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Original poster

Is it ok to book an accessible Uber when I don't need the access?

51 replies

MaggieFS · 07/04/2022 21:53

I've only used Uber twice before, but I'm trying to book one for tomorrow because the useless and unreliable local firm won't even answer the phone. A normal 'Comfort' vehicle will be £8. A wheelchair accessible 'Access' vehicle will be £6.

Can I do this? I don't need it, is it wrong because it makes it unavailable (for ten minutes) from someone who might? I don't want to pay an extra 33%if I don't have to!

OP posts:
mdh2020 · 07/04/2022 22:15

It is wrong and equivalent to using some one else’s disabled badge.

ApolloandDaphne · 07/04/2022 22:17

@mdh2020

It is wrong and equivalent to using some one else’s disabled badge.
It really isn't. Order whatever you want.
SouthOfFrance · 07/04/2022 22:20

Surely of noone else books accessible ubers apart from people who genuinely need them, the taxi driver will be mostly waiting around all day with comparatively few customer?

I'm pretty sure it's fine to book them

Gazelda · 07/04/2022 22:20

@mdh2020

It is wrong and equivalent to using some one else’s disabled badge.
That might be a bit of a stretch, but I'd say it's the equivalent of using the disabled loo to save queuing for the regular toilets. You risk inconveniencing someone who is genuinely disabled.

For the sake of £2, is it worth it?

Ducksurprise · 07/04/2022 22:23

But there must be less accessible passengers than passengers that don't need accessible, so the uber would lose out, then when they change their car they will go for a non accessible thus making less accessible ubers

NuffSaidSam · 07/04/2022 22:24

I wouldn't book one.

I would use one if I was looking for one right now and there was one available, as pp said otherwise the driver won't make any money/enough money and will just switch to a non-access vehicle creating even more problems for people who need accessible vehicles.

GettinPiggyWithIt · 07/04/2022 22:26

If you knew how hard it is to get a wheelchair accessible taxi - you wouldn’t do it OP. Just don’t. Being disabled is really expensive because you’re forced to rely on taxis al the time. Don’t piggyback on that.

Neverreturntoathread · 07/04/2022 22:27

Absolutely book it.

If no-one except wheelchair users book them, they won’t get enough customers and it’ll stol being offered as a service. Is not like you’re using it for an hour anyway.

CakeIsNotALuxury · 07/04/2022 22:28

No. Don't be that person.

There's a reason it's a disability friendly car. You have full use of your legs and arms, don't take the fucking piss.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 07/04/2022 22:30

Your broadly confirming my thinking. The piece which doesn't add up for me, and backed up by what @GettinPiggyWithIt says, is that surely it should cost more as it's sought after? But it's not?

Also a good point from pp (sorry I can't recall which) about booking on the spot vs, pre booking.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaggieFS · 07/04/2022 22:30

*You're

OP posts:
User478 · 07/04/2022 22:38

If your legs work why don't you just walk?

Obviously you can use whatever Uber you want, seems a bit off for the driver to miss out on fares just because they have an adapted car.

transformandriseup · 07/04/2022 22:41

Missing the point entirely here but I am jealous you even have the option of Uber. I can't even get the bus to the next village here for £6.

NuffSaidSam · 07/04/2022 22:41

If your legs work why don't you just walk?

Blimey! You've just solved transport! We don't need cars, trains, buses or planes. Just walk if your legs work!

Are you standing for the green party? Because you really should with that kind of thinking. Imagine the carbon emissions we'd save!

Lentil63 · 07/04/2022 23:01

Honestly I cannot even believe this question has been posed.
I had my dad living with me for a few years before he died and he used a wheelchair. The amount of times we struggled because someone (very selfish) had taken facilities meant for the disabled when they didn’t need them is sadly beyond my recollection so frequently did it occur.
Before you do so ask yourself if you’d be happy to swap places with the person who really needs the additional help. In the case of UBER it’s because walking and public transport are a problem.
Shame on you for even considering such selfish behaviour.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 07/04/2022 23:28

@User478 It's about 40 minutes each way and sadly I don't have enough time. It would be my preference to walk.

But in terms of a driver missing out, that's probably what I'm poking at. My (very limited) understanding of Uber is that it's completely supply and demand driven. So during tube strikes in London, the prices sky rocketed, for example. But tomorrow, there are drivers, including those of accessible vehicles, hanging around, and it's not stupid pricing. But within that, for some reason, the accessible vehicles are proportionately substantially cheaper. And so far there isn't any reason aside from morals why I shouldn't/couldn't book one. I just can't work out how it all works!

@Lentil63 I'm sorry for the struggles you and your Dad had. I posted in chat not AIBU to try and understand more about how Uber works. Your comments aren't exactly constructive in that respect.

OP posts:
Squiff70 · 08/04/2022 00:40

Do as you please. Morally it's not right, especially if you can afford that additional £2.

I'm annoyed that you said an accessible Uber should cost more than a 'standard' car because they're more sought after. Why should disabled people and anyone needing that easier access pay more just because they're disabled? That's unfair and discriminatory.

FuckYouDebbie · 08/04/2022 00:46

Just book it ffs. The myriad issues that might be are not within your/Ubers power to solve.

lemongreentea · 08/04/2022 01:01

@transformandriseup

Missing the point entirely here but I am jealous you even have the option of Uber. I can't even get the bus to the next village here for £6.
Me too!
Gilead · 08/04/2022 01:09

Accessible isn’t just about wheelchair users. It can mean a frame. , sticks, crutches, enough room to sit at an awkward angle. It therefore is unfair to take it on the grounds of it being cheaper. I could try for one tomorrow and not find one to accommodate me and my walking frame. But according to many here that doesn’t matter coz there aren’t enough wheelchair users to keep them busy.
Hmm

Kinneddar · 08/04/2022 01:19

the accessible vehicles are proportionately substantially cheaper

£2 is hardly substantially cheaper. That could be the only one in the area, as pp said its not just about wheelchairs.

If you don't need it, don't book it

FuckYouDebbie · 08/04/2022 01:24

When you guys are at a taxi rank after a night out do you also shun the accessible cabs? They're just looking for work.

Danikm151 · 08/04/2022 01:40

There should be an uberx available- the uber accessible is always the same price as uberx.
Uber will only show you what is available at the time you are booking.

TibetanTerrah · 08/04/2022 01:59

There's nothing wrong with this. If an Uber driver has an accessible vehicle then they highlight this to set them apart from the competition and get EXTRA business, it's not a vehicle for exclusive use of disabled people. I'm not familiar with the details of how being a driver works, but to some extent don't they set their own rates? In which case it's not your fault the accessible vehicle happens to be cheaper, the driver clearly wants to pick up as much business as they can. Apologies if I've misinterpreted that part.

ButtockUp · 08/04/2022 07:34

I often get accessible taxis and I don't even ask for one.
The company I use just send what's available.