POWER TO THE DRIVERS

Uber is testing a new feature in some areas of California that will allow some drivers to set their own fares.

Starting Tuesday morning, drivers picking up riders in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Sacramento, Calif., are able to charge up to five times the cost that Uber sets, an Uber official told The Hill.

The ride-sharing company is starting this program in an effort to give drivers more independence after the state’s gig-economy law went into effect this year.

Uber confirmed the initiative in a statement obtained by The Hill.

“We’re now doing an initial test of additional changes which would give drivers more control over the rates they charge riders,” an Uber official said.

Under this test, drivers can increase the costs of drives in 10 percent increments. When a rider requests a vehicle, the rider will be matched with the driver with the cheapest cost, while drivers with higher fares are matched as demand increases.