> The dilemma is laid bare in a recent study by Uber, conducted in cooperation with a New York University assistant professor, that found that no matter which direction fares go, drivers inevitably take home about the same earnings over time. That is because of how easy it is for drivers and riders to jump on and off the system, according to the study
> When there is a fare cut, drivers’ pay per trip falls but riders flood the service, offering more business. A price hike eventually lures more drivers than Uber needs and scares away riders. The changes are short-lived as an equilibrium is reached after about eight weeks, and drivers’ average pay comes out the same.
> All of this means Uber, and other ride-sharing services, must lean heavily on pricey incentive payments—cash for completing a certain number of rides a week, say—to bring driver earnings above what typically amounts to around minimum wage