Once you go Uber — the specialty limo service that employs a pricing and mapping algorithm to connect drivers with riders — you never go back, says Jim Edwards of Business Insider Magazine.
After leaving a disappointing ride in an “ancient” Chevy Caprice, with the driver constantly speaking on a headset and berating him in another language when the tip was not enough, ordinary taxi rides are something Edwards swears he will never do again (when possible).
Using Uber’s smartphone app to find an available limo driver, usually at prices less than a taxi, is clearly the way to go, Edwards says.
Uber’s business model is “incredibly simple but incredibly clever,” and it will “fix bad taxis forever.”
Bad taxi stories, especially outside of Manhattan, are surprisingly common — even though Edwards admits not all taxi drivers are bad.
Speaking English is a primary concern for Edwards. Drivers should be able to communicate with their passengers, and in many cities — like Las Vegas, for example — they speak English remarkably well. Polite conversation can be a vital part of the process, not to mention being able to take orders from law enforcement when necessary.
Uber requires drivers to pass an orientation before they pick up any fares; if communicating in English is a problem, they cannot pass orientation and could get low ratings from customers — high ratings are essential in the Uber system.
Uber penalizes lousy service, something distinguishing it from traditional taxis, but the system goes both ways – by drivers rating customers as well. Rudeness and poor customer behavior can get them banned by drivers.
Late-model vehicles are another Uber standard. Cars older than 2007 are not allowed, and the Uber app permits users to choose the vehicle for the ride.
Another feature is a GPS tracking system that allows Uber users to see (in real-time) how far off their ride is — no more, “he’s just five minutes away.”
Uber drivers see a share of each fare, so the infamous million-dollar-medallions that allow taxi drivers to operate in Manhattan become obsolete. All Uber asks for are a clean driving record and a modern car, relieving the stress of going cheap (in the vehicle and service) to make up the administration fee. Drivers can drop out of the system whenever they want, just by turning off the app.
As for the “surge” in pricing when there’s a flood of service requests, Uber has that covered as well, Edwards writes. New York drivers with New York Taxi & Limousine Commission licenses are also permitted to drive for Uber in New Jersey, something that will ultimately save users money.
Newer cars, better service and affordable rates make Uber the clear choice over an outdated, broken taxi system, even taking into account a small bump in rates during busy periods.
