Ride-hailing company Uber is "re-balancing" rates to encourage drivers not to cancel as many rides.

The company stresses that consumers won't see their own fares go up, nor will drives see an overall increase in their earnings, but instead a more consistent ride for them with fewer ups and downs.

For instance, instead of being charged purely for distance, which results in cars sometimes sitting in traffic, the new rates factor in time and distance.

Uber sent a note to drivers in 14 cities informing them of the change Thursday.

"We are increasing your per-minute rate on each trip so that your earnings are more consistent, regardless of traffic or unexpected delays," Uber said, in an e-mail sent to drivers Thursday. "Your time is now being valued at a higher rate."

Drivers sometimes make a decision to not pick up customers and to cancel the rides if they're short-term, thus not as profitable.

"The time based increase is balanced by lowered rates for distance, so your overall payouts should remain the same," Uber said in its note. "In particular, we expect that you’ll be able to earn more on shorter trips or when you’re stuck in traffic."

Uber advertises the expected price of the ride upfront, based on the estimated length and duration of the trip. "This estimate can vary as we predict real-world factors like traffic."

More:Uber Rewards gives ride discounts, perks to frequent riders

Additionally, this week Uber announced a new loyalty program, also aimed at keeping its drivers happy, called Uber Pro. The company has enabled 25 percent off car maintenance and up to 5 percent cash back at any gas station with an Uber Visa Debit Card. Riders will be able to see a driver’s Uber Pro status in the app when they request a ride, the company says.

Uber is testing the program in eight cities, and it says the idea is to reward "the contribution of our most dedicated driver-partners 一 on and off the road."

To qualify, drivers need to maintain at least a 4.85-star rating and a low cancellation rate, Uber says. Drivers will earn points on every trip during 3-month periods. The points they earn in one period go toward unlocking status (and more rewards) in the next.

Uber says it hopes to launch the program to more cities in the coming months.

The company has also set up a rewards programs for passengers, getting $5 added to their accounts for every 500 points earned.

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