Uber has been up against the ropes lately. For one, it's dealing with the fall out from an exec's suggestion it should be investigating critical journalists. Plus it's combating a report that claims a 'God Mode' allows its employees to track customers' whereabouts. No doubt keen to shift the spotlight back on its services, the company is launching a new rewards scheme today in its ongoing bid to boost driver numbers.
The program is called Momentum, and it gives eligible US contractors a few different benefits, including discounted car maintenance and cheaper smartphone contracts. The Financial Times reports that drivers will qualify for the scheme provided they drive between 30 and 50 hours for Uber each month. Available perks include up to 15% discounts at major car repair outlets including AutoZone, Firestone, Maaco, Meineke, Midas, Jiffy Lube and Valvoline, as well as between 15 to 18% off phone plans from AT&T and Verizon. Lastly, Stride Health has agreed to advise Uber drivers on choosing a healthcare plan.
Uber has offered its drivers plenty of deals before, including free gas and special payment plans for buying new vehicles. All of them are, of course, designed to promote sustained work as an Uber driver. If you want to be eligible for new rewards, you'll have to remain loyal to Uber, and can't moonlight for rival services such as Lyft or Sidecar. The current Momentum discounts are hardly earth-shattering, but Uber says it'll be adding more in the future, making it even more difficult for drivers to turn down its work.
