In certain cities, the Uber app and service are widespread. In some jurisdictions, it is unlawful. While Uber’s owners and taxi drivers argue over legality and culpability, you, a common citizen who wants a ride to or from the airport in an unfamiliar city, merely want to know the situation. Uber is just a smartphone software that you download and use to request a local Uber driver to pick you up. While some taxi services are adopting these innovative apps, the vast majority of rental cars still wait at the taxi stop or require that you call the service dispatch center in advance. Uber does not do this action. It is also important to note that Uber drivers will not respond if you whistle like New Yorkers do in movies to call a taxi.
5: Plan Ahead or Ride by the Seat of Your Pants
Suppose you are aware that you need to be at the airport at 9:00 a.m. While the coffee was brewing, the planners among us would phone the airport and request a taxi for 8:15 a.m. Those who were very anal would call the night before. Those grasshoppers who have faith in the universe would just stand at the curb at 8:30 a.m. and whistle loudly.
Uber does not support any of these features. You must use the Uber app to hail a trip; you cannot phone in advance. You check the app just prior to departure and select the next Uber driver that can deliver you to your destination on time. No telephoning or whistling at the curb.
4: Judge and Be Judged
Some cab drivers are talkative, while others are quiet. Same goes with cyclists. Nonetheless, it is impossible to mistake a cab driver for a friend. Driver in front, passenger in behind, and sometimes a window with scratches in between.
Contrary to Uber. It’s as if you were picked up by a long-lost buddy. You are welcome to the front seat. If you have luggage, it may be stored alongside the driver’s children’s toys in the trunk. As a passenger, you will almost probably be required to engage in some small conversation.
The driver and passenger will be prompted by the Uber app to rate each other at the conclusion of the ride. The goal is to weed out the psychopaths, therefore strive to project your least psychopathic public persona while riding as a passenger.
3: Crazy Cool Medallions
Taxis are governed to within an inch of their bright yellow lives, with a large bow of red tape on top. There is a limit to the number of taxicabs on the road and the number of drivers who can operate them. So the pricey medallions, which can fetch up to $1 million in New York City, which announce to the world that this vehicle has been authorized by a legitimate government body to pick up and transport passengers for a fee.
Uber is not subject to or bound by such regulations. There is no training, but background checks are now in place. Uber views itself as a technology company similar to eBay in that it only links buyers and sellers, but Uber cars pick up and transport passengers in the real world, exactly like taxis. This creates a precarious liability situation when accidents occur and there is no medallion to act as a shield.
2: We Know Where You Go
Uber employs GPS monitoring for every ride it provides, so the system always knows where you are. The driver enters your address into his phone for turn-by-turn directions and location tracking. If your driver takes you down a dirt road while playing his “Dueling Banjos” Pandora station, you need not be concerned. Uber is aware of your location. Similarly, if your passenger provides you with directions that lead to a dark, dead-end alley of the type seen in noir films, Uber knows exactly where you are. If you want others to know where you are when you’re in a taxi, you must have the GPS on your own phone switched on. If you are Julian Assange and are attempting to avoid capture by international law enforcement, you may want to avoid Uber entirely.
1: Paying for the Privilege
Uber is more costly than taxis. In fact, Uber will confirm this for you. Why pay extra if it is not paying for medallions or other regulatory fees? According to Uber, passengers receive “reliability, customer service, fashion, and comfort.” In most circumstances, Uber cars arrive faster than taxis, saving time and aggravation, if not money. Elegance and convenience are contingent on the car you drive and the sophistication of your tastes.
Uber knows when you desire a car the most and how much you are likely prepared to pay for it, thanks to huge data and non-magical algorithms. Uber employs surge pricing during rush hours, holidays, and inclement weather. The goal is to encourage more Uber drivers to provide trips, which will result in faster passenger pickups. Also, your payment card information is stored with Uber via the app. When you wish to use a credit card, you do not have to engage in a nasty negotiation with the driver at the conclusion of the ride. Similar to a taxi, the driver’s Uber app will tell the system how much to charge you depending on time and distance, albeit at a somewhat higher rate.
