Category: Travel Tips

Have you Ubered lately?

Forget conventional taxi service, Uber is the new way to get around.

I was recently at a farewell party and one of the guests was talking about how she used Uber to get to the restaurant.  The person she was talking to ask her if she felt safe using this service and she replied, yes.  The person who asked the question said she would not feel safe using the service but has heard that people have had good services.  So it has me thinking, if I need a mode of transportation and didn’t want to use a taxi would I use Uber?

For those of you who do not know what Uber is here is the description of the business straight from their web-site: Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in hundreds of cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer.  They are rapidly growing as the Uber service is available in 59 countries and 311 cities and growing.

So how do you Uber? You simply go on their website and sign up for their App which can be easily downloaded on any smart device through the Apple Store or Google Play store.  Once you download the app you put in your criteria of where you need to be picked up, what time, and what place to drop off.  They also pride themselves on having clear pricing for your trip and you can even pay through the app.  I feel that having already paid for the services up front is very helpful and I don’t have to worry about having cash or giving the correct change. 

Is Uber safe?  I know for certain that taxi cab drivers are not always the most reliable or safe drivers.  I have been swindled by a few taxi drivers overseas as they have taken the scenic route to get me to my destination.  What ends up happening is I pay an arm and a leg for what should have been a 2 minute ride.  We also hear about people who rob taxi cab drivers or vice versa.  Unfortunately, this is the risk involved when using these types of services.  Uber is on a mission thought to ensure the safety of both the passengers and drivers.  Each Uber driver must undergo a background investigation including a criminal background check.  They also make everyone take their code of conduct which Uber says gives everyone in the “vehicle has a shared standard for respect, accountability, and common courtesy.”  Make sure to ask the driver the name of the person they are there to pick-up.  This also helps with confusion and safety.

So will you Uber?  I really like that I can pre-pay my ride.  This helps with not allowing the driver to take you on the scenic route unless it is on their time and dime.  I would be more likely to use this service in the United States when I don’t have a whole bunch of luggage with me.  Carrying around luggage is already a hassle, then when your Uber car pulls up and it can barely fit your carry-on let alone the four other pieces of luggage you have with you can be nerve racking.  I think this concept is great as it has helped people who are drinking make sure they don’t get behind the wheel, as with the case of a few of our friends at this farewell party the other weekend.  I am always for a service that may save a life.

Next time you need a taxi, consider using Uber! 

P.S. Did you know that Uber is throughout Europe and a great way to quickly get around the city to see sights?  When you are ready to book your next European vacation, make sure to ask your travel agent the best way to go about using Uber.