What is UBER?
What is UBER? UBER App is Powerful Way to Get Where You Need to Be…Cheaper
If you have visited a larger city, or needed to get somewhere without a car, chances are you have hailed (or tried) a cab. With hailing a cab comes frustrations and irritations. Late arrivals, missed signals and ridiculous and unknown pricing can all cause one to second guess getting a taxi in the city. UBER is a smartphone “taxi” app that came along back in 2009 and has slowly been changing the transportation landscape ever since. This idea is a very interesting take on the economic model we pattern our lives around….we buy and sell based on reputation and convenience.
With UBER, you send a signal through an app that you need a ride. That signal is then given to a driver that is nearby (through the wonders of smartphone and satellite technology) and all payment is done via credit card – no cash necessary. The driver picks you up and then takes you to the desired location. This business model, at it’s core, is pretty solid. You do not need to carry cash OR even tip!
How it Works:
1.) Download the app. Use my Uber promo code, ashleyl4951ue, and get $20 off your first UBER ride.
2.) Request your ride.
3.) Track your driver and their arrival time on your GoogleMaps-like map.
4.) You have your driver’s name and car color and make so you can make sure you get in the right car. They often an UBER sticker on the side of the window. They also have your picture so they will know what you look like.
5.) Place your end location in the app and your driver will get you there. No need to pay (as your credit card info is in the app) or offer a tip.
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There are some challenges that UBER has faced over the years, however. One such problem is the safety of the drivers and riders. Because the drivers are vetted to some degree, that is somewhat under control. Drivers MUST PASS background checks and have a constantly monitored driving record that meets certain standards. While not foolproof, it is a fairly solid program to keep riders safe. The flip side of that equation, however, is still somewhat a point of contention. Compared to a taxi, however, there is RECORD of your travel, location and diver leaving a safe history to your whereabouts and who you are with.
Prices are, of course, another important aspect of the program. They implement what is called surge pricing and the model is based on supply and demand. At high traffic times, the pricing goes up. When demand is lower, rides are much cheaper. Compare these prices, though, at all times to a cab. Living in the city (DC), we have found this service to be much cheaper than the alternative. For our family of four, UBER IS EVEN CHEAPER THAN THE METRO!
This is important when selecting a car. There are also many different levels of UBER rides. You can get luxury automobiles, SUV sized vehicles (UBER XL or UBERSUV) and various other types of Uber rides if you are willing to pay for them. The key is to fit the Uber experience to what you are comfortable with. When we have more than 5 people, we always select UBER XL
UBER has carved out one heck of a niche in a powerful market. The company is worth billions and they seem to be expanding all the time. Right now, they are in hundreds of cities across the globe and that number is only going to increase in the coming years. It is the ride of choice for our DC Family of four!
Want to try it out? Grab a FREE UBER Ride with this promo code! Use my Uber promo code, ashleyl4951ue, and get $20 off your first UBER ride.
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Last Updated on May 13, 2016 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living