Uber Defends Pay Structure After Driver Claims Low Earnings
Uber Technologies Inc. defended its compensation model after a Riverside County driver claimed high expenses and taxes make the work unsustainable.
A former firefighter turned ride-share driver in Riverside County, California, has raised concerns over the sustainability of earnings on the Uber platform. Matthew Guerrero reports that high fuel costs and taxes significantly diminish his take-home pay, citing a specific period where he earned only $210 after expenses for 30 hours of work.
To offset these costs, Guerrero focuses his efforts on weekend nightlife in Temecula, where tips from bar patrons are higher than those received during weekday medical appointments. He noted that driver pay is reportedly better in larger cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego.
Uber Technologies Inc. responded by stating that drivers in Riverside County earn at least $20.28 per engaged hour, supplemented by $0.37 per engaged mile for vehicle expenses. A company spokesperson clarified that these figures do not include waiting time and asserted that Guerrero's experience is not representative of the broader platform, as earnings fluctuate based on timing, location, and demand.
