Why Uber Is Terrible - Cracked Explains

[FrodosPet]

Disclaimer: I am in the taxi industry, and I know the taxi industry stinks like yesterday's diaper. Crappy cars, rude drivers, and most of the fleet owners, big and small, are lesser demons straight from the pits of Hell. Nevertheless, that, and the fact that this was produced by Cracked does not make it incorrect.

[darkangel218]

1. Uber is no where near "terrible".

I understand they are competition for your "industry", but they're awesome for consumers. Most UBER drivers work part time, for supplemental income only.

I love UBER.

[salib]

3. If Uber were unionized, I would have less of a problem with it.

It is not.

[darkangel218]

4. Taxi industry hates UBER because UBER provides a higher class service

And it's cheaper. It takes away their clientele.

But yes, it should be unionized. I think CA Uber drivers are fighting for it at the moment.

[FrodosPet]

5. To paraphrase: "I'm getting what I want cheaper than it costs to produce it"

"So too bad for anyone driving for any other reason than it is a hobby that pays for itself (almost)"

Uber burns people badly and frequently, and they are going to destroy the economy in the process.

But Hey! Cheap ride in a clean car, so Yippee!

(PLEASE at least tell me that you tip, even though that piece of excrement Travis says you don't have to?)

If you want to discover what Uber does to people, check out:

http://uberpeople.net

And if you aren't already, throw your driver $3+ for even a short ride. Even if it is a hobby, gas, tires, brakes, adequate insurance (which is 2x the normal rate), taxes, and more costs money. Don't screw over a good driver. It's rude.

[Hulk]

2. Oh Daniel, I feel bad for you.

You are in "the taxi industry". One step up from typewriter repairman, VHS rental industry, and so many other industries that have been left in the dust.

I'll be honest, I've had damned few taxi experiences in the USA because they are so damned expensive and have often been less than a positive experience....for me, personally.

I am 68, living on Social Security and half a teacher's pension (my X got the other half). My current car is a 1995 Toyota Carolla, which has been a great car mechanically, but when it comes to real comfort for more than a 25 mile trip, is non-existent. We need to upgrade, but can't afford $6000+ for a newer used car.

Hence, Uber. I would never want to work full time again. In fact, I'm not real sure I want to work at all; but I love driving, and I know our metro area quite well, and this is a perfect fit for me.

With the part time work, times of my choosing, I can earn enough money to pay off that new car in a year's time...or less. I consider myself a good driver: haven't had an accident or ticket in as long as I can remember. I'm a retired school teacher, and I enjoy people....unless they happen to be red neck, right wing wind bags - which is pretty slight chance of meeting.

The down side is "having strangers in my family car", but I expect riders to be decent, considerate people. I'm sure there will be exceptions.

All that Daniel had to share was relatively worthless. I'm most concerned about the insurance end of it, but I'm willing to take the chance. At 68, tell me what better options I have. Pretty much none.

[FrodosPet]

7. As long as your expectations are low

The best resource, both positive and negative, would be to check out UberPeople.

A good source of insurance info is at:

- http://uberpeople.net/forums/Insurance/

They also have forums for individual cities.

- http://uberpeople.net/forums/Cities/

Good luck, roll safe. Don't chase surges, wait for them to come to you.

If rolling to the airport is a good fit for you, post up in a hotel district Monday mornings starting around 4:30-5:00 am and Fridays starting around 2:30-3:00 pm.

Bar rush is high volume, but most drivers learn to dread and even avoid them. You WILL have drama and vomit and 1 star ratings (don't forget to stay above 4.6 stars, or they bounce you) if you chase bar calls.

A lot of Uber drivers hate concerts and sporting events. You may have traffic, but at least you will have the time charge to help you click up the fare.

I don't blame you for wanting to do it, but please watch yourself. I thought about it long and hard myself, but the numbers don't work as a real job. I'm still doing better in cab work, where I can fish for tips and run prepaid accounts while wearing out someone else's car (I got my door smashed in a parking lot, 2 hours later I am in another car catching runs). Good luck, roll smart.

[sketchy]

6. Thank you for this info

A good case is made in the video that Uber's standards are scary low when it comes to both the safety of passengers, and concern for the drivers' welfare.

[Pharaoh]

8. Right on Frodo!

Also am a cab driver in Madison WI. Talked with an uber driver yesterday, said he really wasn't making much more than he did with green cab, but he has to trash his own car. Fuck that!