Ride-hailing giant Uber has officially introduced a new Hybrid Subscription system for Moto and Tuk drivers in Sri Lanka, aiming to provide greater earning flexibility and reduce the financial pressure faced by drivers when joining the platform.
The newly launched system introduces an “earn first, pay later” approach, allowing drivers to begin accepting trips and earning income without having to make any upfront subscription payments. According to Uber, the initiative is designed to support both full-time and part-time drivers by giving them more freedom to choose a payment model that suits their driving habits and schedules.
Under the updated model, drivers will continue to enjoy zero percent commission on trips, meaning they will be able to keep the full amount they earn from rides. Instead of paying commissions per trip, drivers will pay a separate subscription fee through a flexible structure introduced by Uber.
The company says the hybrid subscription model combines both time-based and earning-based payment options. Drivers who spend long hours on the road and rely on Uber as a full-time source of income may benefit more from time-based subscriptions, while part-time drivers can opt for earning-based subscriptions that better match occasional driving activity.
Uber believes this new system will help improve the overall driver experience while also ensuring smoother and more reliable transportation services for passengers across Sri Lanka.
The company further noted that flexibility and income stability remain major concerns for many drivers operating within Sri Lanka’s growing two- and three-wheeler transport sector. By introducing more customizable subscription methods, Uber hopes to give drivers greater control over how they work and manage their earnings.
Commenting on the launch, Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager for Mobility, Kaushalya Gunaratne, stated that drivers remain central to the company’s operations and future growth plans in Sri Lanka.
“We were among the first companies to introduce subscription models for Moto and Tuk drivers in Sri Lanka. With this new hybrid system, we are expanding that concept further by offering drivers the advantages of zero commissions along with the flexibility to choose the subscription method that works best for them,” she said.
Thousands of Tuk and Moto drivers currently use the Uber platform across different parts of Sri Lanka. The company says it plans to continue investing in technology and service improvements aimed at increasing earning opportunities for drivers while making transportation more convenient and efficient for passengers.
Industry analysts say the move could increase competition within Sri Lanka’s ride-hailing market, especially at a time when drivers are seeking more stable and predictable income models amid rising living costs and fuel-related expenses.
Uber’s latest initiative also reflects a broader global trend among ride-sharing platforms to redesign payment structures and driver incentives in response to changing economic conditions and growing demand for flexible work opportunities.
