Uber comes to Australia

[Ewing]

That is interesting ChrisFlyer... perhaps you need a riding history before you can use UberX?

That was certainly the case in Sydney.

I could see it for weeks before others started getting it.

(I've been using Uber for a few years in different cities both here and in the US).

 

[dodgeyhack]

That was certainly the case in Sydney.

I could see it for weeks before others started getting it.

(I've been using Uber for a few years in different cities both here and in the US).

I've used UberX in the US but can't see it listed here.
It was there for a day, but now gone. Although I don't check regularly.

 

[Ewing]

I've used UberX in the US but can't see it listed here.
It was there for a day, but now gone. Although I don't check regularly.

Still there for me - and has been there since the beginning of April.

 

[penegal]

Still there for me - and has been there since the beginning of April

Same for me... UberX and Black available in Melbourne.

Setting my location to Sydney I see the same screen you see now.

 

[qaz]

wonder why they launched with uberx in brisbane, when perth - like sydney and melbourne - started with uberblack?

 

[moa999]

Has been done in stages. I had used uber black maybe three times and ubertaxi once and wasn't in the first rollout of uberx access but now have it

 

[mushypeas]

I suspect because qld don't have vha/hc licenced vehicles like Vic/nsw so offered uber black mightn't work from a state licensing perspective .

 

[DeKa]

Uber Pricing (Sydney): https://www.uber.com/cities/sydney#cities

Pricing
Base Fare Start with this fare	$8.00
Per Kilometre Speed over 18km/h	$3.25
Per Minute Speed at or below 18km/h	$1.25
Minimum Fare	$15.00
Cancellation Fee	$10.00

Comparisons from my experience:
Home to airport in a cab: $66 + 10% CC fee = $72.60
Home to airport in Uber car: $76 (inclusive of CC fee)

I took an UberBlack car in Sydney today and was stunned at the price. I knew there had been a rate change on 9 May 2014, but I didn't pick the key difference. Can you pick it, in this table?

Pricing
Base Fare	$10.00
Per Kilometre	$2.40
Per Minute	$1.00
Minimum Fare	$25.00
Cancellation Fee	$10.00

The difference is the Per Kilometre and Per Minute rates are now concurrent .. so a 30 min trip costs you at least $40, then you add the kilometre charge.
A trip that used to cost me $76 in Uber cost $90 with the new rates... I think I'll give it a miss from now on

 

[smithnicholas320]

I like the Uber app it's really best app for ios & Android.

 

[N860CR]

I used it in Berlin last week. Painful 35Euro vs 20Euro for a cab which would have been the same car type.

Seems your AUD credit also can't be used overseas

 

[DeKa]

I'm a bit over it. The fees have increased, the drivers don't seem as in to it anymore. I think I'll start trying some of the cab apps instead.

 

[nonpop]

We've been using it now for 12 months and still like it.
Yes fares have risen, less than ideal, but the service still meets our needs.
Especially when in the city at night it is excellent to get home when the cabs all want to know where you are going before letting you in.

Anyways, a new article
Taxis sow traffic chaos in Europe protesting against Uber car app | Reuters

 

[burmans]

We've been using it now for 12 months and still like it.
Yes fares have risen, less than ideal, but the service still meets our needs.
Especially when in the city at night it is excellent to get home when the cabs all want to know where you are going before letting you in.

Anyways, a new article
Taxis sow traffic chaos in Europe protesting against Uber car app | Reuters

Yes, well we all know the taxi industry don't like it but for most of us that's probably a reason to support it than not. I always wonder who this sort of protest is targeting, annoy your customers a bit more, unlikely to win much consumer support!

 

[puppysparkes]

Still no Uber in qld.

http://m.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-no-closer-to-uber-app-approval-20140621-zshh6.html

By AMY REMEIKIS

Brisbane commuters are no closer to accessing the ride-sharing app Uber.

The Queensland government sent the Google backed service, which acts as an alternative taxi service by linking registered drivers offering cut priced fares with passengers via a smartphone app, a cease and desist letter last month.

Since then the company has been working with the transport department to try and find a solution. But while Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the government “welcomed innovation in transport technologies”, “passenger safety is always our first priority”.

 

[qaz]

if you haven't signed up for uber yet then use promo code CPREADER14 when you do to receive $50 off your 1st ride
https://www.uber.com/sign-up/CPREADER14

also 50% off melbourne airport trips until next friday with promo code MelbAirport

 

[whatmeworry]

Just a warning if you using the UBER app. Seems the app is tracking stuff on your phone.

Uber app checks whether your phone is rooted, has HeartBleed vulnerability. Records your wifi, phone, gps, mms logs and more

What the hell Uber? Uncool bro. « Joe's Security Blog

 

[clazman]

I would be curious how many uber cars pay business CTP rather than personal and do they have correct insurances?

 

[yohy?!]

I would be curious how many uber cars pay business CTP rather than personal and do they have correct insurances?

Insurance information is readily available on their website.

 

[OzEire]

Interesting compromise between the taxi companies and Uber here in Ireland.

The only drivers who can offer UberX are taxis (!?). The fare is on the normal meter as well, so an UberX trip is a normal taxi booked and paid using the app.

I think this is good as you get all the benefits of Uber such as a driver photo and ratings (not the cheaper pricing though) but still have a professionally licensed driver and car for insurance, etc.

 

[scwappy]

Interesting compromise between the taxi companies and Uber here in Ireland.

The only drivers who can offer UberX are taxis (!?). The fare is on the normal meter as well, so an UberX trip is a normal taxi booked and paid using the app.

I think this is good as you get all the benefits of Uber such as a driver photo and ratings (not the cheaper pricing though) but still have a professionally licensed driver and car for insurance, etc.

That's already offered in Australia also I thought? UBER taxi, rather than UBER x