Uber announced this week a series of new features for its Uber and Uber Eats platforms, aiming to attract more users and make rides and deliveries more accessible at a time when urban routines are resuming. The updates, which include affordable Meal Deals, Prepaid Ride Passes with discounts of up to 20%, and the expansion of Fixed Price Passes, are already available in several U.S. cities and are expected to directly impact gig economy drivers and couriers.

Meal Deals, priced at $15 or less including all fees, are one of the company’s main bets. Initially available in New York, Austin, Miami, and soon Philadelphia, these meals are prepared in batches by partner restaurants to reduce costs. While the initiative may increase order volumes on Uber Eats, couriers could face challenges with longer wait times due to batch processing, which may affect efficiency and tips.

Prepaid Ride Passes allow users to purchase packages of 5 to 20 rides with progressive discounts, already rolled out in more than 75 U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The measure is designed to ensure more stable demand for drivers, especially during peak hours, but the discounts may put pressure on per-ride earnings after app commissions. Meanwhile, Fixed Price Passes, expanded to all major U.S. cities, let riders lock in the fare for a route at $3 per one-hour window each day, offering predictability for both users and drivers on regular routes.

Another highlight is the inclusion of teenagers, who can now purchase these passes through Uber Teen accounts, potentially leading to more short rides to school or extracurricular activities. “As fall routines take shape, we want to make daily commuting simpler and more affordable,” said Amit Fulay, Uber’s head of rider product.

For gig economy workers, the updates bring a mix of opportunities and uncertainties. Rising demand for rides and deliveries is positive, but batch-prepared meals and discounted fares may impact earnings and working conditions. Drivers and couriers in cities like New York and Miami are already reporting increased activity, but monitoring the real impact of these changes will be essential in the coming weeks.

With planned expansion to more cities and the promise of attracting new users, Uber is reinforcing its market position, but gig workers will be key in determining the success of these initiatives. The platform continues to navigate the balance between drawing customers and ensuring fair conditions for its workforce.