Uber introduces 'conversation starters' and driver messenger

Uber now invites you to compliment your driver. Photo/123RF

If you're the kind of person who doesn't have much to say when you hop into an Uber, your introversion is about to be challenged.

The ride-sharing giant has unveiled new app features aimed at making trips more sociable, in response to feedback from drivers.

When you book a ride, "conversation starters" will now appear in the profiles of drivers who will share personal details in the hopes of kickstarting the banter that has come to be an expected part of using the service.

In a feature more commonly found on dating apps, drivers will share "fun facts" about themselves, such as where they grew up, their favourite local sites or what sporting team they barrack for, the company announced at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday.

And customers are now being invited to submit "compliments" after each ride, giving feedback on the level of service, cleanliness and quality of conversation by selecting from a list of badges inside the app.

The driver will then get a notification thanking them for the "awesome music", "great conversation" or "expert navigation". Other badges include "cool car", "great amenities" and "entertaining driver".

"Drivers tell us one of the things they value most from partnering with Uber is meeting new people, and being part of a community - but breaking the ice doesn't come naturally to everyone, and sometimes five stars just isn't enough," an Uber spokesman said.

"So we're making it easier for riders to say hello and thank drivers for the things they do - big and small.

A new in-app messaging system aims to make it easier for drivers to find customers on the street, especially those using an overseas mobile phone. The "Intercom" messenger will eventually be able to automatically translate messages into the rider's language.

Customers can now edit their pick-up location after they have ordered a ride, in an upgrade aimed at "reducing stress and cancellations".

There are big changes for drivers, too, with a new "flex pay" feature allowing them to nominate when they get paid, with the cash deposited in their account the day after they request it.

Drivers can now set a limit on the time they're available to drive, so they can balance their other responsibilities more easily, such as getting to work on time.

And a partnership with Caltex will give drivers petrol discounts of up to eight cents a litre through Uber's loyalty program.