Lyft, a ride-hailing company, said on Tuesday that it is testing an earnings algorithm that will allow drivers in 18 US cities to see their destination and pay details before accepting a request.
The test comes as a result of Uber Technologies'' move, which is similar to that of competitors. It underscores how the companies are going the extra mile to alleviate driver shortages in order to capitalize on a demand increase that has resulted in a return to work and travel.
Before taking a ride, Lyft drivers will have access to information such as drop-off locations, estimated distance, time, and transportation information. This service is expected to last longer to allow cities by 2022.
It is also investing in testing filters that will allow drivers to set a preferred driving radius and give them the option to choose their rider.
Drivers for ride-hailing businesses have faced increased fuel and maintenance costs, and they have long demanded that all drivers have access to such information.
"We''ll discuss Upfront Pay as part of incentives and bonuses," said Lyft''s President.
Uber''s upfront payment system has erupted criticism from drivers.
Uber, based in California, claims to take a higher percentage of drivers'' earnings, dwindling more to quit, and forcing others to travel long distances for pick ups when gas prices are already high.
"A lot of this problem might be resolved if we didn''t have the requirement on us to accept the last five out of ten rides to keep our upfront details," she said in a campaign demanding a fair share from Uber.
According to Lyft, a survey of over 1,000 drivers showed that more than 70% preferred the upfront pay model to the previous pay models.