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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPLEASE HELP New Uber rider has some questions - this is really to ease my wife's concerns
Okay so I signed up for Uber tonight.
We have a ride set for Thursday morning 500 miles from here. $85-110. We're taking the train and no one in the family there is willing to pick us up*. Okay it's a 90 mile drive to the Atlanta train station for them. But still - we are bringing their only blood grandchild and my wife hasn't seen her parents in 6 months**.
So we have it set. My wife is very concerned as am I.
Do we find out WHO is driving us?
Do we find out their rating?
Do we find out the make of the car?
Do we get some sort of confirmation?
How does this work? What do I need to know?
* not MY family obviously. The in-Laws. Do NOT get me started.
** boy this is turning ugly
Seriously I need some expertise or experience on this.
MissB
(15,800 posts)and license plate
On edit: on the app, you can see how close they are.
underpants
(182,279 posts)MissB
(15,800 posts)So I dont think I could answer your question. Weve used uber a lot but more like on demand rather than booking in advance.
CurtEastPoint
(18,552 posts)Just a Weirdo
(488 posts)Yes. You get the drivers name text phone number type of car and license plate, and rating once you get one on the way. They even track where the car is and how long.
ETA; yes a photo of the driver is included
MissB
(15,800 posts)Be aware there could be surge pricing.
underpants
(182,279 posts)The price as I stated is a range. We can live with that.
enough
(13,237 posts)Try this current DU thread.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11455697
Generic Brad
(14,270 posts)We had not used either before. We took a taxi from the airport to our daughter's place and it was a harrowing ride. The hack was running stop signs and speeding through narrow one way streets. I actually closed my eyes for most of the ride because I could feel my blood pressure rising.
Uber and Lyft, on the other hand were OK. The drivers were polite and they did not drive like madmen. We used Uber first but my daughter recommended we switch to Lyft. Apparently she likes it better. Personally, I did not see any difference.
I was just relieved that I did not have to do any white knuckle riding through those services. The taxi just drove too aggressively.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Never had a problem. Just make sure to tip the hell out of them if it goes well. Most people I have used are trying to make additional income due to a shitty paying real job.
TomSlick
(11,035 posts)The Uber GPS system is pretty amazing. You can monitor the Uber driver's progress on getting to you. The Uber driver will know where you are waiting within feet.
Most Uber drivers I have used were bright and friendly. It'll be fine - just go with it.
TheBlackAdder
(28,076 posts).
A bad review carries a lot of weight with both of them, versus a local taxi service.
.
July
(4,750 posts)I live in a big northeastern city, and I used to use city cabs. The difference between Uber and city cabs is significant.
While I have had cab rides with polite, knowledgeable drivers, there has been no comparison with Uber drivers.
The black cars are clean, the drivers are polite, and I can see where they are on the way to my pickup location. You should be abe to find their rating, and it's also in your interest to give the driver a 5-star rating (they also rate you, and if your rating gets too low, you can get booted).
You are given the make and license number of the car when you call for one, and the driver will normally ask your name to verify you are the person s/he contracted with. I also check the driver's name, given when you arrange the ride, with him/her. (I have had Uber drivers tell me of their experiences with people trying to steal someone else's ride.)
You or the driver can cancel, but it should be done in a timely manner. You can directly call the driver, as I did after incorrectly directing him to the wrong location.
FWIW,I have never had a bad Uber experience, and I use Uber frequently. I have only used the "Black car" option, so I can't speak to Uber X or whatever else is out there.
All the drivers I have had have been extremely polite and helpful, including when we needed help with heavy suitcases. Some are chatty, others not, but many where I live are immigrants, and most will talk if you are interested about their own Uber experience, their home countries, and much else (the potholes, our sports teams, their kids's schools). A world of difference from the cruddy cabs and surly drivers in this city's taxis.
As I no longer drive, I find Uber very helpful.
underpants
(182,279 posts)I really appreciate the advise
Roland99
(53,342 posts)Never had a bad ride. Great service
If you have an Amex Platinum, check your benefits. Might get $15/mo Uber credit