Uber adds feature to allow riders to ‘compliment’ drivers
Ride-hailing service Uber has launched a new "Compliments" feature to its star rating service, which that allows customers to thank drivers with a pre-written or personalised note, according to a statement. The feature sends drivers positive notes relating to their helpfulness, the music they played in the car or the vehicle itself. Critics blasted the addition and called for Uber to simply treat its drivers better.

Uber drivers catch a lot of grief, but a particularly good one can make all the difference. Later this week, Uber will release a new feature that lets you compliment your driver on a trip well done.

Although you already rate your driver on a scale of 1 to 5, the new compliments feature will let you choose a preselected appraisal -- or write your own -- and add it on to their review. Drivers can collect compliments like badges and revisit them if they need a pick-me-up.

Enlarge Image Compliments is the equivalent to giving your driver a gold star sticker. Uber Screenshot

Despite its success, the ride-hailing service has become synonymous with controversy. The latest is a change to the Terms of Use that signs away riders' rights to participate in a class action lawsuit against Uber. Others have pointed out that Uber's terms also give the company free rein over your personal information.

The company hopes that its new feature will give its riders an extra way to thank their drivers without giving them a monetary tip -- and generating a little goodwill won't hurt Uber's image. Unlike competitor Lyft, which does let riders tip, Uber's fare doesn't expect, or even allow for, an extra charge.