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OT - Uber, what's going on ?

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RichG

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Aug 24, 2001
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I ride UBER back and forth, Cranford and Fords from Bayonne rather routinely.
Lately, trips have been, somewhat less than expected from just a year ago... One recent trip, had to move guy's sneakers out of my way, next trip, asked driver to slow down - he didn't - damn near got us side swiped.
On two occassions, driver tried to make side deals, here's my number - call me... No.
This morning, driver insisted going 80+ mph, on turnpike - Fine, I may be a nervous passenger, but I'm paying for the ride !
Whatever, is going on with company, I'm increasing wary.
Is LYFT better ?
 
RichG said:
I ride UBER back and forth, Cranford and Fords from Bayonne rather routinely.
Lately, trips have been, somewhat less than expected from just a year ago... One recent trip, had to move guy's sneakers out of my way, next trip, asked driver to slow down - he didn't - damn near got us side swiped.
On two occassions, driver tried to make side deals, here's my number - call me... No.
This morning, driver insisted going 80+ mph, on turnpike - Fine, I may be a nervous passenger, but I'm paying for the ride !
Whatever, is going on with company, I'm increasing wary.
Is LYFT better ?
Click to expand...

Most of the people who drive for lyft also drive for uber. They use both apps at the same time to find a good pickup. So you're getting the same drivers with either app.
 
OTBOTOR said:
Most of the people who drive for lyft also drive for uber. They use both apps at the same time to find a good pickup. So you're getting the same drivers with either app.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info, OT. Not encouraging, but appreciated.
 
that's the problem--they are not pros and spend their attention watching their iphone--if you drive in the city it's evident that they are far more dangerous than yellow cabs-they scrurry around like roaches
 
ru66 said:
that's the problem--they are not pros and spend their attention watching their iphone--if you drive in the city it's evident that they are far more dangerous than yellow cabs-they scrurry around like roaches
Click to expand...
You know, 66, i'm starting to rethink this. local cabs, more expensive, but they are more experienced drivers ... Don't care much about, the car, amenities etc.. Just safe driving - seems lately - Uber drivers in a hurry for next pickup , make a trip or two, call it a day.
 
RichG said:
I ride UBER back and forth, Cranford and Fords from Bayonne rather routinely.
Lately, trips have been, somewhat less than expected from just a year ago... One recent trip, had to move guy's sneakers out of my way, next trip, asked driver to slow down - he didn't - damn near got us side swiped.
On two occassions, driver tried to make side deals, here's my number - call me... No.
This morning, driver insisted going 80+ mph, on turnpike - Fine, I may be a nervous passenger, but I'm paying for the ride !
Whatever, is going on with company, I'm increasing wary.
Is LYFT better ?
Click to expand...
Are you surprised? It is an unregulated transportation industry. As it continues to expand more and more problems are going to appear. The company also has already said they are no way liable for their own contractors behavior. My biggest concern is privacy. They track people where ever they go. They have already had problems with employees accessing individuals movement for non work related items. They publically posted data on one night stands on their blog. Do you really trust a company with that level of maturity with a family members information?
 
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PSU_Nut said:
Are you surprised? It is an unregulated transportation industry. As it continues to expand more and more problems are going to appear. The company also has already said they are no way liable for their own contractors behavior. My biggest concern is privacy. They track people where ever they go. They have already had problems with employees accessing individuals movement for non work related items. They publically posted data on one night stands on their blog. Do you really trust a company with that level of maturity with a family members information?
Click to expand...
Noted, Thanks.
 
AshCatchEm said:
Who cares if someone misses a turn? These are not professional drivers.
Click to expand...
They are getting paid to drive and therefore are professional drivers. They are just independent contractors. FedEx uses owner operated subcontractors all the time for their ground service. Do you not consider them professional truck drivers? Should you give them a pass for poor driving?

I don't care if you drive for Uber 5 hours a week or 60 hours a week. The same standard of care and skill should be expected.
 
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Say what you will about uber drivers, I've never seen one suddenly slam the brakes and pull to the side of the road to block in another driver's vehicle and confront/get into a shouting match, while I'm yelling at the driver "LET'S GO!"

I've never gotten grease stains on my pants from the seat of an uber car.

I've never had to hold my nose for the whole trip for the terrible smells in an uber car.

I've never had to pay $60 for an uber car from the airport (just $18).

These things have only happened in Newark Airport cabs. Really I'd not be sad to see traditional taxis go the way of the fax machine.
 
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RichG said:
I ride UBER back and forth, Cranford and Fords from Bayonne rather routinely.
Lately, trips have been, somewhat less than expected from just a year ago... One recent trip, had to move guy's sneakers out of my way, next trip, asked driver to slow down - he didn't - damn near got us side swiped.
On two occassions, driver tried to make side deals, here's my number - call me... No.
This morning, driver insisted going 80+ mph, on turnpike - Fine, I may be a nervous passenger, but I'm paying for the ride !
Whatever, is going on with company, I'm increasing wary.
Is LYFT better ?
Click to expand...
Maybe they don't pay enough for the drivers to care. Uber is probably taking whatever drivers they can find since it's becoming a more competitive business trying to get drivers.

They will have to raise rates very soon to start showing a profit or they will start cutting the pay for driver again.
 
RichG said:
Noted, Thanks.
Click to expand...
Also keep in mind in many jurisdiction including New York City Uber drivers get a print out of all their riders first and last name. In cabs the driver doesn't get the information especially if you pay cash. Just think about how easy it is to stalk someone if you have their name and where they work or go to school.
 
Maybe this. Auto insurers are now specifically excluding "Uber-like" transport from personal vehicle damage and liability coverage.
 
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rutgersdave said:
Maybe they don't pay enough for the drivers to care. Uber is probably taking whatever drivers they can find since it's becoming a more competitive business trying to get drivers.

They will have to raise rates very soon to start showing a profit or they will start cutting the pay for driver again.
Click to expand...
Yup, a year ago, was telling all how great uber was - these days, not so much... Thx, for the feedback rudave !
 
never said yellow cabs were saints--but I drive into manhattan daily and those t-cars are the worst
 
Google just came out with a new app to compete with Uber which is more of a ride sharing app. I see this really affecting the buses and train services in NYC since the drivers are covered by high Union salaries.


What a T car?
 
I have noticed the same decline lately with uber. More and more older junky cars that smell like cigarettes and sound like they are on the verge of breaking down
 
CodyRU said:
I have noticed the same decline lately with uber. More and more older junky cars that smell like cigarettes and sound like they are on the verge of breaking down
Click to expand...
The old retirees driving to earn more money may have found real jobs in the corporate environment or they could have re examined the cost involved like insurance and car wear and didn't the sense of driving
 
I have also noticed a significant drop in quality of uber drivers. I've been riding Uber since day 1 maybe close to 5 years now. Seems like more former taxi/limo drivers are switching to Uber. You can tell when you get one of those versus the regular Joe. The former taxi drivers are usually awful drivers and in more of a hurry and are preoccupied with other things.

Also uber seems to have very slightly increased their rates in the Hoboken area which hasn't been great either.
 
PSU_Nut said:
Also keep in mind in many jurisdiction including New York City Uber drivers get a print out of all their riders first and last name. In cabs the driver doesn't get the information especially if you pay cash. Just think about how easy it is to stalk someone if you have their name and where they work or go to school.
Click to expand...

Who told you that nonsense? Uber isn't giving anyone a print out of riders names. As a driver you only know their first name, that's it. You don't get their phone # or their last name
 
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newell138 said:
Simple reason for downgrade in service is because uber has cut the rates. Lots of drivers have bailed as its not worth driving for $1/mile which after uber cut its either 80 or 75 cents/mile depending on when the driver started with uber.
Click to expand...
Doesn't sound like it's worth it.
 
PSU_Nut said: ↑
Also keep in mind in many jurisdiction including New York City Uber drivers get a print out of all their riders first and last name. In cabs the driver doesn't get the information especially if you pay cash. Just think about how easy it is to stalk someone if you have their name and where they work or go to school.
----------------------------------------------
newell138 said:
Who told you that nonsense? Uber isn't giving anyone a print out of riders names. As a driver you only know their first name, that's it. You don't get their phone # or their last name
Click to expand...

found this article and it looks like it backs up what PSU_Nut said:
>Uber drivers in New York, and several other large cities, are required by law to see the passenger’s full name on the trip record. Speaking about New York specifically, an Uber representative explained, “The [Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)] requires rider first and last names on what is commonly called a waybill or trip record. Uber provides waybills to drivers so that they can comply with those regulations (an example would be when a regulatory entity asks to see the required waybill during a trip). The waybill is visible to the driver within the app until the next trip request is accepted.” While a user’s Uber profile only shows the first name and a small picture, the driver does have access to the full name as soon as the ride is ordered. Showing the full name opens up a number of issues, such as drivers Facebook messaging their riders or finding their homes, but Uber is unable to anonymize this unless the TLC changes its regulations. One driver explained that even when she has to cancel a ride, she still sees the passenger’s name, location and dummy phone number, meaning if a driver really wanted to, he or she would be able to track passengers to their home (if the address displayed was their home address) without ever having driven them.<

http://www.newsweek.com/uber-taxi-e...kalanick-emil-michael-josh-mohrer-uber-285642
 
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OTBOTOR said:
Say what you will about uber drivers, I've never seen one suddenly slam the brakes and pull to the side of the road to block in another driver's vehicle and confront/get into a shouting match, while I'm yelling at the driver "LET'S GO!"

I've never gotten grease stains on my pants from the seat of an uber car.

I've never had to hold my nose for the whole trip for the terrible smells in an uber car.

I've never had to pay $60 for an uber car from the airport (just $18).
Click to expand...
Give it time...
 
Knight Shift said:
Uber drivers will take you to Italy via the Atlantic Ocean?
Click to expand...
On my way there now my Uber driver quoted me 864946.38 Liras for the trip ( one way)
448.38 Euros for return trip :
B8JNBtSCUAEuxr2.jpg:large
 
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MADHAT1 said:
PSU_Nut said: ↑
Also keep in mind in many jurisdiction including New York City Uber drivers get a print out of all their riders first and last name. In cabs the driver doesn't get the information especially if you pay cash. Just think about how easy it is to stalk someone if you have their name and where they work or go to school.
----------------------------------------------


found this article and it looks like it backs up what PSU_Nut said:
>Uber drivers in New York, and several other large cities, are required by law to see the passenger’s full name on the trip record. Speaking about New York specifically, an Uber representative explained, “The [Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)] requires rider first and last names on what is commonly called a waybill or trip record. Uber provides waybills to drivers so that they can comply with those regulations (an example would be when a regulatory entity asks to see the required waybill during a trip). The waybill is visible to the driver within the app until the next trip request is accepted.” While a user’s Uber profile only shows the first name and a small picture, the driver does have access to the full name as soon as the ride is ordered. Showing the full name opens up a number of issues, such as drivers Facebook messaging their riders or finding their homes, but Uber is unable to anonymize this unless the TLC changes its regulations. One driver explained that even when she has to cancel a ride, she still sees the passenger’s name, location and dummy phone number, meaning if a driver really wanted to, he or she would be able to track passengers to their home (if the address displayed was their home address) without ever having driven them.<

http://www.newsweek.com/uber-taxi-e...kalanick-emil-michael-josh-mohrer-uber-285642
Click to expand...
That is exactly what I am referring to. In this case Uber even lied to the women after the driver called her business after she gave the guy a one star rating. They said the driver recognized her then finally admitted that he did have her last name from the waybill.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articl...hat-if-it-s-sexual-harassment-by-drivers.html
 
RichG said:
I ride UBER back and forth, Cranford and Fords from Bayonne rather routinely.
Lately, trips have been, somewhat less than expected from just a year ago... One recent trip, had to move guy's sneakers out of my way, next trip, asked driver to slow down - he didn't - damn near got us side swiped.
On two occassions, driver tried to make side deals, here's my number - call me... No.
This morning, driver insisted going 80+ mph, on turnpike - Fine, I may be a nervous passenger, but I'm paying for the ride !
Whatever, is going on with company, I'm increasing wary.
Is LYFT better ?
Click to expand...

Like others have said here, with what Uber is paying its drivers, this is likely to continue... or get worse. I signed on as an Uber driver about six months ago. From everything I'd been told, it was a good way to make some side money. It may have been that way at one time, but I haven't driven nearly as much as I thought I would because it's a real toss up as to whether I can make a profit after factoring in the true cost of being an owner-operator.

My car is immaculate, runs well and is comfortable. I'm a courteous and safe driver who asks riders if they're comfortable (warm enough/cool enough, etc.). Unfortunately, you won't have access to my services nearly as much because the paltry Uber payout is not enough to make it worth it for me most times, and I'm usually working my main job during peak surge/earning times.
 
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KevH said:
Like others have said here, with what Uber is paying its drivers, this is likely to continue... or get worse. I signed on as an Uber driver about six months ago. From everything I'd been told, it was a good way to make some side money. It may have been that way at one time, but I haven't driven nearly as much as I thought I would because it's a real toss up as to whether I can make a profit after factoring in the true cost of being an owner-operator.

My car is immaculate, runs well and is comfortable. I'm a courteous and safe driver who asks riders if they're comfortable (warm enough/cool enough, etc.). Unfortunately, you won't have access to my services nearly as much because the paltry Uber payout is not enough to make it worth it for me most times, and I'm usually working my main job during peak surge/earning times.
Click to expand...
I think Uber is waiting for the driverless car to be up and running.
 
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Uber, Lyft, private driver........ most guys work several deals/vendors at same time.

just because the guy works for a $66Billion internet company and went through an interview - doesn't mean he actually knows what he's doing....

of course, there are plenty of bad taxi drivers too....
 
This is disheartening. Started using Uber last year and have loved it. Haven't noticed a drop-off personally, but the reasoning makes sense.

Guess it's a crapshoot.
 
The issue is Uber is a software scheduling service for independent cab drivers. All they are is a scheduling app. They claim to be an alternative to taxis where people can be their own boss. If they continue with this then they will be regulated as a taxi service. They really need to just be a scheduling app. This way both indepdendent drivers and taxi services can use the app. As a consumer I just want the best price with a regulated driver. Many local cab companies take advantage. In my town a 3 mile trip from the train station can run 10-20 bucks. Trips to the airport from Northern Monmouth cty can run $75-150 from black car services. Local cabbes may be $45-75. When I look there are no Ubers in my town but only the Uber Black service which is over $100.
 
Take uber from secaucus junction to Vince Lombardi Park and Ride from time to time. Love it and no noticeable drop in quality. Best of all fare has come down from $40 to $15.
 
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