The price of petrol increased today, making it five months in a row that we’ve seen a price hike.

Sure, it was only one cent per litre, but apparently we are set for more bad news on that front in the months to come.

The good news is that the latest UberX prices are a little less worrisome, with the minimum fare increasing from R20 to R25 as of yesterday, July 31.

As Business Tech notes, there are some exceptions:

…the previous minimum fare of R20 will still apply to all trips starting in Soweto, while the Port Elizabeth uberGO minimum fare has also changed from R17 to R20.

“Even with this small increase, Uber remains one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get around your city. You will still enjoy the reliable service you have come to expect from us,” they said.

It’s true – every time I stumble out of the car after a late night, I celebrate getting home safely with a drink.

I also say a little prayer that my Uber driver rates me a five, which means I won’t be buying the next round when we play the Uber rating challenge.

There is further good news for Uber drivers, with the company announcing a partnership with Chubb Insurance as part of an extended commitment to driver-partner protection in South Africa.

In the unfortunate event of a driver sustaining an injury on the job, there are now the following measures in place:

• Emergency medical treatment: If an accident happens On-Trip, this cover reimburses drivers for emergency medical treatment costs they have incurred in the first 48 hours following the accident up to a capped sum. In addition, this cover reimburses ambulance service costs and provides drivers with an immediate small lump sum payment to cover their basic expenses following the accident.

• Death and final payments: In the unfortunate event that a driver dies as a result of an accident On-Trip, their dependents or heirs will benefit from a lump sum payment. They will also obtain an additional lump sum amount which can be used as they deem fit.

• Permanent disability payments: In the unfortunate event that a driver suffers a permanent disability as a result of an accident On-Trip, they will benefit from a lump sum payment.

• Daily confinement payment: If a driver is hospitalised for more than 24 hours they will receive a daily payment for up to 30 days for each day that they have to remain in the hospital.

• Daily payment benefit (injury): If a driver is hospitalised for more than 48 hours as a result of an accident that happened On-Trip and are thereafter unable to drive because of those injuries, they will receive a daily payment for up to 30 days whilst they are medically certified by a doctor as unfit to work.

Always good to know that the kind souls who ferry us around are being looked after, and these new steps will ensure a safer journey for all.

Be sure to mention your appreciation during your next Uber ride and lock in that five-star rating.

[sources:bustech&bustech]