Do you use UBER??

[themechanic]

Ever use a courtesy car from the dealership? I did once, and the older gentleman took the long route to my work place. The shorter route would have been quicker but I assume he was nervous driving in heavy traffic.

 

[petieg383]

I've used Uber, Lyft, Fasten, etc.. hundreds of times. I use it at least twice a week, sometimes more depending on my travel schedule so I believe I have a good idea how well these services work.

The price is hard to beat versus a cab or a car service, not to mention the convenience. And this isn't like buying a chinese intake manifold versus an american made one when you know it's a knock-off. These drivers are all here, and are working, going to school, whatever.

The money is going directly to the drivers. It's providing a job, so don't forget about that part either. I know Taxi drivers are working to make a living too, but this is what competition is about.

The taxi system stinks all around. WAY too expensive even for the shortest of rides. The taxis themselves are total pieces of crap, they smell, ride bad, etc. I haven't been in 1 Uber ride that's been bad. Some are better than others, but none of them are the crappy cars like a normal taxi.

Uber and the like should be and are pushing these other car/taxi services to be better/cheaper/faster. If we can't do that here in America, then we're done for.
Stuff happens out there on the road. There are accidents and other bad things that happen all the time, and everyone knows that. It's sad to say, but there is way more good going on then bad. These ridesharing services are a good thing overall. And for those of you that travel weekly like I do, I can assure you that my wife wants no part of driving me to the airport at 4am on Monday mornings.

 

[themechanic]

The original Uber

 

[NJRR]

These driver do not get a back ground check,do not need to prove citizenship.Now they can use their own car with passenger plates.That means if something happens the insurance Co will deny coverage.
Your taking your and your families lives in your own hands if you climb into one of these cars!!!!!!!!!

I believe in NYC Uber cars have to have TLC plates.

 

[HT413]

If Uber were to vet their subcontractors and require licence and criminal check and require the proper insurance they would be great.

Well al, they're at least half way there. Uber does require background checks which include licenses, court records, sex offenders lists, etc.

https://help.uber.com/h/1bde7f02-9eb0-4111-bf29-6c984e2146ad

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Uber Driver Requirements
These requirements apply to UberX, XL, and Select. If you’d like to apply today, click here to apply to drive with my referral link. You’ll be eligible for the best bonus in your area.

• You must be at least 21 years old
• Have access to a 4-door car that is model year 2007 or newer in most cities
  • 2002 or newer: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco
  • 2011 or newer: New York
  • Check Ubermovement.com for your city’s model year requirement
• In-state auto insurance with your name on the policy
• In-state driver license
• Licensed in the US for at least one year, or three years if you’re under 23
• You must have a social security number
• In-state plates with current registration (commercial plates are acceptable as well)
• Pass a background check and a driving record check

Want to know if your vehicle qualifies for

I don't think you can drive your personal car with personal insurance and have coverage for a paid fare.You would need Taxi/limo insurance for proper coverage.

 

[Speedbird]

The original Uber


View attachment 440232

Just a little OT.

I enjoyed this movie. See how the other half lives.

 

[HT413]

• Have access to... model year 2007 or newer in most cities
  

  • 2002 or newer: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco
  • 2011 or newer: New York

  
  '02 in LA, '11 in NYC. Funny, why do ya think that is?

 

[64BEL]

My daughter uses Lyft a lot in Chicago. When we visit her, we use it with her, too. Fast and cheap and seems to work pretty well. She's way more up on this stuff than we are. We live in the sticks and NEVER use public transportation at home (there's only a taxi or 2 in neighboring towns). We can drive anywhere we want to go quickly AND (this is the key part) find parking in seconds! Chicago is one big giant hassle if you take a vehicle down there. But now I'm straying from the topic at hand...

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Cheap is,,,,,,,,cheap. I'm not saying there is not a need for these Uber types.But we need to be protected against unvetted,underinsured,unchecked drivers.

 

[munger77]

Ive used Uber and Lyft with excellent service 50-100 times, and the drivers have all been real friendly. Cars kept meticulously clean, water bottles in some of them included, etc.
I'd rather be in my convertible GTX, but not going to ATL airport in heavy traffic, LOL!

 

[JimKueneman]

So where is the website with incidents from classic cab companies? I am sure those drivers are all upstanding pillars of their communities. Does not look to me like a list that would be any longer than what has always been happening in that industry.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

So where is the website with incidents from classic cab companies? I am sure those drivers are all upstanding pillars of their communities. Does not look to me like a list that would be any longer than what has always been happening in that industry.

Jim,your missing my point! By no means am I saying a traditional taxi is any better,I'm all for competition! I am an owner/operator licenced in several townships.In order to have and maintain this licence I am rechecked every year,I am required to have $3 Mil in liability and $500k on hook coverage.I carry more because of the value of the vehicles I transport.
Now if these other taxi companies want to jump on the bandwagon,make them check the drivers and carry the proper insurance.

 

[Billccm]

The issue with the local Taxi companies in Tucson is the majority do not take credit cards (or they will take the credit card reluctantly and say something like 'can't we stop at an ATM on the way'), the dispatch system is antiquated and not reliable, and the prices have gone up almost 3X since 1997. I actually have some sympathy for the 'contract' Taxi drivers as they are taxed and fee for everything, and the 'lease' prices keep increasing, and they are not making much money per the hours they put in.

In 1997 a taxi ride to the airport from my home was $22 including a tip. In 2017 it is $62 before tip. The Crown Vic taxi had an impressive 345,000 miles, but the upholstery had not been cleaned for 20 years.

A Uber ride to the airport is $37 without tip, the driver picks me up in his 2016 Explorer, and I watch real time the dispatch on my phone as he is in route to pick me up, and I get a bottle of water complementary.

I just don't see how the Taxi companies can survive much longer.....................

 

[HT413]

Next town over has a nice little downtown with restaurants and a small taxi service. $50 round trip via taxi. $14 round trip via Uber.

 

[GetX'd]

If Uber and Lyft clean up their acts - Taxis are doomed as a big time business. There's still a place for them but it's going to be a reversal of fortunes.

 

[steve from staten island]

The car service i take according to the driver the insurance is ten thousand per car. Is a Uber driver required to have the same amount of insurance on his car? i dont see how that is possible. While it may be true what some said about cab drivers they still have to pass DOT physicals they have to be drug free and have there blood pressure,eye sight and complete physicals to maintain there license. Is a Uber driver required to do the same? We all want the best, top services yet we want discount prices. Sure Uber is fine and cheaper to, thats until there is a problem. Who do you complain to? Whats your recourse? Were i live we have the Taxi limousine Commission. They inspect cabs and livery cars, cars for hire, limos you take to weddings, funerals, in addition to auto emission safety inspection as required by the State. They investigate complaints, price gouging and a whole host of other issues. Is Uber held to the same standard?

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

That is the point Steve.There is the need for Uber type services,but they are not held to the same standards and insurance requirements as licenced taxi,limo and black cars.
Too many think"OH,that would never happen to me". If the **** hits the fan,you hope the passenger is covered by the cars insurance......

 

[steve from staten island]

That is the point Steve.There is the need for Uber type services,but they are not held to the same standards and insurance requirements as licenced taxi,limo and black cars.
Too many think"OH,that would never happen to me". If the **** hits the fan,you hope the passenger is covered by the cars insurance......[/QUOTE---------There may be a need for Uber in rural areas. Most of the car services outside of Manhattan employ owner operators. Get a car, hook up with a car service, go in business. Whats next, i buy a 3/4 ton pickup. Insure it as a second vehicle, throw a car hoist in it, get a police scanner and chase accidents down? Does anybody get that people in business have to comply with rules and regulations just trying to stay in business while other find ways to circumvent those requirements?

 

[Dennis H]

Flying out of SJC. Getting there for about $7 as opposed to $27 by Cab.