Uber is changing the way you contact your driver

Company is introducing in-app chat to make communication between rider and driver smooth

Ride-hailing behemoth Uber is updating its app to make it easier for ride-hailers to get in touch with their Uber driver.

Though riders and drivers can already contact one another via phone calls and SMS, but for that you had to leave the app and were never sure the number you were receiving the texts from was your driver.



However, it’s all about to change as Uber on Thursday announced that it is adding in-app chat to make the communication smoother between rider and driver. “So we’re adding a way for riders and drivers to chat right in the Uber app. It’s now easier than ever to get in touch,” said the company in a statement.



To chat with your Uber driver, all you would need to is go to the Uber feed and tap 'contact' and then 'chat'. When drivers receive a chat from the rider, it will be read aloud to them. Drivers will be able to acknowledge receipt with one tap to their app to send a “thumbs up” to their rider, allowing them to stay focused on the road. “Both riders and drivers will see if their chats are delivered and read, helping to confirm the other actually received the communication.”



Earlier, for riders concerned about privacy, there was no option to hide your phone number. But the introduction of in-app chat means that both drivers and riders would no longer need to share their phone numbers. So you no longer need to worry about receiving texts from your creepy driver in middle of the night.



The feature will be rolling out globally to both riders and drivers over the coming weeks.

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