Uber drivers trapped in a cycle of low pay and long hours

Long working hours, falling take-home earnings and rising operating costs are leaving Uber drivers in Bangladesh struggling to make ends meet, raising questions about the financial sustainability of ride-sharing work.

Drivers in Dhaka demanded a reduction in Uber’s commission from 25 per cent to 12 per cent during a 24-hour strike in October. The proposed reduction would cut the commission by 13 percentage points, equivalent to 52 per cent of the existing rate. Drivers also demanded higher fares, transparent payment calculations and fewer restrictions on working hours.

The financial pressure extends beyond platform commissions. Drivers must cover fuel, engine oil, servicing, repairs and other vehicle-related expenses, leaving significantly less money than their gross earnings suggest. When passenger demand falls, they can spend hours waiting for bookings without earning anything.

One driver reported leaving home at 10AM but receiving no trip by 3PM. Another said his daily earnings after expenses had dropped from Tk1,500–2,000 to around Tk1,000, representing a decline of approximately 33–50 per cent, depending on his previous earnings.

Maintenance expenses have also increased. Drivers reported that engine oil previously costing Tk650 had risen to Tk800–850, while another type that cost Tk850 had climbed to Tk1,150. Motorcycle servicing could cost Tk8,000–10,000, adding to the financial burden.

For drivers who rent vehicles, the situation can be even more difficult. Rental payments must be covered alongside fuel, maintenance and platform deductions. Those who own their vehicles also face depreciation and unexpected repair bills.

The pressure to earn enough often pushes drivers to work 10–12 hours or longer, but additional working hours do not guarantee higher income. Waiting for passengers, travelling between trips and queuing for fuel can consume valuable time without generating revenue. Long shifts also reduce opportunities for rest and family life.

Drivers face further uncertainty when passenger complaints or account restrictions threaten their access to the platform. Unlike salaried employees, many have no guaranteed monthly income and limited access to paid leave, leaving them financially vulnerable when they cannot work.