This is the third post in a series on the wonderful world of the sharing economy. Check out the first two on Airbnb: hosting and traveling. On deck: the popular ride-sharing service, uber.
Many have already used uber, and this post is mainly directed at those who have not. I found it to be a little more scary to start than the welcoming, picture-filled site of Airbnb (though importantly, no less helpful). To the newbies, I want to say yes, you can use uber. It's easier than hailing a cab and cheaper too.*
My first uber trip was out of necessity (as was my second trip and my third), which is what makes this sharing economy so clutch. I had a pretty intense ankle surgery and couldn’t walk or drive. I had to make it to work which was only a MILE AWAY. Before uber, what would I do? Ask my husband to stay home from work to take me? Ride a knee scooter with marginal brakes down a very steep hill? Call our retired friends who live 40 minutes away to come and get me? No good options. So I signed up for uber and took my first trip. It was super easy and incredibly convenient.
Thank you!
Here's how to do it.
First, download the Uber app and sign up.
It’s free to sign up (another full disclosure - that’s my referral link. Free ride for you and free ride for me).
Set your pickup location and car type.
When you’re in the app, a map will appear of your general location. Type in an address for your pickup location or drag the map around until the pin is where you want to be picked up.
The number in the circle is the estimated time to pickup, and the cars pictured are actual nearby ubers.
Select your uber type from the options along the bottom of the screen.
The cheapest option is on the left and the most expensive is on the right (For Hire being the exception. It’s comparable to uberX rates).
A quick rundown on uber types. Note: you'll only see options available in your area. You might not see “uberHOP” or “For Hire” in your view, for example.
Uberhop: Carpool! A commuter option to share an uber for the cheapest fare. Only available along popular commuter routes in metro areas.
UberX: Point A to Point B without a fuss. These are typically sedans from the last ten years and they look fine: no dents, no scratches. They seat four. This is my typical option because it's cheap and functional.
UberSelect: For the fancy pantsys. Expect to be picked up in a nicer car like an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, or Infiniti. They’ll all have leather seats.
UberBlack: For the fantsy pantsys wanting one specific color. Yes, these cars are actually black with black leather interiors. They're typically a bit more expensive than UberSelect and their drivers will be lookin' fly.
UberXL: Great for going to the airport in a carload. These are the bigger version of UberX and seat up to six.
UberSUV: Big car. Big style. Expect Cadillac Escalades, Chevy Suburbans, or GMC Denalis. It's basically UberSelect with six seats.
For Hire: Taxis using uber technology. These are found in very limited areas and pricing is comparable to UberX.
Right then, back to it.
Enter a destination
I always check out the “fare estimate” and this will give you a ballpark of cost.
Close out of the fare estimate and request your uber.
When uber is trying to get more cars on the road, they’ll enact “surge pricing” that makes fares more expensive (and thus drivers make more money). If surge pricing is in effect, you’ll be notified before you pay.
Pickup
After you've requested your uber, you’ll see a profile of the driver, a description of the car, and then you can actually follow the car’s location on the app until it comes to you. The driver may call you just to touch base and clarify pickup details (what corner you’re standing on, an identifying feature, etc).
The driver will pull up, confirm you’re the right person, and then go ahead and hop in! I usually sit in the back rather than the passenger seat, but that's up to you.
Drop off
That's it! Get out and be on your merry way. You don't tip - your credit card will be automatically charged (wizardry technology). You’ll also have the opportunity to rate your driver after the trip is finished.
Use uber...
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To/from the airport.
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After you’ve had a few too many drinks and can’t drive.
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In place of a taxi.
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In a city.
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To get dropped off at a show with limited parking.
A few things to keep in mind:
Uber has drawn some critics for less-than-stringent driver requirements and liability issues. Know and understand these perspectives, and trust your gut if something feels off.
It does seem that uber is really stepping up their safety with end-to-end insurance for riders and drivers, and riders can also press a button to “share their ETA” with a friend when hopping in for a ride.
Overall, I'm definitely in favor of uber as yet another success of the sharing economy and will definitely be using it again.
*Uber is cheaper than taxis in most major cities. There is not enough room here to show you all the data, but check out this cool map from CNBC for further reading on the price comparison.