UBER

tonyb · April 2018

Few weeks ago, I decided to give them a try. Down loaded the app to my phone, set up the account, easy peasy. Used them to go to the airport when I went to NC for a wedding.

My first taste of annoyance came with all the flippin' notifications they send you. Literally 6 notifications to take one trip. Ride went as planned, no cheaper than a regular taxi though. Then my phone starts going off with more notifications while in the TSA line asking to evaluate my driver, leave him a tip, blah blah. My second taste came the next day, when sitting in the ceremony and my phone is getting bombed with notifications telling me my uber driver is 15 minutes away.

I never ordered a Uber driver while in NC. 15 minutes later, a second separate uber driver is sending me notifications that he's outside xyz waiting for me. WTF is wrong with you people. I called them back to explain I never ordered an uber but they were oblivious as to what to do to rectify the situation.

I get home, 3 days later.....yep, getting notifications again my Uber driver is on his way. Deleted the app. Sorry Uber, your lack of customer support and aggravation isn't worth my time.

mhardy6647 · April 2018

Interesting report from the trenches. Thanks for sharing your experience/impressions.
I've never tried 'em (imagine that).

Sounds like they've (already) jumped the shark, though.

stangman67 · April 2018

I've used uber exclusively for the past 5 years or so and have never experienced any of the issues you are describing. Yes they send you updates as to when your driver is on the way, i can potentially see how that can be annoying to some, but it is also incredibly useful so you don't have to sit outside and wait to be picked up. As far as erroneous trips, all i can guess is something weird with your specific app install.

John Megadeth · April 2018

I've used Uber and Lyft exclusively while visiting NYC over the last few years, and it's been nothing but seamless and a positive experience. Your mileage may vary (pun intended).

NotaSuv · April 2018

used twice in NYC to and from LGA all went well and a few bucks cheaper............

motorhead43026 · April 2018

I use and really like Uber and have had the app for years. Never a glitch or any issues as mentioned by the OP.

Tony, you must have a bunch of bad Karma owed you.

tonyb · April 2018

My first thought was someone snagged my account. None of the drivers I talked to knew how to rectify the problem or who to call. Everything needed to be done on the internet and pages of B.S. to sift through. I don't have time for that, nor would I want to with any service. If you can't give me a real person to talk to, I have no need for your business.

Plus the notifications are a bit extreme. If my pickup time is xyz, I'll be out there, don't need 5 reminders of it followed by more notifications after the ride is complete. Maybe it's a generational thing, I was brought up to be responsible, on time....not so much the newer generations and Uber's business model reflects that with all the notifications. I can understand a notification if the driver is going to be late, but being on time is expected, so the constant notifications is very irritating.

Emlyn · April 2018

Only taxis for me, and there are plenty around. When I see Uber or Lyft drivers downtown they usually look like they are lost. I would rather get in a car with someone who drives all day as a professional.

Taxis in DC have got a lot better. Used to be a few years ago the cab companies were driving Ford Crown Victorias with several hindred thousand miles on the odometer and worn out suspensions and brakes. Now the cars are mostly new hybrids with computer hookups to pay easily by credit card and go.

mdaudioguy · April 2018

Sounds like someone might have a hit out on you. An unsuspecting fella might have been taken for a ride...

heiney9 · April 2018

Use it a fair amount when we are having cocktails and don't want to drive. We don't have a great taxi system here, but UBER has been pretty much flawless and very convenient.

My app has none of the issues you experienced Tony, easy peasy and smooth each time. A couple times he had a hard time finding us, but it's a mutual thing. You need to be looking for them when they are very close as well as them looking for you.

It's really been great, since our taxi system here is pretty much non-existent. We've used UBER in the 'burbs (Naperville) and in Michigan when we were traveling, etc. We've actually participated in more local events that serve alcohol, knowing we don't have to worry about driving home should we get a bit past the legal limit. It's great peace of mind as Illinois is like the N a z i party when it comes to DUI's, and check points and now mandatory in the field blood tests starting May 1st.

H9

heiney9 · April 2018

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Interesting report from the trenches. Thanks for sharing your experience/impressions.
I've never tried 'em (imagine that).

Sounds like they've (already) jumped the shark, though.

I would hardly use one story like Tony's to form an opinion. They have their issues for sure, as many start ups do, but in certain situations when a ride is needed, it has been great for us and not that expensive.

heiney9 · April 2018

tonyb wrote: »

My first thought was someone snagged my account. None of the drivers I talked to knew how to rectify the problem or who to call. Everything needed to be done on the internet and pages of B.S. to sift through. I don't have time for that, nor would I want to with any service. If you can't give me a real person to talk to, I have no need for your business.

Plus the notifications are a bit extreme. If my pickup time is xyz, I'll be out there, don't need 5 reminders of it followed by more notifications after the ride is complete. Maybe it's a generational thing, I was brought up to be responsible, on time....not so much the newer generations and Uber's business model reflects that with all the notifications. I can understand a notification if the driver is going to be late, but being on time is expected, so the constant notifications is very irritating.

So there aren't any variables that might not make you on time. It's a traffic based, on demand service. No one can predict traffic or where they will be in relation to where you are, so to say they should be 100% on time or they are irresponsible, does show you're getting old and don't understand the purpose of the business.

I like notifications (within reason) so I know when they will arrive. it's not an exact science and a couple notifications shouldn't upset you that much.

Maybe the service isn't for you, but I have found it so damn convenient and not all that expensive. We probably use it 2-3 times a month and more in the Summer months as more actives seem to be going on.

H9

aprazer402 · April 2018

Gabe: You know what an UBER is?
Walker: Nope.

Clipdat · April 2018

Lyft > Uber

tonyb · May 2018

heiney9 wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

So there aren't any variables that might not make you on time. It's a traffic based, on demand service. No one can predict traffic or where they will be in relation to where you are, so to say they should be 100% on time or they are irresponsible, does show you're getting old and don't understand the purpose of the business.

I like notifications (within reason) so I know when they will arrive. it's not an exact science and a couple notifications shouldn't upset you that much.

H9

Brock my good man, nowhere in my posts did I complain about being on time. Of course it's traffic based, just like a good old Taxi is, but that was never my complaint. I'm not talking a couple notifications either, one ride....start to finish....12 notifications. From the time I booked it, until after they dropped me off.

...and btw, I'm not too old to understand the nature of their business. I do understand when service is annoying, when customer service is lacking. I'd imagine you'd have a few complaints about audio companies with lousy service, does that mean you don't understand their business model ?

txcoastal1 · May 2018

Maybe the algorithms, new you were old and they just wanted to make sure you understood

motorhead43026 · May 2018

Wanted to make sure he was awake when the Uber arrived.

Hermitism · May 2018

Danny Glover never had this problem.

nooshinjohn · May 2018

If I can't drive there myself, I don't go, and if I plan on having enough to drink that driving may be ill-advised, I stay home.

MrBuhl · May 2018

Very regular Uber and Lyft user, never experienced your issues either Tony, though there are glitches here and there, rare, but there nonetheless.

kharp1 · May 2018

I refuse to use Uber as I consider them scabs. If you want to be a taxi driver then go through the process of every other taxi driver and pay fees, licenses, bonding and/or insurance. To me it's nothing more than a way to get around well established laws that regulates and maintains standards for an industry..

verb · May 2018

kharp1 wrote: »

I refuse to use Uber as I consider them scabs. If you want to be a taxi driver then go through the process of every other taxi driver and pay fees, licenses, bonding and/or insurance. To me it's nothing more than a way to get around well established laws that regulates and maintains standards for an industry..

Agree with @kharp1 especially with all the sensationalized stories out there about passengers getting victimized. And worse.

Every industry has it's growing pains, but when it comes to safety there is no compromise.

Jaybeez · May 2018

I've used Uber all over the country and never had an issue. Drivers on time, get me where I need to go on the shortest route, and cars are WAY cleaner than most cabs I've been in over 30+ years of business travel.

kharp1 · May 2018

Jaybeez wrote: »

I've used Uber all over the country and never had an issue. Drivers on time, get me where I need to go on the shortest route, and cars are WAY cleaner than most cabs I've been in over 30+ years of business travel.

It wouldn't matter to me if they were driving limo's, I'm not going to help undercut a business by bypassing established standards and regs. That's just me.

Willow · May 2018

We are regular users of uber. Much cheaper than cabs in our city. A trip from home to the airport by cab is about 70-75$ uber is about 45-55$. We used it often when in London too as well as San Francisco if I'm not mistaken.

UBER

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