Uber Announces New Driver Initiatives Including WhatsApp Onboarding and Bike Intercity

Uber announced several new driver-first initiatives and expanded earning opportunities for driver partners on its platform in India during the third edition of its Uber Pragati event in New Delhi on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The announcements aim to provide flexible work options, simplified registration processes, and additional safety features for drivers.

Flexible Scheduling and Simplified Onboarding

• Flexible Drive Pass: Uber introduced subscription passes ranging from six hours to 180 days to accommodate part-time and full-time schedules.
• WhatsApp Onboarding (Quickstart): Drivers can sign up directly via WhatsApp, where a bot guides them through the process and a third-party conducts background security checks.
• Earn First, Pay Later: Eligible drivers receive an additional credit limit to accept cash trips even when their account balance is depleted.
• App Redesign and Voice Notes: The redesigned driver app includes in-app voice notes to streamline communication and earnings management.

Expanded Earning Opportunities and Safety Measures

• Bike Intercity: Uber will allow Bike Intercity for shorter trips between neighbouring towns and cities, such as Delhi-Meerut.
• Uber Direct and Parcel: Bike drivers can fulfill delivery orders for businesses using Uber Direct and deliver personal packages within cities via Uber Parcel.
• Ambulance Assistance: A 24x7 partnership with Dial 4242 provides emergency medical support.
• Safety Tools: Features include 'Record My Ride' encrypted video recording, real-time chat flagging, and a centralised Driver Safety Hub.

Aditya Kapoor, Director of Supply Operations at Uber India and South Asia, stated that the company is providing drivers with the freedom to work on their own terms, safety protections, and more ways to earn. Readers can verify these updates by checking official Uber announcements and press releases.