Uber adds $1 “Safe Rides Fee” to UberX rides to pay for background checks and insurance

Uber revealed today that it is now adding a $1 “Safe Rides Fee” for UberX ridesharing trips in the US.

Users have been receiving the following message in the app:

According to Uber, the funds will be used for: background check process, regular motor vehicle checks, driver safety education, current and future development of safety features, and insurance.

Uber cut Uberx prices in many of its cities earlier this year. While the extra $1 isn’t a huge burden on costs, the charge does feel  un-Uber, as the company has advertised “clear pricing” as one of its main strengths.

Update: Added info from Uber’s Safe Rides blog.