Originally Posted by
CodeAdam10
There was a time when UberX rates were high enough (for the drivers) for Uber's cashless approach to work. Most markets have had their X rates cut at least in half (or more) in the past 2 years or so.
I think on longer fares ($50+), tipping may not be as important as the driver will make some $$$ ... but especially on short-haul minimum fare runs, riders need to seriously consider tipping. A $4 minimum fare that takes a driver half hour of their time nets him or her about $2.40 after Uber's safe ride fee and commission. A $2.40 run for half hour of their time, before any expenses (maint, gas, loan). When the minimum fares were $10, different story.
Your example seems a bit extreme. In the major metropolitan areas, I've never had an uber further than 5 minutes away. Even if the driver was 10 minutes away, you'd run through a minimum fare in 2 miles (less if there's waiting time).
There's no way a driver would spend a half hour on a $4 fare - maybe 15 minutes. And in that case, I would consider tipping. However, the driver shouldn't expect it as it's part of the job. Like any business, you're going to get some great customers and some bad ones too.