Uber makes a driver welfare push with ‘Nawa Gamanak’

In a bid to improve experience for four-wheeler drivers on the platform, Uber has launched a new initiative ‘Nawa Gamanak’ – introducing a slew of new features on the app and a driver loyalty program. The new features will expand earning opportunities for drivers and provide them more choice and transparency each time they drive on Uber. Drivers will now be able to view their expected earnings upfront when they get a trip request besides getting access to multiple requests at the same time during periods of high demand.

Under Nawa Gamanak, the company has unveiled a specialized loyalty program for drivers – Uber Pro, the company also aims to reward its top rated drivers with more completed trips. Drivers with good customer ratings (above 4.8) and high trip completion rate will receive special cash rewards and exclusive perks. Nawa Gamanak has been designed to help drivers reach their goals both on and off the road by getting more options to choose from besides enhanced support, and discounts on vehicle maintenance and insurance.

Commenting on the launch of Nawa Gamanak in Sri Lanka, Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager, Uber Sri Lanka, said, “Drivers are at the heart of what we do at Uber. Enhanced choice and flexibility for drivers will continue making Uber their platform of choice. Uber Pro will also reward drivers who provide a great service to riders by maintaining a high app rating and trip completion rate. We believe that these changes will go a long way in promoting the adoption and continued use of the Uber platform by top-rated drivers and elevate the overall experience on the Uber app.”

Rewards under Uber Pro

Uber Pro has four tiers: Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, with Diamond being the highest possible tier. A driver who is new on the platform starts with a Blue tier status and moves upwards by earning ‘points’ on every completed trip and meeting other criteria. The points reset every 3 months, so the drivers’ tier status is determined on a rolling period of 3 months. As drivers move towards a higher tier status, they get access to exclusive perks and experiential rewards offered by third parties including installment based premium payment on General Vehicle Insurance and Health Insurance, a no claim bonus of 50%, and 55% off on vehicle detailing. In addition, drivers will also get a free eye check-up and 20% off on spectacles purchased with registered vendors.

Drivers who were able to maintain the top rating ‘Diamond’ for a full quarter will be given a cash reward of LKR 25,000/-.