This seems to be a reaction from Uber because they specifically do not want regulations to come into force on the issue. To me that takes it out of the baptists & bootlegger territory. Absent regulations getting involved, this is simply Uber offering better compensation.
I think you're right (and the article is right) about the particular timing, but I also think Baptists-and-bootleggers is a good way to understand why Uber would prefer this policy over the other regulatory proposals it's reacting to.
