Promoted as " Everyday cars for everyday use.
Better, faster, and cheaper than a taxi."
I was in the Cleveland area (staying slightly outside of the city, conference near the downtown area) yesterday when I woke up to a flat tire. Hotel called me a cab but I had no idea how long it would take since I was sort of in surburbia. I remembered Uber. Quickly downloaded the app - which was set up marvelously! I could see where the nearest available driver was - registered and connected my account to Paypal (with Uber there is no cash exchange - you either register a credit card or paypal). Could see the reasonable estimated cost. Clicked “give me a ride!” and almost right away I could see on a map the Uber car headed my way - the app continually updated to show me EXACTLY where my ride was and the estimated time of arrival (a countdown “8 mins away” “5 minutes away”) You could also click to message or call your Uber driver - I was staying at a hotel so I texted her the hotel name in addition to the address I had provided on Uber for easier “finding me” - she responded right away. Lovely. Nice car, nice speedy service, GREAT updates - a very, very pleasant experience.
I remembered it because two of kids have used it on the weekends. Great for a ride out or home when you don’t want to drive. Reasonable costs. (costs vary by city I think). App will even let you split the tab if you are riding with someone.
Good experience for me. My kids were impressed. Anyone try Uber yet???
We’ve used it. The first time was when our car was hit and we had no way to get home, as the tow truck was headed in the other direction. Since we were hit BY a taxi, we didn’t want to take one of those. We used Uber. Fast arrival, newer car, did not stink like cabs often do, comfortable ride, and a very friendly driver. We were so pleased we used it again to and from the airport on a vacation. We also have a friend who used to drive for them until she moved away. She loved it and never felt unsafe, even at night.
Both boys use it. The DC boy because it’s easier/quicker/cheaper than a taxi; the local boy when he and friends are going out drinking. There’s plenty of controversy around it, but I don’t have a problem.
D2 uses it with friends when going out on the town. They (her crowd) are all 21, but in situations where no one wants to be the DD, it is a good solution.
I had only really heard of it in terms of those weekend “bar runs”. Wasn’t fully sure that it would be operating on a Monday morning! My driver told me she keeps nicely busy during the week. In addition to business people transporting she has transported a mom and her child to day care, people to medical appointments, etc. Her car was yes, clean, smelled nice, organized and had an appropriate channel on the radio.
Funny how very few parents have tried Uber, but many of our kids have, and they mostly love it.
OK, taxis have Uber, hotels have airbnb… My new business will be a mealshare. An app will show you a nearby home where you can go for a meal - sit down with the family. You can search for the type of meal you want (We are having chili at my place tonight!) and of course you can always get a ride from Uber. Every stay at home mom can make a little extra money by selling a meal or 2 per week. You will have fewer leftovers and possibly some stimulating conversation. Customer ratings will very quickly sort out the good and even great cooks from the frozen food thawing crowd. I am gonna be rich!!! (Does this exist already?)
edit… mealku exists but it is a coop that people join. Not sure if a phone app exists yet that anyone can use to find a home with a meal instead of a restaurant. Very easy to have an “idea”. Very hard to convert that idea into an actual business.
I have used uber and so have my children. Great service that is reliable and quick on the arrival time. The last time I used it my car had broken down about 100 miles form my home literally in front of a gas station. They were going to do the repair but it would take them overnight to do so. I booked a local hotel and called uber for the transport. My D had downloaded the app onto my phone and it came in really handy.
Kiddo gave us a code when we signed up. With that, he got a free ride and we got a free ride. Do I sound like Oprah here . It is really a cool service and was very reliable.
Be aware!
Uber cars are not covered by insurance. The rides are given by regular people who do not have commercial licenses As such their insurance (with the price tag to match) does not cover them nor you if there is an accident. Once they take payment it is no longer “a friendly lift to the airport” it is a commercial transaction and auto insurance companies can deny any claims.And they are.
It is a major problem for Uber which hasn’t been resolved yet.
Has anyone used Uber to transport a dog? He is over 60 pounds. Some cabs will stop for us, and some won’t, but with cabs, they can see him and make up their mind on the spot…
I haven’t used Uber yet but I have used Lyft several times and it’s been a very positive experience each time. Sounds similar - map of drivers in area, lower pricing than taxis, drivers who are background checked and insured by Lyft. Mine have been grad students mostly.
Anyone try Uber yet???
