The New Uber Pro Program Rolling Out February 2026

The gig economy continues to evolve, and Uber is signaling another shift in how it rewards active drivers. According to a recent announcement from Uber, a new and improved version of the Uber Pro program will begin rolling out in select cities starting the week of February 9. While the full nationwide rollout will take time, the update provides a clear preview of where Uber is heading in terms of driver incentives, perks, and day to day experience.

This update comes at a time when drivers are paying closer attention to benefits, consistency, and long term value, not just per trip earnings. Below is a breakdown of what is changing, what stays familiar, and why this matters for drivers moving into 2026.

Background on Uber Pro and Why It Matters

Uber Pro was originally designed as a tier based rewards program. Drivers earn points by completing trips, and those points unlock tiers such as Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each tier historically offered incremental benefits like destination filters, flexible cancellations, and educational perks.

Over time, some drivers questioned whether Uber Pro delivered meaningful value relative to the effort required to maintain higher status. Uber’s latest update appears to address that concern by tying rewards more directly to earnings and everyday utility, rather than rarely used benefits.

The upcoming changes suggest Uber is trying to re-balance its relationship with drivers by offering tangible, recurring advantages.

Rollout Timeline and What to Expect

Uber has confirmed that the new Uber Pro experience will begin rolling out in select cities the week of February 9. Availability will expand gradually, meaning not all drivers will see changes at the same time.

Drivers should monitor the Uber Driver app and in app notifications closely, as rollout timing and eligibility may vary by market, trip type, and driver status.

5 Percent Pro Perk, Higher Earnings for Eligible Drivers

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a 5 percent Pro Perk. Under the new structure, eligible drivers can earn 5 percent more on trip fares for UberX and most other ride types compared to Blue drivers.

This change matters because it directly affects gross earnings, not just fringe benefits. A percentage based increase compounds over time, especially for drivers completing a high volume of trips. Unlike promotions that depend on timing or demand spikes, this perk is tied to Pro status and applies consistently once unlocked.

For drivers who already maintain Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status, this may effectively function as a built in earnings boost without changing driving habits.

Uber One Membership for Diamond Drivers

Another notable addition is the upcoming Uber One membership benefit for Diamond drivers. Uber has announced that Diamond drivers will receive a free three month Uber One membership, with timing to be announced.

Uber One typically includes benefits such as $0 delivery fees, up to 10 percent off eligible orders, and other member only perks across Uber Eats and Uber services. For drivers who also use Uber Eats as customers, this creates a scenario where driving activity helps to offset personal expenses.

While this perk does not directly increase driving income, it lowers everyday costs, which effectively improves net earnings. Over time, savings on food delivery and related services can add up, particularly for drivers who rely on convenience due to long working hours.

Improved Day to Day Experience and Priority Rides

Beyond earnings and memberships, Uber is emphasizing improvements to the daily driving experience. One highlighted feature is Priority Rides, which aims to reduce idle time by offering higher priority access to trip requests for eligible Pro drivers.

For many drivers, downtime between trips is one of the biggest hidden costs. Priority Rides may help smooth out work sessions, making driving more predictable and efficient, especially during competitive or slower periods.

If implemented well, this feature could reduce the need to chase peak hours aggressively and help drivers maintain steadier workflows.

Popular Existing Perks Are Staying

Uber has also confirmed that various other popular existing Uber Pro perks will remain available. These include benefits such as a free one year Costco Gold Star membership and gas savings through Upside.

Gas savings in particular remain critical as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. Programs that reduce per gallon costs have a direct and immediate impact on profitability, especially for high mileage drivers.

Keeping these perks signals that Uber is building on what drivers already value rather than replacing it entirely.

Where to Find Terms and Service Details

As with any Uber program update, the fine print matters. Uber has advised drivers to review full terms and conditions directly within the Uber Driver app and on Uber’s official website.

Drivers should pay close attention to eligibility requirements, qualifying trip types, geographic limitations, and any conditions tied to maintaining Pro status. Understanding these details early helps avoid surprises and allows drivers to plan driving schedules more strategically.

What This Means for Drivers Moving Forward

Taken together, the new Uber Pro update reflects a shift toward more practical, earnings focused rewards. A 5 percent fare increase, combined with priority access and cost saving perks, suggests Uber is attempting to strengthen retention among its most active drivers.

That said, real world impact will depend on how consistently these benefits are applied and how transparent Uber remains as the rollout expands. Drivers would be wise to treat the initial rollout as a testing phase and evaluate whether the promised improvements translate into measurable gains.

As with many gig economy changes, the full picture will only become clear over time. For now, drivers can prepare by staying informed, reviewing their Pro status, and monitoring app updates closely.

We will continue to track how these changes affect drivers across different markets.

Published by DeliverySoCal.com
Source: Uber Newsroom, https://www.uber.com/blog/new-uber-pro-coming-soon/