Uber is rolling out cash payments to riders in dozens of new US cities, a major change for a company built on cashless transactions.
The feature, first tested in Cincinnati and San Antonio earlier this year, is now live in major markets like Los Angeles, San Diego, Tampa, and Jacksonville, as well as smaller cities including Laredo, Texas.
Riders can still book trips through the app, but instead of paying electronically, they hand cash directly to their driver. Uber says the expansion is designed to reach underbanked customers who do not have access to cards or digital payment methods.
The company stressed that safety measures are in place. Riders paying with cash must verify their identity through third-party databases or by uploading government ID, while drivers must maintain positive ratings to receive cash trip requests. Drivers can also opt out of the feature entirely.
Still, some drivers say the risks outweigh the benefits. San Antonio driver Roxie Benesch told Business Insider that carrying cash at night makes her uneasy. “It would be scary if a rider knew she had cash on her,” she said.
Sergio Avedian, a driver and contributor to the Rideshare Guy blog, warned that drivers could become targets for crime if the feature becomes widespread, citing robbery cases involving traditional taxi drivers.
Other drivers are concerned about disputes and non-payments. Longtime Cincinnati driver Matt Kartal said one passenger left without paying, so he now records cash trips in-app to confirm fares.
Uber has added systems to handle common issues, such as issuing ride credits if exact change is unavailable and deducting the company’s share from drivers’ future electronic earnings.
Cash payments have long been part of Uber’s operations overseas, but their US expansion signals a significant shift away from the company’s original cashless model.
In related news, Uber is also allowing women to avoid male drivers in the US.
