Uber switching to estimated ride prices in California due to new law

Uber has announced some changes are coming to the app for California users. Uber has announced some changes are coming to the app for California users. Photo: Josh Edelson / AFP / Getty Images Photo: Josh Edelson / AFP / Getty Images Image 1 of / 62 Caption Close Uber switching to estimated ride prices in California due to new law 1 / 62 Back to Gallery

With the passage of AB5, a new California law that is designed to regulate companies hiring contract workers in large numbers, Uber has announced some changes are coming to the app for California riders.

In an email sent to users of the ride-hailing app on Wednesday, Uber wrote, "Due to a new state law, we are making some changes to help ensure that Uber remains a dependable source of flexible work for California drivers."

These changes include a swap from an upfront price to an estimated price range for those requesting non-Pool rides. The final price for your ride will be calculated at the end of the trip, rather than before you actually request it.

According to the Washington Post, Uber has been looking at changes in pay structure that may help bolster their case that drivers have some independence from the company and their platform.

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You will also now be able to seek out rides from certain drivers you liked. After you give a driver a 5-star rating, you will be given the choice to add them as a "Favorite Driver," and for future rides, they will be given first pick for accepting your reservation.

Finally, Uber announced that they will also be discontinuing some Uber Rewards benefits for California trips, such as price protection on a ride and flexible cancellations.

Madeline Wells is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com | Twitter: @madwells22