Explain Uber To Me

[Gogar]

Am I the only one using TaxiMagic?

No, taxi magic has been around since iPhone has had GPS. It's fine, but a little inconsistent city to city. And it still can't hold a candle to the convenience of uber (IMO).

[jyl]

Originally Posted by rwest

Side note, I was recently in Portland and called a Radio Cab; guy was right on time, super nice, never did that thing where they tell you the story about how some guy tipped them an awesome amount, drove the direct route and didn't give me any hassle about using a credit card.

I live in Portland. Radio Cab is by far and away the best cab company here. Their drivers own their cars and the company is owned by the drivers, as a cooperative. The company has a long history Radio Cab - Serving Portland Since 1946 Every Radio Cab driver I've had has been professional and good with a clean, new car; they are all career cab drivers. No surly non English speaking flakes. I'd hate to see the company get hurt by Uber.

I can't say the same for cab companies and drivers in other cities I've visited and lived. In Berkeley, where I used to live, the cab are old beaters and clunkers, the drivers are all Pakistani (or so it seems), the service level is terrible. I'd love to see them swept away.

[biosurfer1]

Originally Posted by jyl

Their drivers own their cars and the company is owned by the drivers, as a cooperative.

OT but when I read that, the first thing I thought was "if that doesn't have an episode of Portlandia written all over it, I don't know what does!"

[stomachmonkey]

Seems Uber does play fair

Mysterious taxi no-shows blamed on Uber's dirty tactics

[JavaBrewer]

I never even heard about Uber until reading this thread. Used the app for the first time last Tuesday to pick up my car from the shop after work. I downloaded the app at lunch time and placed my request and the ride @ 4pm. App showed his active location, car and license plate with driver name. He was here literally in 8 minutes. 10 minute drive = $7. Guy drove a clean late model Honda and was in medical sales. He said he normally provided rides to and from his appointments.

So not much else to go on but my first experience was great. Will use them again when the need arises.

My last 'cab' ride was with yellow cab about 3 years ago. Driver was strange, drove a large window van (like super shuttle). I was his only fare and on the way from SAN airport to my work he starts putting on rubber gloves...It was late and I was really tired. Totally creepy way to end my trip. Glad to see him drive off.

[rattlsnak]

OK if anyone is going to sign up PLEASE use my code. It will give you and me $30.00!! of credit just by using my code!!

Promo code: march154

[David]

I've had some really scary cab rides and I've been ripped off by cab drivers so being licensed buys you absolutely nothing. The scariest ride I've ever had was in a Yellow cab in Houston. I thought we were going to crash at least a dozen times. I don't think he was drunk and I asked if he'd been on shift for a long time and he said he just started his shift. He just couldn't drive a car. I called Yellow cab about the driver and they could care less. I've never used Uber but I would.

[M.D. Holloway]

I use Taximagic AKA Curb...

[john70t]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

I don't see how? License? In California, taxi drivers do not need any special license,...

As I understand, there is big money involved in artificially limiting the supply of taxis.

Plan lets taxi drivers transfer medallions - SFGate
"The policy, adopted unanimously Tuesday, allows medallion holders 60 and older or with disabilities to sell their permits through the agency for $300,000. Sellers get to keep $200,000, with the agency pocketing $100,000."

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Seems safe enough to me...

[porsche4life]

Seems safe enough to me...

And can companies vet their drivers how? I've been with plenty of them that gave me the creeps.

[wayner]

If we are going to talk about Uber, maybe we should also talk about SilverCar?

Anyone use it? I love their slogan.

https://www.silvercar.com

[Head416]

Never heard of Silver Car before. Funny slogan, but weird model - they only rent Audi A4's? $89/day? I think my last rental was an Impala for $30/day, don't see why I would pay 3x for an A4. I'd go to maybe $35.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Head416

Never heard of Silver Car before. Funny slogan, but weird model - they only rent Audi A4's? $89/day? I think my last rental was an Impala for $30/day, don't see why I would pay 3x for an A4. I'd go to maybe $35.

Because you don't want to drive a rental car...

I hate travelling and having to drive something worse than what I drive at home, in fact I usually like something better.