Uber Proposes $28.5 Million Settlement Over Safety Rides Fee

Uber has filed to settle two class-action lawsuits, consolidated into one, that claim the company misrepresented its background check policy for drivers by calling it "industry leading." Uber would pay $28.5 million, divided among 25 million riders. It also would rename its Safe Rides Fee a "booking fee," which will "cover safety as well as additional operational costs that could arise in the future," according to Uber. Should the judge approve the settlement, Uber will notify by email those who used Uber in the United States between Jan. 1, 2013, and Jan. 31, 2016, and pay by credit card or account credit.