Have You Tried Uber?

In my never ending quest to keep up with the younger crowd, I decided I had to try Uber.  If I don't keep current on the latest technological gadgets and new trends, I  feel "out of the loop" when talking to my children and grandchildren.  On Saturday morning Fran and I decided to take an Uber from Encinitas to Cardiff, have lunch, and walk home.

In case you're really out of the loop, Uber is a relatively new company that has become major competition for  the taxi.  Each Uber car is an independent contractor.  Drivers operate their own car, have their own insurance (Uber has a big policy too to cover the driver if necessary), work their own hours, and keep 80% of the fare.  When you call for an Uber on your smart phone, a picture of the driver and the type of car he or she drives, is sent to your phone.  Also, the distance the driver is from you is also displayed.  You can send a message to the driver, like telling him how recognize you, if you're in a very crowded area.  Most wait times for Uber are from 1-8 minutes.

We called for an Uber, told the driver we were in front of Starbucks, and in less than two minutes she was right in front of us.  She drove a late model car that was spotless, inside and out.  We chatted with her, and found out she's a single mom, and works for Uber during the day only.  She has a young child, so she works while her daughter is in school.  The most lucrative work hours are at night, after young men and women are coming home from a bar or dinner.  We arrived at our destination in less than five minutes.  The fare was already pre paid (my credit card was in the Uber app), and for $6.80 including tip, it was a great experience.

Most Uber fares are less than those of traditional taxis.  The exception to this is when there is a big event, like a concert, and there are more people asking for Uber than there are cars.  It's a matter of supply and demand.  If more people want an Uber than there are cars in the area, the price goes up.  Normally prices are very reasonable.

Right now most Uber users are under 50.  Many businessmen and women use them for work, instead of renting a car or using a taxi.  Also, younger men and women use them, especially for nights out when they want to drink.  I see a big market for seniors, which hasn't been tapped.  Seniors that no longer drive, or don't want to drive at night should be using Uber.  If three senior women want to go to dinner together, they might consider an Uber.  When you split the cost three ways, it's downright cheap.  Anyway, Fran and I loved our little experiment, and we will use it again under the right circumstances.  Cynthia, our Uber driver gave us such a positive first experience, that we both can't wait to try it again.  It's something to think about, as an alternative to staying home or using an expensive taxi.