[PatientTrades]

The author is not telling the whole story. Uber still gets their cut of each ride, the initial $115 is simply used as a hedge or insurance. If a driver doesn't make above the $349 for the week than the $115 is returned to the driver. Uber doesn't simply pocket it. If a driver makes over $349 for the week, they get the %33 surge, and Uber will keep the initial $115.

[munk-a]

Due to the wording of

"As long as your weekly earnings exceed $349 you'll come out ahead!"

I believe you're incorrect or trying to mislead. That sentence implies that there's a strong possibility people can come out "not ahead" or, specifically, lose potential income on the arrangement.

[lowglow]

or break even?

[larkeith]

Do you have a source? The screenshot from Uber itself indicates otherwise.

[batiudrami]

Why would they offer this rather than just an "Hey! it's going to be a busy weekend and we want extra cars on the road. Earn $349 and get paid 33% extra" promo? There's no need to take the $115 if the driver can't lose. Let's not pretend that Uber needs the $115 for cashflow purposes.

[mistercow]

I think the previous commenter is incorrect based on the wording shown in the article. That said, since this is part of a study, it does seem somewhat plausible that they'd do an offer like that just to see what the psychological impact was.

[quickthrower2]

Maybe they do need the cash.

[skywhopper]

That’s even scarier.

[skywhopper]

You are misreading he plain meaning of the words. Your interpretation also makes zero sense. How is it a hedge if Uber gives it back on failure to break even?