Australian Uber Drivers Demand Greater Transparency as Earnings Uncertainty Grows

Australian Uber drivers are calling for urgent reforms, arguing that they are being forced to accept rides without knowing how much they will earn or where they will be required to go—conditions they claim are unfair, unsafe, and financially unsustainable.

Hundreds of Australian Uber drivers are demanding greater transparency from the company, claiming that they are forced to accept trips without being given essential details about pay or destinations. According to drivers like Marcel Black—a 52-year-old executive assistant from Sydney—this system leaves them vulnerable to financial loss and safety risks.

Black, who turned to Uber driving on weekends to cope with Australia’s rising cost of living, said she was shocked to discover that drivers must decide within seconds whether to accept a ride without knowing the fare or the pickup and drop-off locations. Uber’s current system shows only limited information before a driver accepts a trip, such as surge pricing, pickup distance, rider rating, and trip type. Key details like the final destination and estimated earning are only provided afterward, unless the driver is completing Reserve or Intercity trips, or holds a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Uber Pro status.

She explained that drivers must maintain an acceptance rate of 85% or higher to access even partial trip-direction information. This pressure makes cancelling rides risky, as high cancellation rates can lead to warnings, reduced fares, or even account deactivation. Drivers are also unpaid for the distance they drive to reach the pickup point, often leaving them with net losses.

Black shared an example of a ride that took her nearly 12 kilometres in total but earned her just $6. She added that not knowing a trip’s destination beforehand is a significant safety concern, especially at night. Female drivers, she said, should have the ability to decline trips to unsafe areas.

These conditions contrast sharply with the experience of Uber drivers overseas. In the United States, drivers are shown the estimated fare, full pickup address, drop-off location, and total distance before accepting a ride. Black, who previously worked for Uber Eats, noted that even delivery drivers are given more transparent information than rideshare drivers in Australia.

While some passengers oppose full transparency—fearing drivers may decline short or low-paying trips—Black argues that the solution should be better wages, not withholding information. She has since launched a Change.org petition demanding transparency, which has already received over 1,000 signatures.

An Uber spokesperson responded, stating that the company continues to engage with driver partners and aims to improve the platform. However, drivers say meaningful change will only come with clear, upfront details about earnings and destinations before they accept a ride.