Why Uber managers and top bosses are driving autos and bikes across the country

On a regular working day morning in Chennai, commuters spotted an unusual sight: a senior Uber executive driving an Uber Auto. As part of company initiative, several Uber employees across the country stepped out of office, spending hours picking up and dropping off riders. The initiative was part of the company’s ‘Behind the Wheel’ initiative. The week-long programme, held across multiple cities saw many staff members take on the role of Uber drivers. They interacted with the riders and observed the platform’s functioning behind the wheel.

“It was a great experience to see the software in action and watch how it matches riders and drivers at scale. It was fascinating to see how technology brings a familiar travel mode like autos right to people’s doorsteps,” Manikandan Thamgnaratnam, Senior Director, Mobility & Platforms, Uber said. His day behind the wheel offered a close view of how drivers use the app, react to trip alerts, and navigate pressure during rush hours.

In Gurugram, Gaurav Sharda, Head – Premium Categories, Uber India & South Asia, switched roles and drove an Uber Black. He met riders who expect a certain polish from Uber’s top-tier service. “Every rider I met loved the comfort and quality of the experience,” he shared. “They notice the little things – the spotless car, the courteous greeting, the quiet ride. It reinforced for me how much trust and consistency matter when people choose Uber Black.”


Uber says these field trips often lead to real product changes. Earlier employee driving weeks helped shape features like ‘upfront destination’ and ‘upfront payment’, which show drivers the trip fare, drop location, and payment mode before they accept a ride.

Uber said, this year’s drives also sparked new ideas.
• A passenger at Delhi Airport told Gaurav that pick-up for Uber Black should feel as premium as the ride.
• Vishal’s trips highlighted the need for better safety gear and improved infrastructure for drivers.
• Manikandan met a rider who wished autos could be reserved in advance, the same way users reserve cars.