Photo: Alexander Torrenegra
Urber has agreed to pay $28.5 million to about 25 million riders to settle two class-action lawsuits. It also agreed not to use certain language in safety-related advertising as well as the term “Safe Ride Fee.”
A judge from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California is considering Uber’s request to settle the two cases: Philliben v. Uber Technologies Inc. and Mena v. Uber Technologies Inc.
Uber said technology enables it to focus on safety for riders and drivers before, during, and after a trip through the use of smartphones. For example, by sharing driver information with riders – their license plate and photo ID – before they get into the car; by tracking trips using GPS; and by enabling riders to share their estimated arrival time or route with family and friends.
“However, no means of transportation can ever be 100 percent safe,” Uber said in a statement. “Accidents and incidents do happen. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the language we use to describe safety at Uber is clear and precise.”
Uber will change the name of the Safe Ride Fee to a “Booking Fee.” The company said the fee will be used to cover safety as well as additional operational costs that could arise in the future.
If the settlement agreement is approved, members of the class action will be notified by email and given the choice to be paid either by credit card or through their rider account. The class includes passengers who took a trip in the United States between Jan. 1, 2013, and Jan. 31, 2016.
“We are glad to put these cases behind us, and we will continue to invest in new technology and great customer services so that we can help improve safety in the cities we serve,” Urber said.
