Uber Review: The Major Player in the Public’s Daily Commute
If you live in a big city somewhere across the globe, you might be familiar with Uber. If you commute on a daily basis, chances are you might have probably come across this platform and have used this in one of your commutes, even just for a single time. It became so popular that it has become a household name when it comes to public transport.
What is Uber?
Uber is a ride-hailing platform that was launched sometime in 2012. The service it offers to the public is mainly intended for transportation. This has become very much popular and is still currently expanding all around the world.
How does Uber work? Is it the same as the taxi rides commonly used around?
While both platforms are a mode of transportation for the public to use, there is still a big difference between taxi rides and Uber rides. When you ride a taxi in your daily commute, usually you wait for a taxi to pass by, and you hail them to be able to have your ride. This is not the case with Uber. In Uber, usually, you book for a ride using their mobile app, and then wait for your ride to arrive at your specified pickup location, and then it takes you to where you want to be dropped off. As for the payment method regarding your fare, usually, when you ride a taxi, you pay it using cash. In Uber, you can pay your fare using your digital wallet or, you can also pay in cash if you want to. For taxi rides, your fare usually depends on the meter reading of the taxi. Only it is until you have reached your destination that you will know the exact amount of the fare you have to pay. For Uber rides, the passenger will already know the fare price they have to pay beforehand. This information is already included when you book your ride, including the driver's information and the information of the vehicle the driver will be using for your ride.
How can I have access to Uber’s ride services?
Getting started with Uber is quite easy. But first, you must make sure that you have the Uber app installed in your phone because that is what you would usually use for your Uber transactions.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can set up an account in Uber using your phone:
Now, you have set up your Uber account. If you want to book a ride with Uber, it is very easy too.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can book a ride with Uber:
Pros and Cons of using Uber
What is Uber?
Uber is a ride-hailing platform that was launched sometime in 2012. The service it offers to the public is mainly intended for transportation. This has become very much popular and is still currently expanding all around the world.
How does Uber work? Is it the same as the taxi rides commonly used around?
While both platforms are a mode of transportation for the public to use, there is still a big difference between taxi rides and Uber rides. When you ride a taxi in your daily commute, usually you wait for a taxi to pass by, and you hail them to be able to have your ride. This is not the case with Uber. In Uber, usually, you book for a ride using their mobile app, and then wait for your ride to arrive at your specified pickup location, and then it takes you to where you want to be dropped off. As for the payment method regarding your fare, usually, when you ride a taxi, you pay it using cash. In Uber, you can pay your fare using your digital wallet or, you can also pay in cash if you want to. For taxi rides, your fare usually depends on the meter reading of the taxi. Only it is until you have reached your destination that you will know the exact amount of the fare you have to pay. For Uber rides, the passenger will already know the fare price they have to pay beforehand. This information is already included when you book your ride, including the driver's information and the information of the vehicle the driver will be using for your ride.
How can I have access to Uber’s ride services?
Getting started with Uber is quite easy. But first, you must make sure that you have the Uber app installed in your phone because that is what you would usually use for your Uber transactions.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can set up an account in Uber using your phone:
- Open the Google Play Store (for Android users) or App Store (for iOS users), search for the Uber app, and then download and install it on your phone.
- Open the app once you have it downloaded and installed.
- Once the app is opened, you will be asked for your mobile number. You can also link your Facebook or Google account. Select which one of these options you want to link with your Uber account, and then tap on the arrow sign pointing to the right.
- On the next page, enter the verification code sent to you by Uber, and then tap on the arrow sign pointing to the right.
- On the next page, you will be asked to enter your name. Type in your first name and your last name, and then tap on the arrow sign pointing to the right.
- On the next page, you will be directed to the Uber app’s home screen, where you can choose your destination and book a ride.
Now, you have set up your Uber account. If you want to book a ride with Uber, it is very easy too.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can book a ride with Uber:
- Open the Uber app.
- Once the app is opened, tap on the tab that says Where to?
- Once you tap on the Where to tab, enter the destination you want to go to.
- Once you have entered your destination point, choose from the different ride options given on the screen. The fare for your ride is already indicated on the screen, and the amount depends on the ride option you have selected.
- Once you have selected your ride option, select the mode of payment you want to have for your ride. You can pay in cash, PayPal, debit card, Venmo, Uber gift cards, or other digital wallets.
- Once you have selected your preferred payment method, tap on the tab below the screen that says Request.
- Once you tap on Request, you will see the nearest pickup point from where you are. If you are good with the pickup point, tap on Confirm Pickup.
- Once you tap on Confirm Pickup, Uber will then find a ride for you. You will see the nearest and the fastest ride Uber has found for you. You will also see the name of the driver and the car model they are using, and how long it would take to get to your location.
- In case you want to cancel your ride after you have booked your ride, tap on Cancel.
Pros and Cons of using Uber
PROS |
CONS |
Convenience |
Surge pricing |
Different ride options |
Can be a disadvantage for drivers |
Safety |
|
Competitive pricing |
|
Fare sharing |
|
Easy to navigate app interface |
|
Easy to find a ride |
|
Cashless transaction |
PROS
- Convenience – Uber’s main goal is to offer convenience to its clients. Rather than wait for a bus or a taxi to pass by without any definite time, your ride would be the one to come to your location and pick you up instead. You can be comfortable while waiting for your ride to arrive wherever you may be.
- Different ride options – Unlike other modes of public transport where you cannot choose your ride option, with Uber, you are given the opportunity to choose a ride option you want. You can choose if you want to be a solo passenger or want a shared ride or even the type of vehicle you want.
- Safety – In terms of passenger safety, Uber can be considered safer than your usual public transport. When you book for a ride in Uber, you can immediately see the driver’s information, including the vehicle information. You will also see your travel details, such as your pick up and delivery point, including the estimated travel time it would take. You can save this or share this with any trusted person just in case of an emergency.
- Competitive pricing – Since this kind of transportation platform has been popular nowadays, Uber makes sure that it would not fall behind its competitors. It boasts a very affordable pricing scheme that would not make its clients feel like their experience was a waste of money.
- Fare sharing – If you are riding a public transport vehicle like a bus or taxi, you cannot say that you would like your fare to be split with a fellow passenger. However in Uber, you can always avail its so-called Ride Share service where you can share the ride with another passenger, and then the both of you will equally split the total fare amount when you pay up. This is a very good idea especially if you want to pay less than the usual fare, and you don’t mind sharing the ride with another passenger.
- Easy to navigate app interface – Navigating the Uber app on your phone is very easy and simple. Uber has designed it so that everyone, even those who are not tech-savvy, can easily navigate and use their app for daily use.
- Easy to find a ride - If on other public transport like buses or taxis, the passenger has to find and wait for a vehicle to ride; that is not the case with Uber. In Uber, the app itself will find you a nearby ride and arrange it for you to pick you up at the nearest possible location. You don’t have to worry about standing and waiting on the side of the street for a ride to arrive.
- Cashless transaction - If you want to go somewhere but are worried about not having cash on hand to pay for your fare, you do not need to worry about that kind of problem if you use Uber. This platform accepts payments from PayPal, debit cards, or payments from other digital wallet forms. This is convenient and favorable, especially for those who are not fond of bringing bulky purses daily.
CONS
- Surge pricing - One disadvantage of using Uber is that its price fares are not always fixed. This may change from higher or lower, depending on the public’s demand. Sometimes the price may go up if there are limited Uber transport vehicles available in the area or may go lower if there are fewer demands. But you should not be discouraged by this since this is not always the case with Uber.
- Can be a disadvantage for drivers – The disadvantages in Uber usually concern more on the driver. Sometimes, the demand coming from the public may affect the driver's daily earnings. Also, due to the increasing number of competitors in the market, drivers have to work longer hours and accept more passengers in order to earn enough on a daily basis. This does not even include yet other basic costs that the driver has to think of, like car fuel and car maintenance.
Uber ride options: What are my options and what should work best for me?
Uber offers a variety of ride options for its passengers. From basic economy rides to luxury rides or even pet rides, Uber has got it for you.
Here are some of the ride options Uber has to offer for you:
- Uber X – This is the most standard ride Uber offers its passengers. This is the most common among the different ride options Uber has to offer. Usually, the vehicles used under this category are sedans or SUVs and must be able to accommodate at least four passengers.
- Uber XL – This is slightly bigger than UberX. Usually, the vehicles used under this category are SUVs or minivans and must accommodate at least six passengers. If you are going somewhere bringing with you large suitcases for traveling with many people in the group, then this one might be the best fit for you.
- Uber Pool – This is Uber’s version of carpooling and is probably the cheapest ride service Uber has to offer. With Uber Pool, you will have to share the ride with at least two more passengers having almost the same route as yours. However, the good thing about this is that the fare for the ride will be divided among the passengers.
- Uber Comfort – This ride comes with a slightly higher fare price compared to the previous one mentioned. However, if you want to ride a vehicle with a newer model and has a more spacious interior and more leg room, then probably a few additional bucks would be worth the price.
- Uber Black – This belongs to the higher end of the ride options Uber offers. Although this is more expensive compared to others, it surely is worth the payment. If you want to have a more sophisticated ride experience, riding in a high-end car with your own personal driver, you should definitely try Uber Black.
- Uber Black SUV – This ride option is almost the same as Uber Black. The only difference between the two is Uber Black SUV can accommodate more passengers compared to Uber Black.
- Uber WAV – This is a unique Uber ride that caters mainly to people using wheelchairs. We all know that it is hard to find vehicles that would cater to those people having physical mobility issues. That is why Uber made sure that they would not be left out of the services this platform offers.
- Uber Lux – If you think Uber Black is sophisticated enough, you should try Uber Lux. As its name suggests, Uber Lux offers luxury! It is the most expensive of all the ride options under Uber. This feature only uses luxury vehicles like Mercedes Benz, Audi A8, and other luxury vehicles in the market. Also, you are assured that the drivers are top-rated and very professional. So, if you have money to spend and want to have a luxury ride experience, you should definitely go with this ride.
Take note that the fare price for each ride option varies depending on your destination. Also, it may vary depending on the country or location you are coming from.
In conclusion: Is Uber the best car ride option for me?
If you still have second thoughts about whether you should try out Uber for your daily commute, stop. You should stop those second thoughts and go with Uber! Uber offers convenience, safety, and affordability. Also, unlike your typical public transport ride, where you have no choice over the kind of ride you want to have, Uber gives you a variety of ride options for you to choose from. You can choose an economy ride all the way to a luxurious ride if you wish. Also, you will not have to worry too much if you have to travel to other places because Uber is available in almost every country around the globe. Plus, it offers a very easy-to-use application that even those who are not tech-savvy can easily access and use it. Although there might be some instances where the fare price is affected by certain events, that only seldom happens. Overall, Uber offers one of the best services in public transport and undoubtedly belongs to the top players in this kind of industry.
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