What's your Uber experience?

[Mrmaxwell]

What you can do is select o'riordan st for pick up and call the driver to let them know where you are within the airport. I find a good place for them to pick me up is on ninth st which is a 5 minute walk out of the terminal. The public pick up is usually too busy when I'm there

Good idea.

Just paid $135 from SYD to the northern beaches for a taxi - should have got Uber Black for that price.

 

[kevinkhchan]

Used Uber on my recent trip in PEN. It is essentially an UberX but the drivers were friendly and the costs were relatively low - local hosts were surprised with the costs being equal or lower to the taxis (some of whom will not use the meter). That experience was a plus.

Grabbed an Uber Black on return but the trip ended up costing me about $150 when previous trips cost about $90-$100 (on both taxis and Uber Black). Wasn't too happy but it was offset by the fact that I was off the plane and out of the airport in about 10-15 minutes.

 

[coriander]

We've usually used Silver Service / Platinum cabs to/from airport for a fare of about $75 - car is usually Calais or 300C, occasionally a Merc. We contact the driver on his own mobile. The driver who takes us to the airport is usually the one who picks us up on our return. So I guess there are *some* taxi drivers who are trying to offer a better quality service. I just looked at Uber and UberX estimate was $56-73 and Uber Black was $122-157 (which I guess is the Merc, BMW 7, 300C type of ride).

I read Blackcat20's post with interest and may use Uber to get to SFO when I depart the City: I do hate the shuttles - why is my hotel always the last one on the run?

 

[samiam]

I've been using Uber (mainly UberX) for just under 2 years. Prior to this I've used Taxis, including the 'GoCatch' app (which I still use for MaxiTaxi bookings).

When Uber turned 5 in May, they shot through an email - and apparently in 17 months I've taken 102 trips - so you could say I'm a convert.

I've used Uber Black and UberX (Melbourne), UberTaxi, UberXL and UberX (Honolulu), UberPool and UberX (San Fran), UberX (London) and UberX (LA).

Of the 120-130 trips I've now taken, I've had 2 issues (both in Melbourne) involving erratic driving or not knowing how to get to the airport from St Kilda - each time Uber support was in contact (as I'd rated the driver 3 or less with a reason for the low rating) and they have either refunded half of the trip fare or provided a $25 credit.

The pros definitely are: clean cars, knowledgable drivers from a variety of backgrounds (former police officers, entrepreneurs, new immigrants, etc), the offer of water or mints, availability (I have had very few issues getting one within 4-5 mins in the Melbourne CBD or inner suburbs - even at 3.30am!), free rides (for referring others), the willingness to do short trips (e.g. $7-) and a complete trip history contained within the app or online.

The only con (for me) is the surge pricing - however if you're prepared to wait 30 minutes it's simply a matter of setting up an alert in the app to let you know when the surge period is over. For those not living in the inner suburbs, UberX is pretty much unavailable.

A few examples: In HNL recently and travelled from the airport to Waikiki - multiple bags. When we checked in, a friend realised he'd left his satchel with passports, etc in the car. As I had the UberTaxi's direct phone number, we were able to call the driver straight away and he dropped the belongings off within 4 hours without charge (but was given a hefty tip!)

I can leave pretty much any Melbourne venue in the early hours and book an UberX, bypassing either the 5 taxis in the queue, or the 50 patrons waiting for a taxi, and be in an UberX within 5 minutes - there's no 'long way home' because I'm not paying attention, given that the trip is recorded and can be reviewed the next day. A trip from Collingwood to St Kilda will cost $25-$28 for a taxi or $16-$18 for an UberX.

I can book an UberPool from SFO to downtown and share with another passenger and save 50% on the cost of the ride if I'm prepared to take another 10-15 minutes to get to my destination (unless, of course, you're the first to get dropped off!).

I receive a notification when the car is arriving (and can track it on the screen) - no need to step out of my door until they arrive.

I can book a $7 trip and it's accepted (rather than the cab door being locked, 'where are you going?', and screeching off in the opposite direction).

I can book for a friend or relative with my app, and have them transported from their home to another destination which is a great feature for family (have used this for my niece).

There's a lot of bad publicity about innovative breakthrough services such as Uber - not too dissimilar to the brouhaha following the introduction of the automobile (Uber isn’t the first to disrupt the transit space — and it won’t be the last | Financial Post)... I'm pretty sure the Uber horse has bolted and the politicians are currently trying to shut the stable door, rather than use a few lumps of sugar and a harness.

 

[blackcat20]

I read Blackcat20's post with interest and may use Uber to get to SFO when I depart the City: I do hate the shuttles - why is my hotel always the last one on the run?

Not only was it quick and cheap, but when we requested it, the driver happened to be sitting at the curb right in front of us. There were plenty around. After my last shuttle experience there (driver slammed the door shut on one ladies hand) it was a lovely change.

 

[samiam]

I read Blackcat20's post with interest and may use Uber to get to SFO when I depart the City: I do hate the shuttles - why is my hotel always the last one on the run?

Do investigate the UberPool option which will appear on the app when you're in San Fran - otherwise UberX is the go.

 

[coriander]

Samiam, do you need to specify car size when booking, eg to make allowance for suitcases for OS trip? The uber website seems to show a Prius as UberX and "Mafia staff car" ie 300C or similar for Uber Black.

 

[coriander]

After my last shuttle experience there (driver slammed the door shut on one ladies hand) it was a lovely change.

We ordered a Lorrie's shuttle to transport our family of 5 from SFO to the Wharf in Jan. The shuttle arrived promptly but looked liked it had just come off the "Demolition Derby" - not a panel without a ding in it. The ride was noisy, every door panel ratttled fast, bl**dy fast as we roared up 101 at 70+ mph and along the Embarcadero much faster than surrounding traffic! At least the driver knew our hotel and definitely the fastest way to get there! Might try Uber and/or UberPool in October.

 

[blackcat20]

We ordered a Lorrie's shuttle to transport our family of 5 from SFO to the Wharf in Jan. The shuttle arrived promptly but looked liked it had just come off the "Demolition Derby" - not a panel without a ding in it. The ride was noisy, every door panel ratttled fast, bl**dy fast as we roared up 101 at 70+ mph and along the Embarcadero much faster than surrounding traffic! At least the driver knew our hotel and definitely the fastest way to get there! Might try Uber and/or UberPool in October.

My shuttle driver spent so much time fiddling with his ipad that we barely spent anytime in our lane on the freeway. Scary stuff.

 

[samiam]

Samiam, do you need to specify car size when booking, eg to make allowance for suitcases for OS trip? The uber website seems to show a Prius as UberX and "Mafia staff car" ie 300C or similar for Uber Black.

I'm fairly certain that you can't specify the type of car when booking - the 3 cars that I rode in San Fran (1 x UberPool, 2 x UberX) were all Toyota Camry Hybrids... I travelled solo with 2 large bags/cases for checking in and there was no issue.

The other option is to book and call the driver immediately to confirm they will fit your luggage, or book an UberXL - on the whole I find the drivers appreciate it if you call and have a chat and then cancel, rather than wait for the vehicle to arrive.

Take a look at this link which compares fares from Union Square to SFO:

RideGuru by TaxiFareFinder - Compare Rideshare Prices, Uber, Lyft, Hailo, etc.

 

[Moindardt]

We ordered a Lorrie's shuttle to transport our family of 5 from SFO to the Wharf in Jan. The shuttle arrived promptly but looked liked it had just come off the "Demolition Derby" - not a panel without a ding in it. The ride was noisy, every door panel ratttled fast, bl**dy fast as we roared up 101 at 70+ mph and along the Embarcadero much faster than surrounding traffic! At least the driver knew our hotel and definitely the fastest way to get there! Might try Uber and/or UberPool in October.

We did this with our family of 6 last year. One way transfer was about $200. Same experience as you. Many had rusty bits of metal poking out of broken seats. They were always late. Drivers were all Eastern Eurpoeans who barely spoke any english and certainly not civil english. Twice we skipped them and took Uber otherwise we would have missed our flights. Uber SUV (usually an Escalade) was less than half the price, in nice leather seats, air-conditioning, fantastic drivers, etc. Unless the transfer comes with the flight (eg J/F to LHR) or Citibank 2 free ones, I will only be using Uber.

 

[Moindardt]

Just got back from a week in the US (my daughter and I). Used Uber black everywhere, no transfers. 70% of the time we got SUV's (especially in NYC), the rest Lincoln town cars. All were fantastic. Immaculate condition. All bar one had water. Only one had a slight cigarette smell (same one as didn't have water).

Most trips were about 70-80% of what the normal taxi fare is. 8 airport trips were all the same quoted price as the taxi's and less than 50% of transfers. BUT the Uber price included tips, credit card fees etc, which actually makes them significantly cheaper. Never took my wallet out once.

When you can get a fully registered, licensed, luxury vehicle for the same or cheaper price as a taxi, why even consider a taxi, or take a risk with UberX (not that it is much of a risk).

 

[samiam]

... BUT the Uber price included tips, credit card fees etc, which actually makes them significantly cheaper. Never took my wallet out once.

FWIW, you can also access your Uber account and adjust the 'standard' US included tip from 20% - I have mine set at 15% - which is closer to the range of 12-18% tipping in the US.

 

[JessicaTam]

Posts seeking referrals have been deleted.

 

[Jurahn]

We ordered a Lorrie's shuttle to transport our family of 5 from SFO to the Wharf in Jan. The shuttle arrived promptly but looked liked it had just come off the "Demolition Derby" - not a panel without a ding in it. The ride was noisy, every door panel ratttled fast, bl**dy fast as we roared up 101 at 70+ mph and along the Embarcadero much faster than surrounding traffic! At least the driver knew our hotel and definitely the fastest way to get there! Might try Uber and/or UberPool in October.

Sounds horrendous! If you do decide you want to book a transfer in advance, we used Pleasant Limo from SFO to our hotel and back to SFO a week later. Booked in advance through the website (they were also very good at quick answers to email queries), we just called them when we collected our luggage at SFO, told them which door we were waiting outside and the driver picked us up a few minutes later. Pickup from the hotel was on time as well. Spotless town car, uniformed and very capable driver in both directions, felt very safe. Cost us $57 (plus tip) each way.

We didn't use Uber in SFO as we walked most places or caught public transport, but did use UberX several times in LA and were very happy with it. Only a few minutes' wait each time, drivers were friendly, cars were always clean and SO much cheaper than a taxi. We caught a taxi from the hotel to LA Zoo - cost us $30 and he was a pretty dodgy driver, we were glad to get out of the car! The return trip was with UberX, a little Fiat from what I recall LOL, heavier traffic so the trip took longer but even with surge pricing of 1.6X, it still only cost us $12.

 

[opusman]

Just FYI, unless it's changed the "tip" setting in the Uber app only applies to Uber taxi (where you get an actual taxi cab). UberX/Black does not include any tips.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I have been using UberX in Manila, Philippines for the last two months and have had a very good experience.

The best thing about the service here is that all cars are new and clean (the majority are sedans - Toyota Vios/Hyundai Accent/Mitsubishi Mirage), as opposed to 95% of taxis which are old and very badly maintained (ripped seats, no suspension, bald tyres, etc) so the safety aspect alone makes Uber a no-brainer. Combine this with friendly drivers who won't try to take you the long way to make some more cash, who won't bargain with you for a flat rate fare especially during peak times, and won't drive like suicidal maniacs!

The only minor issue is that many Uber drivers here seem very fresh and not too knowledgable with directions (they may have come from outside the city to work) so several time I have had to offer direction assistance. Also the price using Uber here is almost the same as the cheap taxi fares as Manila traffic is very bad most of the time so the 'time' component of the fare is always sky high and offsets any savings.

Uber Black is also on offer but 95% of cars are Mitsubishi 4x4 which don't do anything for me (considered a luxury here in the crazy flood-prone Manila).

The best for last - the cost. My credit card statement looks like this;

Uber $1.12
Uber $1.56
Uber $3.45
Uber $2.21

You get the drift

 

[Warks]

Have only ever used Uber in Orlando on two trips in the past year (one work, one holiday) and I can't recommend it highly enough. Trying to escape Disney is not easy at a Disney property as they want to keep you in their empire so the buses only go to the theme parks, other Disney resorts or Downtown Disney. You can take a Mears taxi but you get the feeling they are owned by Disney going by their prices. I was in Orlando in about 2003 and took a taxi from my resort to an outlet mall - cost $50! Did the same this time with Uber, admittedly from a slightly closer hotel to the same outlet and it cost less than $10.

It's the only way to get to Universal Studios if you are staying at a Disney resort too. Only cost us about $10 and took about 20 minutes. If we'd used buses it would have taken two hours - bus to Downtown Disney then a walk to another stop for a bus to Universal. Would have cost us about $10 each apparently.

Never waited more than 10 minutes. All drivers were very friendly and civil and the cars were clean. Enjoyed discussing cricket with an Indian driver and met my first ever person from Cape Verde too.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Posts seeking referrals have been deleted.

And about time too!

 

[ozmouse]

just returned from istanbul where we had the occasion to use uber 3 times. While I'm an Uber convert, cant say it was the best experiences.
1st trip - Pick up at airport to beyoglu. texted driver where to go to be picked up - no reply. Called driver- Did not speak english. He handed phone over to someone who did. after 8 min conversation trying to determine my location, it was realized driver was at international terminal. i was at domestic (pin drop confirmed domestic). I cancelled trip. Was charged. Wrote to uber, and was credited cancellation charge all done within 4 hours.

2nd trip - beyoglu to sultanahmet. Driver did not speak english. handed me phone to talk to someone with perfect english. Said please be warned it was hard to negotiate traffic to the mosques, and driver would not be able to drop us close to our destination. But he would meet me there and escort me to mosque. i declined. Driver dropped us at the group/bus drop off point right beside/behind the mosque. This was after taking completely different route than that shown in app. (however in defense, it might have been more than correct, as going straight thru the middle of sultanahmet could have been very congested, and he dropped us at back of mosque. We took coast road around palace.) I reported incident to uber, querying route taken, and solicitation on phone. They immediately chopped 1/3 off the fare. But no response re touting for guide services. Emails back and forth did not produce a satisfactory response. I stated i could not use uber/app, until i rated last trip (which is true for next 5 days we resorted to public transport). That started another string of emails stating to reinstall app etc. i rated 1 star in order to book trip to airport

3rd - trip. No wait. Brand new mercedes vito (SUV) picked us up. Straight to airport. 100tlr. $50aud Which was double taxi fare on arrival. Hmmm... could not figure it out. but upon checking it appears it was an uber-xl. I thought i booked uber-x. so word of warning check service you are booking, as in different cities different services available.

From all reports taxi services in istanbul as shocking. when we wanted to return from mosque we went to same drop off point and taxi were quoting us 50tlr and no one would use meter. initial uber fare was 22, dropped to 16. another incident near taksim sq, taxi quote 50tlr no meter. we took train, and walked 15 min total. 2 adults 5tlr

Had a case to user uber in singapore this trip, as well. But could not book as none avail. evening peak hour. no cabs avail for 20 min. was trying to get uber during 2.5X surge pricing as well. nothing. a driver accepted and would be there in 25 min. i declined. As we were getting VERY late for concert, went to hotel desk, to organize private driver. he made call, limo arrives in 5 min. was an uber driver. charges us flat rate 25sgd Could have been gouged big time by hotel or limo. i hugged conceriege next day. he saved the night.