Uber

[tarheelmjfan]

We took Lyft from RPR at Universal to MCO last January. They arrived within minutes and the fare would have been less than $18, but it was free with our signup bonus. Rides with Uber back and forth to Seaworld and Discovery Cove were 6-7 dollars, and twice we had the drivers make a quick store stop.

This makes me wonder how these drivers are actually making enough money to make it worth their time, when you consider gas, wear on car, etc. What am I missing?

 

[GaryDis]

This makes me wonder how these drivers are actually making enough money to make it worth their time, when you consider gas, wear on car, etc. What am I missing?

It's complicated. This Buzzfeed article covers a number of the issues, but I think falls down because it looks at car payments instead of depreciation. Reading the comments indicates a big difference in location, even between NYC and Northern NJ. It makes sense for some drivers who are good at picking when to work, especially if they can predict surge pricing. I bet some rationalize it by treating their car as a sunk expense, instead of allocating usage and wear and tear to their Uber/Lyft work.

 

[Bluestars]

We took Lyft from RPR at Universal to MCO last January. They arrived within minutes and the fare would have been less than $18, but it was free with our signup bonus. Rides with Uber back and forth to Seaworld and Discovery Cove were 6-7 dollars, and twice we had the drivers make a quick store stop.

Wow. That's a great deal. How far in advance do you need to book a ride?

 

[ashley0139]

Wow. That's a great deal. How far in advance do you need to book a ride?

It will tell you when the open the app how far away a driver is. Usually no more than 5 minutes, depending on the time of day and location.

 

[mjkacmom]

It will tell you when the open the app how far away a driver is. Usually no more than 5 minutes, depending on the time of day and location.

That's the negative thing about uber - you can't book a ride in advance. It's usually not an issue here, except when we need an xl to the airport.

 

[gotomu212]

I think this has more to do with being 20somethings. I've known a fair number of people who didn't tip or tipped poorly in their 20s and started tipping more when they gained more life experience and/or job and financial security. I remember back when I was a 20something I gave a driver a tip that he thought was so low as to be almost insulting, and refused to take it.

And only a 20something or younger would say that cashlessness is the whole point of the app. For most people, the point is being able to get a ride at lower, predictable costs and a predictable wait without having to walk to a taxi stand or busy street.

I'm in my late 30s, husband is in his 40s, friends and coworkers are in their 30s-50s..we all take uber a lot and none of us tip. Uber really was launched as a cashless system. One of the reasons it's safer for drivers is they don't carry large amounts of cash like taxis and are less susceptible to robbery- it's literally in ubers marketing material to new drivers. It is a rare occurrence that any of us have cash. My husband has an emergency $100 stuffed in his wallet just in case but between credit cards and Apple Pay I haven't used cash to pay for anything in over 6 months. Ubers app doesn't offer tipping showing that the company does not expect tips (if they expected tips you'd add it the way you do a restaurant payment in the app).

I think it's fine if people want to tip their uber driver BUT it is not considered a service for which a tip is customary.

On an off shoot this reminds me of the discussion about tipping for Sonic and I think it reflects the transition to a cashless society which is occurring at different speeds in different areas and demographics.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'm in my late 30s, husband is in his 40s, friends and coworkers are in their 30s-50s..we all take uber a lot and none of us tip. Uber really was launched as a cashless system. One of the reasons it's safer for drivers is they don't carry large amounts of cash like taxis and are less susceptible to robbery- it's literally in ubers marketing material to new drivers. It is a rare occurrence that any of us have cash. My husband has an emergency $100 stuffed in his wallet just in case but between credit cards and Apple Pay I haven't used cash to pay for anything in over 6 months. Ubers app doesn't offer tipping showing that the company does not expect tips (if they expected tips you'd add it the way you do a restaurant payment in the app).

I think it's fine if people want to tip their uber driver BUT it is not considered a service for which a tip is customary.

On an off shoot this reminds me of the discussion about tipping for Sonic and I think it reflects the transition to a cashless society which is occurring at different speeds in different areas and demographics.

I'm in my late 30s, husband is in his 40s, friends and coworkers are in their 30s-50s..we all take uber a lot and none of us tip. Uber really was launched as a cashless system. One of the reasons it's safer for drivers is they don't carry large amounts of cash like taxis and are less susceptible to robbery- it's literally in ubers marketing material to new drivers. It is a rare occurrence that any of us have cash. My husband has an emergency $100 stuffed in his wallet just in case but between credit cards and Apple Pay I haven't used cash to pay for anything in over 6 months. Ubers app doesn't offer tipping showing that the company does not expect tips (if they expected tips you'd add it the way you do a restaurant payment in the app).

I think it's fine if people want to tip their uber driver BUT it is not considered a service for which a tip is customary.

On an off shoot this reminds me of the discussion about tipping for Sonic and I think it reflects the transition to a cashless society which is occurring at different speeds in different areas and demographics.

DH & I rarely carry cash. Well, I never do. He does, if cash just happens to come his way. It's usually not much & not often. However, when we use a service that we feel we should tip for, we make sure to get some cash. I agree we have become a cashless society for the most part. It sounds like the solution to the Uber & Sonic tipping confusion is for the company to allow a tip to be added to the fare/bill, if the customer chooses to add one. Some people want to tip & some dont, regardless of demographic or area. Adding an option to tip, but not require it, should work for everyone.

 

[aprilgail]

That's the negative thing about uber - you can't book a ride in advance. It's usually not an issue here, except when we need an xl to the airport.

I have had uber drivers give me their cell numbers to call them directly when I wanted the next ride- its still paid through uber but I could call them and tell them "5:00 we need a ride from the hotel to such and such" -- of course maybe that is because I tipped them LOL.....

 

[tvguy]

On an off shoot this reminds me of the discussion about tipping for Sonic and I think it reflects the transition to a cashless society which is occurring at different speeds in different areas and demographics.

I agree 100%. I was in San Diego last weekend on vacation, and while I am a cash guy, even I was shocked by how many "CASH ONLY" signs up up at merchant booths at "Festival of Sail". In a city that big it kind of surprised me.
Here at home there has been a bit of a backlash against cashless especially among small merchants. Those rewards credit cards can take as much as 10% of the total purchase charged, and some merchants are gambling the business they lose by going cash only will add up to less than the 10% they are losing on rewards cards sales.

 

[mjkacmom]

I have had uber drivers give me their cell numbers to call them directly when I wanted the next ride- its still paid through uber but I could call them and tell them "5:00 we need a ride from the hotel to such and such" -- of course maybe that is because I tipped them LOL.....

I guess we could ask - and we do tip! From the articles I've read, they don't make a lot.

 

[longboard55]

I do not use Uber often, but I will tip if I do, I have asked Uber drivers and they say most do not, Taxis are almost the opposite, they force almost force you to use cash, some have swipers, but many will call in your card with their cell phone. I will have a couple dollars cash for a tip but its hard to have exact cash for an expensive cab ride, Uber is a lot easier. They are easier to call and easier to pay, the advantage with cabs as they will usually be sitting waiting at places like hotels and airports because they pay a fee (which they pass on to you)

 

[longboard55]

It's complicated. This Buzzfeed article covers a number of the issues, but I think falls down because it looks at car payments instead of depreciation. Reading the comments indicates a big difference in location, even between NYC and Northern NJ. It makes sense for some drivers who are good at picking when to work, especially if they can predict surge pricing. I bet some rationalize it by treating their car as a sunk expense, instead of allocating usage and wear and tear to their Uber/Lyft work.

I think after the run their car into the ground and need a new one in 3 years they are going to figure out it does not pay. But it is a good education on business.

 

[hsmamato2]

both trip from dolphin -MCO were less than 20 bucks with a code of some sort

 

[tvguy]

I think after the run their car into the ground and need a new one in 3 years they are going to figure out it does not pay. But it is a good education on business.

I don't know. Uber will even lease you a car, and deduct the lease payment from your earnings. I know 2 people that do that and so far they make enough to cover lease, gas and upkeep, and in both cases they didn't even have a car until they started driving for Uber, so now they have a way to get around.

 

[DawnM]

I don't know. Uber will even lease you a car, and deduct the lease payment from your earnings. I know 2 people that do that and so far they make enough to cover lease, gas and upkeep, and in both cases they didn't even have a car until they started driving for Uber, so now they have a way to get around.

Are there no mileage limits for these leases?

 

[tvguy]

Are there no mileage limits for these leases?

Apparently the cap is 2,500 a month.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ase-machine-where-almost-anyone-can-get-a-car

http://www.nissanofelkgrove.com/uber-lease/?_vsrefdom=ppc&_dep_keyword=+uber xchange leasing&_dep_match=b&_dep_adid=104767546362&_dep_campaignid=628681166&_dep_adgroupid=30804579042&_dep_network=search&_dep_ppcid=1&gclid=CP3ty82CiM8CFYORfgodQLgJMQ

https://consumerist.com/2016/05/31/...bout-ubers-xchange-leasing-program-its-costs/

 

[JimMIA]

A couple of random points about Uber and Lyft.

I use both a good bit. I find both to be vastly superior to taxis from every standpoint -- particularly cleanliness, driver attitude, and um....aroma.

Both systems work from smartphone apps -- free downloads, of course. Both systems are WAY cheaper than cabs or car companies.

Pickup time:
In a big city (including the WDW area), pickup will generally be a matter of just a few minutes, usually 3-5 minutes, for Uber. Pickup times for Lyft, because they have far fewer drivers, may be longer, but still somewhat quicker than a cab. You will get an approximate ETA when you make the request, another txt notification when the driver is close, and another when they arrive at your pickup point. I have found those notifications to be deadly accurate, so pay attention to them

Pickup location:
I try to select a pickup location where the driver can a) see me, and b) park safely out of traffic for the pickup. I was at the Ft. Lauderdale boat show yesterday and there were numerous riders getting canceled by drivers because they were in places where the police were writing tickets to drivers picking up passengers at unauthorized spots. As a matter of fact, I got an instant pickup from one of those drivers who had just canceled another passenger for that reason.

If I'm at a busy place (downtown somewhere, at a mall, etc), I txt the driver my very specific location. Just saying I'm at Macy's doesn't help if there are six entrances to Macy's. Doing that saves both of us wasted time.

Cancellations:
It's important to know what your cancellation policy is. I'm not as familiar with Lyft as I am Uber, but I think their policy is similar. With Uber, you can cancel within 5 minutes of acceptance of the request by the driver.

Your driver can cancel at any time prior to arrival, but the companies track those cancellations and they count against the driver.

Your driver can also cancel after waiting 5 minutes, and you will be charged a cancellation fee (usually $5). With Uber, they are not required to make any contact with the rider, although I think most do. With Lyft, they are supposed to attempt one phone call. So if you get a text or call asking where you are, you are within one minute of having to pay a cancellation fee. I have heard stories that some drivers actually try to get cancellation fees as a strategy for increasing their revenue. For that reason, I never request a ride until I am completely ready to go -- literally ready to open the car door and get in.

Categories of vehicles:
The categories of vehicles vary from city to city, but with Uber the main categories are UberX (4 door sedan capable of carrying 4 passengers in varying degrees of comfort) and UberXL (SUV or minivan capable of carrying six adults). If I have more than one other person with me, or if I am going more than 15-20 minutes, I always request XL. They are more comfortable, and to me, are worth a couple of extra bucks.

"Pool" and "Line":
UberPool and LyftLine = carpooling. You save $2-3, but the driver may have to take a short detour and pick up another passenger or two. I wouldn't use these on a bet, for several reasons:

• At least with Uber, a LOT of drivers won't accept Pool requests because they make less money and often cause lower driver ratings
• I don't want my trip delayed by a two-minute detour, followed by a mandatory 2-minute wait for someone who is not ready, followed by a cancellation, followed by another two minutes back to our original route. Just not worth the $2-3 to me.
• Drivers hate Pool/Line and may take that out on you with a lower rating.

Ratings:
Ratings are not so important for riders, but drivers live and die by their ratings...especially newer drivers. Both companies prompt both drivers and passengers to rate each other at the conclusion of the trip, and both use a 5-star system. But that is very misleading. A 4-star rating is a disaster for a driver, especially a newbie. If drivers don't maintain an average of about 4.7, they get terminated.

I rate all drivers, every trip, and I rate everyone 5 stars. If I have some issue with a driver or vehicle, I either discuss it with the driver or I leave a comment. I've only done that a few times in more than 100 trips. But I give them all 5 stars because I know some riders will give them 3-4 stars just because they were delayed by a Pool ride the rider selected!

Tipping:
I tip; some don't. Tips are not required, but to me they are just good manners...but of course, good manners are not required either.

I appreciate people working for a living. I know the drivers are only working part time to supplement their family's income. I won't notice a few bucks less in my pocket, but that driver will appreciate it.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Both of my college students use Uber frequently since they are out-of-state and don't have their own vehicles. They tip $2 every trip.

 

[rigs32]

I'm late 30s and am not embarrassed that I do not tip my under driver. It is a cashless system. I rarely carry cash. If the company wanted me to tip, they'd allow me to add it on like Lyft does. If drivers felt they were entitled to tips, they could drive for Lyft instead of Uber. I also refuse to believe I am being rude to play by the rules of the system the company set up.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I tipped the driver in cash the last time I used uber. In Boston, you can't take uber from the airport, so I was forced to take a cab. On my return, the uber car was much nicer--clean, nice-smelling, and the driver had put the front passenger seat all the way forward to allow more room in the back. Being forced to take the smelly cab really drove home what a better deal uber is!

Next time, take a shuttle to a car rental location off the airport (Thrifty, I think) or one of the parking places and book Über from there.

I'm late 30s and am not embarrassed that I do not tip my under driver. It is a cashless system. I rarely carry cash. If the company wanted me to tip, they'd allow me to add it on like Lyft does. If drivers felt they were entitled to tips, they could drive for Lyft instead of Uber. I also refuse to believe I am being rude to play by the rules of the system the company set up.

Many do. Drive for both, even - including a friend I fan into last, and my last Lyft driver. Not necessarily for the tipping capability SO much as being able to get more business.

But - entitled to tips? No. Tipping is the right thing to do for this type of service, a company's rules notwithstanding.Choosing not to carry cash is one's own decision.