is enhancing policies around rider behavior, allowing drivers to report inappropriate actions and sending educational warnings to offenders. Drivers will soon have the option to block riders who give low ratings and will have clearer visibility into their earnings distribution.
- User-friendly design updates: The app’s first redesign since 2018 aims to streamline tasks for drivers and couriers, featuring a revamped home screen and improved navigation tools. The enhanced Work Hub will make it easier for couriers to sign up for new delivery opportunities.
Furthermore, Darden Restaurants Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. have announced an exclusive multi-year partnership to introduce on-demand delivery, beginning with Olive Garden later this year.
The collaboration allows guests to order delivery directly through Olive Garden’s website and app, utilizing Uber Direct to manage logistics and deliveries. An initial pilot will launch at select Olive Garden locations in late 2024, with plans for nationwide expansion expected by May 2025.
This partnership aims to enhance the guest experience by ensuring that data and insights remain with Olive Garden while providing stress-free delivery from over 900 company-owned locations across the U.S. The integration leverages Uber’s extensive delivery network to bring Olive Garden favorites directly to customers’ homes.
CNN reports that Olive Garden already provides delivery for catering orders through its website and app, with a $100 minimum, fulfilled by its own employees. From now on, the chain will shift delivery responsibilities to Uber Eats drivers. However, Olive Garden will not appear on the Uber Eats app — orders must still be placed directly through Olive Garden’s website and app.
“Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience,” Rick Cardenas, Darden’s president and CEO, said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “As we continued to evaluate delivery, it was important for us to find a way to address this guest need state without disrupting the team member or guest experience and without compromising our competitive advantages and simple operating model. Uber is a partner we believe shares that vision and can meet our expectations.”
