Uber will offer gig work like AI data labeling to drivers while not on the road

Uber is set to introduce a new initiative allowing its drivers and couriers in the United States to earn extra income through the app during their downtime. Announced at the Only on Uber 2025 conference in Washington, D.C., the ride-hailing giant is launching a pilot program with its AI Solutions Group that offers small online tasks to drivers when they are not actively transporting passengers or delivering food. One of the tasks highlighted by Uber involves uploading photos to assist in training AI models, a concept that has already undergone testing in India. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared insights about this initiative, emphasizing the company's commitment to incorporating feedback from drivers. He mentioned that Uber conducted over 60 Crew sessions with more than 100 team members, gathering extensive feedback on various improvements. Additionally, an Uber representative explained that drivers could also engage in tasks such as recording themselves speaking in different languages or accents, although these activities are not linked to Uber's autonomous vehicle initiatives. Compensation for these tasks will fluctuate based on complexity and estimated completion time, with drivers having the opportunity to review potential earnings before committing to a job. This move mirrors the type of small online gigs found on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Upwork, where individuals can complete various data labeling and freelance tasks. While Uber will not disclose specific clients or project details, the company aims to enhance earnings potential for its workforce. In conjunction with this announcement, Uber also rolled out its women rider preference feature, which connects women drivers with women riders. This service, initially introduced in July, is now available in cities including Baltimore, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Seattle, Portland, and Washington, D.C. Khosrowshahi noted that in regions where the service has launched globally, women drivers have utilized it extensively, completing over 100 million trips. Furthermore, Uber is allowing drivers to set rider rating preferences to avoid low-rated passengers and is introducing a delayed ride guarantee. This guarantee ensures that if a ride takes longer than five minutes beyond the estimated time, drivers will receive a higher payout, with the possibility of additional costs being passed on to riders depending on the circumstances of the delay.