Took an Uber yesterday - first time

[Gogar]

If we could just get some regulation, vetting of the drivers, and some standardized prices Uber would be much better, but we would have to come up with a name for it.

I suppose we could call it TAXICAB

[PorscheGAL]

I've used Uber a lot. I have had some interesting trips.

In San Diego, I had a driver tell me he had paid off his second mortgage driving an Uber.

My last Uber ride was such a good experience, I tipped her 100%. I told the driver she was the safest driver I had ever had. She was truly shocked.

In Seattle, I had a driver whose day job was "magician". He was a character for sure.

In Nashville, I had a driver hit on me, and he concerned me so much, I contacted Uber while on the ride. They called him on the spot. He finished my ride while they were on the phone. Uber refunded the full price of the ride, and I received a substantial credit. They followed up later to tell me he would not be driving again.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

I only use Uber to bring me back and forth to car dealer when I need work done instead of waiting or taking day off work. Works out good for this.

My first Uber drive blew a red light while making a left on a 4 lane 55 mph road.

The system works great for me….but I have not felt safe with any of them. Probably used a dozen times.

I do this for getting back and forth to the MC shop.

[GH85Carrera]

I have only used Uber once In Dulles, VA. Evidently a new user starts out as a 5 star passenger, so the Uber driver that is close get to the passenger ASAP. He was a nice enough man, that drove safely, and we chatted about the area, and he got me to my destination safely and I tipped his a nice tip. I have no idea what my rating is now, as that was 8 years ago.

It is not a job that I would want.

[911 Rod]

Do you tip Uber drivers? I thought it was in the price? I don't have an account as my phone is too old for the APP.

[ramonesfreak]

yea I always give them at least $5. Im not usually going more than 10 or 15 miles. Wouldn't want them to downgrade me so nobody comes to pick me up.....sorta like telling the chef his sauce sucks and then he spits in your penne arrabbiata

[Paul T]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Do you tip Uber drivers? I thought it was in the price? I don't have an account as my phone is too old for the APP.

Yes, tipping is separate from the price. I usually take mostly short trips, so my tips end up being pretty nice from a percentage standpoint. I love the business model from a consumer standpoint but feel bad for the drivers, they have really gotten squeezed over the years.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I have only used Uber once In Dulles, VA. Evidently a new user starts out as a 5 star passenger, so the Uber driver that is close get to the passenger ASAP. He was a nice enough man, that drove safely, and we chatted about the area, and he got me to my destination safely and I tipped his a nice tip. I have no idea what my rating is now, as that was 8 years ago.

It is not a job that I would want.

When I lived in the DC metro area the Uber drivers were running a scam to get more in fares by waiting in nearby parking lots until the surge rates would hit due to demand.

https://wjla.com/news/local/uber-and-lyft-drivers-fares-at-reagan-national

[panelbilly]

I’ve used them 20 or so times. Never had a dirty car although I often get a driver who doesn’t speak English. Often expensive, but cheeper than a taxi

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

When I lived in the DC metro area the Uber drivers were running a scam to get more in fares by waiting in nearby parking lots until the surge rates would hit due to demand.

I tried ordering a LYFT the other morning and the driver's would cancel it and when I went to order a new ride it was 50% more.

I took the bus.

[David]

I agree UBER has gotten worse in the last few years but the scariest ride I've ever had was in a Yellow Cab. I called Yellow Cab with the driver number and they couldn't care less.

These days, my main complaint is if they drive too slow or drive slower than traffic in the left lane.

Prices in the US have gotten up to where taxi's are so not much savings but it seems in the rest of the world it's still pretty cheap.

It is nice to take an UBER into the city, not worry about parking, and then be able to jump in another UBER, go to a club after dinner or where ever and not worry about DWI. Of course this leads to possibly excess drinking and goofy old white guy dancing in public.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I've probably used Uber 10-15 times since it started, so not much at all, last time was last fall. Edit: a few months ago in Montreal. Every car was nice and new. Drivers don't try to talk which I like. Cab drivers like to talk. The part I like is they are there in minutes. And cars are nice.

I too have no idea how they make money.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I too have no idea how they make money.

I have a buddy who says it's a great job for people who are horrible at math.

[stevej37]

A good portion of them do it just to show off their vehicle. They have no need for the money, but do it as a hobby.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

When I lived in the DC metro area the Uber drivers were running a scam to get more in fares by waiting in nearby parking lots until the surge rates would hit due to demand.

https://wjla.com/news/local/uber-and-lyft-drivers-fares-at-reagan-national

I’ve seen that. Usually the foreigners that game that system.

The apps tell the riders how many souls on board for each incoming flight as well.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Still better than a taxi in the US.

OMG, Yes!!!!

[vash]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

I've used Uber a lot. I have had some interesting trips.

In San Diego, I had a driver tell me he had paid off his second mortgage driving an Uber.

My last Uber ride was such a good experience, I tipped her 100%. I told the driver she was the safest driver I had ever had. She was truly shocked.

In Seattle, I had a driver whose day job was "magician". He was a character for sure.

In Nashville, I had a driver hit on me, and he concerned me so much, I contacted Uber while on the ride. They called him on the spot. He finished my ride while they were on the phone. Uber refunded the full price of the ride, and I received a substantial credit. They followed up later to tell me he would not be driving again.

the pickup spot at the San Diego airport where you meet the drivers is like Thunderdome. total chaos.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I have a buddy who says it's a great job for people who are horrible at math.

I actually laughed out loud, so glad I wasn't drinking my coffee!

[onewhippedpuppy]

I’ve actually had some really interesting Uber conversations over the years. Had one in Tampa earlier this year where the guy was a part time executive at a marijuana company and drove because he likes talking to people, he gave me an hour dissertation on the national marijuana industry while we were stuck in traffic. I will say it’s a far more advanced business than I realized. No, he didn’t reek of weed either!

[David]

I've had some good Uber conversations too, unfortunately I can't remember the best ones because... alcohol. Recently I had a Cuban driver that really laid out the Cuban political system and I recall it being terribly fascinating. No idea what he said now.