This encourages drivers to maximize each fare, though. So now every time my driver makes a wrong turn, not only does it cost me time but it also costs me money - and what's worse is the drivers are now incentivized to do this!
And, if the route taken is unreasonably different from the optimal route, I can complain to Uber and get a refund.
So yes, while drivers may be incentivised to take longer routes, they can’t do it without being exposed.