Uber. What are the advantages over a regular taxi company?

NurseCranesRolodex · 01/04/2023 05:45

No, they are shit. I've only ever used when out with adult dc and on those 4 ocassions around 5 or 6 cancelled after we had waited ages. I'd have got home an hour and half quicker by train or bus. Hope you get sorted!

Beneficialchampion2 · 01/04/2023 05:47

Can't say I've ever had an issue, generally only use them in towns and cities though. Have taken in excess of 200 journeys.

Fixed fare, accurate tracking, ability to split fare, security features to ensure you're getting in the correct vehicle, traceable by other people. What's not to like? Respectfully any taxi driver can cancel.

The cancellation fee is just administrative by default, message their customer service and it'll be refunded.

People will complain they can be expensive at times but it's based on supply and demand.

TenTwentyAtCheltenhamSandwich · 01/04/2023 06:03

I’ve never used Uber, although I thought that they were cheap to begin with but when I tried to book it was far more expensive than any other taxi.

I always used a taxi for hospital or airport, but they either stink of fags or food. They always ask how much do you usually pay, when I say £1 they get funny yet they’re OK to try & rip me off. Even a pre booked, paid for taxi is never waiting for me at the airport, & I’ve waited an hour+ for it to turn up. So now I use public transport as it’s cheaper, quicker, & far less hassle.

Ilovetocrochet · 01/04/2023 06:11

I use an app to book my local taxi firm, works like Uber but only linked to this one firm. I could still phone them to book but it’s quicker to use the app as they just redirect any driver who’s in my area. I pay through the app as well so no need to hunt around for cash.

The only time I’ve been let down was at the start of Ramadan this year when I had to wait 25 minutes for a driver, I was trying to get a taxi just as the fast was ending around 7.30 pm and lots of their drivers were ending their shifts. I totally understood and will remember to allow more time for the next few weeks.

Mariposa26 · 01/04/2023 06:45

for me, it used to be hugely more reliable, quick and efficient. What you’re describing now is how it has ended up. As soon as there is a “surge” (which is often, as there are no longer enough drivers), your driver will cancel your trip in order to rebook at a higher rate which is fair enough for them. I barely use it now, it’s rubbish.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 01/04/2023 06:55

I've never managed to use it, as for some reason it won't let me load my bank card on the app. I mostly get cabs from the station to home when it's late/pouring with rain - can rank outside and it's £6. Much easier to walk out of the station and straight into a cab.

I know Uber works for other people though. I've no idea why it won't accept my card 😂

AuntieMarys · 01/04/2023 06:56

Never had an issue with them compared to our local taxis

Schmutter · 01/04/2023 07:01

I absolutely love Uber. I’ve never had an issue.

The car arrives really quickly, you can track it, you know the registration. Much cheaper than a regular cab and I like the pay/tip through the app. Vastly superior to taxis imo.

Hobbesmanc · 01/04/2023 07:03

We use them all time (Manchester area) and they nearly always work out cheaper than mini cabs and you don't have to worry about cash.

But if I'm getting an early start to the station or airport I book a private cab in advance.

Mamaneedsadrink · 01/04/2023 07:03

Knowing what the cost will be in advance, cheaper, being able to know how far away the driver is, being able to send driver/car details to someone else, having it paid for via the app, being able to book in advance, non-creepy drivers, easy to use app ... also they now offer a pool service to make the ride cheaper. I can't think of anything that a taxi can offer that is the same or better, haven't used a taxi in years now. The only issue is I think once they take over taxis and have the monopoly they will increase their prices.

OhVicIveFallen · 01/04/2023 07:06

Schmutter · 01/04/2023 07:01

I absolutely love Uber. I’ve never had an issue.

The car arrives really quickly, you can track it, you know the registration. Much cheaper than a regular cab and I like the pay/tip through the app. Vastly superior to taxis imo.

I can track the taxi from my local taxi firm as well on an app. I don't think that's just uber

Ireolu · 01/04/2023 07:07

I use uber very regularly. It's predictable.Tracking and agreed price that is generally fixed prior to the journey starting are my reasons for continuing.

OhVicIveFallen · 01/04/2023 07:09

Mamaneedsadrink · 01/04/2023 07:03

Knowing what the cost will be in advance, cheaper, being able to know how far away the driver is, being able to send driver/car details to someone else, having it paid for via the app, being able to book in advance, non-creepy drivers, easy to use app ... also they now offer a pool service to make the ride cheaper. I can't think of anything that a taxi can offer that is the same or better, haven't used a taxi in years now. The only issue is I think once they take over taxis and have the monopoly they will increase their prices.

But all these things you mention here are possible using a taxi? They are where I live anyway. And I suppose creepy taxi drivers are subjective? I always ask for a female driver anyway 🤷

thegrain · 01/04/2023 07:12

Mariposa26 · 01/04/2023 06:45

for me, it used to be hugely more reliable, quick and efficient. What you’re describing now is how it has ended up. As soon as there is a “surge” (which is often, as there are no longer enough drivers), your driver will cancel your trip in order to rebook at a higher rate which is fair enough for them. I barely use it now, it’s rubbish.

I agree completely. It's not too bad if you're bang in the city centre I find

oldwhyno · 01/04/2023 07:15

Uber don’t operate in the same way in every UK city. Where I live they operate just like any other taxi company albeit with a fancier app. You don’t get an upfront price for example, just an estimate.

i avoid them on principle. Don’t like a monopolistic US tech company syphoning money out of the country that used to be spread across multiple local businesses.

SkunkFiles · 01/04/2023 07:16

yeh they’re shit. multiple times I’ve booked an Uber for a certain time and then it’s not shown up until 15-20 mins later or not at all. I didn’t understand why it kept happening til a driver told me when you make a booking you’re not actually booking a car for that time. It just means that if you’ve ‘booked’ for eg 730am, Uber will put out a request for a driver at around 725 and if there aren’t any, tough shit

Emigratingimmigrant · 01/04/2023 07:16

I use them outside of peak hours. They never let me stand in rain anywhere claiming "it will be just another 10 min" 4 times or in a city at 1am.....
For whatever reason the only local taxi firm i am happy to use has an app which just will not work for me. I track taxi to see how long and if we have night out to see if he didn't try to take piss and other person wa taken good route too.
They pulled stunt with cancelling just before peak time once. I complained got fiver credit.
you can check the map on a way to see how long till arrival.

usernother · 01/04/2023 07:53

I'd never use them. I prefer to support my local taxi companies, many of whom have apps and can be booked in exactly the same way as Uber. They also don't increase prices at busy times.

Devoutspoken · 01/04/2023 07:58

So uber drivers don't deserve support? some of whom may live locally, what's the difference?

KnittingNeedles · 01/04/2023 08:16

We use Uber in Glasgow quite often. It's cheaper. You pay through the app with a card so no needing to deal with the driver card/cash. You can see on the app when the car will arrive.

torquewench · 01/04/2023 08:25

I only ever use them on holiday when abroad. Far simpler than trying to order a taxi with limited language abilities.

NooNakedJacuzziness · 01/04/2023 08:27

I use a local firm - book through an app, get a fee estimate, details of make of car and reg, can track it, pay by pre-registered card. I think most taxi firms in bigger cities have had to change to keep up with Uber.

MinnieGirl · 01/04/2023 08:29

JMSA · 01/04/2023 04:27

Ordered an Uber this morning, as I am travelling and had to make a connection. It was too early for buses and I don't normally travel by taxi, but thought I'd give Uber a try. The price was fine and I clicked confirm. Received a message to say the driver had arrived.
Go outside and wait a minute but there's no sign of him. I get in touch and he's miles away. He advises me to cancel my end, which I do. I promptly book another Uber, which has now doubled in price. Not only that, I've discovered that Uber has charged me a cancellation fee for the first one! I've disputed that but the money has been credited to my Uber account, rather than my original payment method.
Am I missing something, or is it just a bit crap unless you happen to get lucky?

You can give feedback. Message them to explain what happened and especially that the driver told d you to cancel. They should refund you.

seperatedmum · 01/04/2023 08:46

my situation is we're in a very quiet area, buses stop at 7:45pm, train is 2 miles + away, no car at the mo, Uber is very handy for just going on the app and picking up a stranded teen yes they should make plans yes they know this immediately and tracking them home, the other taxis firms don't offer this and no often no drivers locally. also easy to book them on multi drop journeys and change journey midway etc
I actually did book a local firm the other day and they were very late no reduction in price offered so not perfect either

usernother · 01/04/2023 10:15

Devoutspoken · 01/04/2023 07:58

So uber drivers don't deserve support? some of whom may live locally, what's the difference?

Local taxi companies are owned by local people. When Uber moves into an area they massively undercut local taxi firms who can't afford to do the same, and offer big financial incentives to poach drivers. They also had to be forced in Court to pay drivers minimum wage, holiday pay etc. I use a local firm that has an app, gives a maximum fare price, car tracking, car and driver details and I can pay on the app.