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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:
SausagePourHomme · 08/04/2022 07:43

@TibetanTerrah

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.
100% this

The fare is cheaper because the driver wants a fare. If he doesnt get enough work he goes out of business.

Haus1234 · 08/04/2022 07:45

Not quite on topic, but if you’re in London and haven’t used Uber recently I would be careful as the service level is way down compared to where it used to be - lots and lots of cancellations. I’ve heard all the drivers are on Bolt now instead and will prioritise Bolt rides over Uber.

Geraldgee · 08/04/2022 08:16

I would definitely be careful ordering an Uber in advance also, as it won't start 'searching' for a ride until the booking time and there is no guarantee a car will be available. It isn't like a normal taxi office that would plan your booking in for the day

FairyCakeWings · 08/04/2022 08:22

I really can’t decide whether I think it would be morally wrong or not.

Maybe it would be wrong if you’re sitting on a fortune and you only need the Uber to take you to something that would be considered a luxury, but if moneys tight and you’re going to a hospital appointment then it’s fine.

TibetanTerrah · 08/04/2022 09:50

@FairyCakeWings

I really can’t decide whether I think it would be morally wrong or not.

Maybe it would be wrong if you’re sitting on a fortune and you only need the Uber to take you to something that would be considered a luxury, but if moneys tight and you’re going to a hospital appointment then it’s fine.

This can't be serious. I'm going to assume sarcasm. I haven't had enough coffee to detect it properly yet Grin

In the same vein, maybe it's more morally wrong to deprive the Uber driver's children of food because MNers have twisted themselves in knots so hard with their virtue signalling, they've deprived him of a fare 'in case' a disabled person need it more.

TakeYourFinalPosition · 08/04/2022 09:56

Eh I was going to say to book it, but you’re not making it unavailable for 10 minutes if it’s a 40 minute journey… you’re making it unavailable for 40 minutes + 40 minutes for the driver to get back to the location….

I think I’d go UberX instead, that’s usually the same price as accessible.

CliveThighs · 08/04/2022 10:04

I'd book it. The driver has availability, has priced themselves cheaper as they want the income from the journey, etc. You could argue that if everyone refused to book it unless they needed the extra accessibility then the driver wouldn't earn enough to continue offering the service, meaning he'd then switch to delivering parcels for amazon or whatever. Meaning there is one less accessibility uber available.

I think Mumsnet can get a bit sanctamonious and hand wringing about posts like this.

Book it, its a 10 minute journey.

BocolateChiscuits · 08/04/2022 11:03

Really don't book it. It's not fair.

It's perfectly possible Uber is subsidising the accessible vehicles in order to keep an inclusive service.

If the driver was out of work, they more than likely have the opportunity to pop up a couple of seats, mark themselves as a standard vehicle temporarily and pick up standard fares.

All this trying to figure out how the system works to somehow justify the fact it's all fine, only to save £2 - it's just ugly.

I grew up with a parent in a wheelchair. Lack of transport access is a big, and often expensive problem.

Dundonian · 08/04/2022 11:10

You don't need it and, on posting here, you're showing that you know it would be wrong. Just pay the extra £2.

amicissimma · 08/04/2022 11:16

Why would you shun the driver with the accessible car? As PP say, if enough people do that he'll have to stop offering it.

DGRossetti · 08/04/2022 11:29

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.

On the back of this thread I've just had a peek, and UberX, Assist and Access are all charged at the same rate. So fair play to Uber there.

DGRossetti · 08/04/2022 11:32

I wonder how many people here barge into lifts without thinking ? It won't be zero, I know that ....

FuckYouDebbie · 08/04/2022 11:38

I'm just picturing all the Uber drivers who've forked out to make their cars accessible sat around wondering why they're not getting any work thanks to this peak Mumsnet nonsense.

notacooldad · 08/04/2022 11:40

If your legs work why don't you just walk?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I know, my legs are working but I need to go from Lancaster to Kirby Londale on Sunday I won't get a taxi that will take me 34 mins but I'll do a 5 hour walk instead!

Silverclocks · 08/04/2022 11:43

It just means the vehicle is accessible not that no one else can use it. Blimey if that starts being the case those drivers won't make a living and there won't be any accessible vehicles...IMO it's best to support his business.

Silverclocks · 08/04/2022 11:46

Maybe he's cheaper because he's desperate for work because of the warped view that only a small minority should be allowed to use his vehicle...

AuntyBumBum · 08/04/2022 11:48

It's not some subsidised use of scarce ring-fenced resources. It's a commercial arrangement, you're paying the market rate and the more demand there is the more Uber will want to supply accessible cars. So yes!

gogohm · 08/04/2022 12:01

Is the accessible Uber actually the same vehicle but reduced price for disabled people? If so it's not right to book it. Check on their website. We don't have an accessible option here because there's literally 1 Uber driver

Silverclocks · 08/04/2022 12:06

There's one thing this thread makes clear - if you're setting up as an Uber driver you'd be daft to advertise as accessible. Sad

Justkeeppedaling · 08/04/2022 12:08

Of course it's fine!
I stayed in an accessible hotel room the other day because it was the only room available when I booked.

Silverclocks · 08/04/2022 12:08

@gogohm

Is the accessible Uber actually the same vehicle but reduced price for disabled people? If so it's not right to book it. Check on their website. We don't have an accessible option here because there's literally 1 Uber driver
No it's exactly the same scheme, just some drivers have accessible vehicles. There's no subsidy and they need able bodied custom too to stay in business.

This driver is cheaper because he wants the fare more.

Original poster
MaggieFS · 08/04/2022 13:08

@TakeYourFinalPosition

Eh I was going to say to book it, but you’re not making it unavailable for 10 minutes if it’s a 40 minute journey… you’re making it unavailable for 40 minutes + 40 minutes for the driver to get back to the location….

I think I’d go UberX instead, that’s usually the same price as accessible.

Ten minutes by car (actually probably 8) or 40 minutes to walk which I don't have, hence ordering a taxi.
OP posts:
Silversprinkles · 08/04/2022 13:09

@TibetanTerrah

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.
Yes this is how I understand Uber too. That driver is offering that fare because he wants the business. Go ahead OP.
MMMarmite · 08/04/2022 13:18

I think you should book it. Uber is supply and demand, if non-disabled people specifically avoid accessible vehicles, those drivers won't make ends meet, and then will stop driving or change their vehicle.

TinselTitsAndGlitteryBits · 08/04/2022 13:25

I wouldn't book it.
Especially because you're only doing it to save £2.

Also, why do you think the accessible car should be dearer?