If you have been booking Uber Auto and making payments in online mode, then know that from Tuesday this will no longer work. From now on, whenever you book Uber Auto, you will have to pay the fare only in cash or  UPI. Understand that now only the cash option will be visible on the interface of Uber Auto booking. According to PTI news, ride-hailing platform Uber has adopted a SaaS subscription-based model from a commission-based model for its auto drivers.

All auto rides will be in cash only.

In a notification on the Uber app, users were informed that from February 18, all auto rides will be in cash only. An Uber spokesperson said that given the industry’s shift towards a subscription-based model for drivers, we have decided to align our approach accordingl, so that there is no loss in competition. A subscription-based model is being introduced for auto drivers by ride-hailing apps like Rapido and others.

A big change with the new auto model

Uber is making a big change with its new auto model, moving to a SaaS (software-as-a-service) approach, the company said in a separate blog post. Here’s what’s different. Uber will connect you with nearby drivers, but the service is independent of Uber itself. It further said that drivers are not charged any trip-level commission, and clarified that Uber only provides the platform. Also, Uber does not levy any cancellation fees, Uber suggests a fare, but the final amount is decided by the driver and you.

How to pay

You have to pay the driver directly through cash or UPI (using the driver’s UPI ID). Digital payment methods such as credit/debit cards/UPI payments integrated through the Uber app or Uber Credit cannot be used. This ensures that 100% of your payments for the trip go directly to the driver.