Uber, A modernly social taxi – Guide & Review
I’m sure a few of you have seen in the news a lot of fuss about the new(ish) mode of transport called Uber. Uber is a car share system slowly spreading across the globe. I first tried it out in Melbourne, Australia and these are my thoughts so far.
Uber is simple to use. It’s a free app available to download on both IOS and Andoid systems. You do have to enter your bank or PayPal details but you won’t get charged until you’ve taken your ride. It uses your phone’s GPS to pinpoint where you are so you don’t need to worry about knowing your current address. A map will pop up and pinpoint where you are so the driver knows where you are waiting. You can change the pinpoint if you need to as well.
The app will notify you of how far away your nearest Uber ride is so you know how long you’ll have to wait. In major cities you usually won’t have to wait longer than 5 minutes. You then either type the address or drop the pin down on the map of where you would like to go. A fare estimate will appear and an estimated travel time. You can then confirm your ride and away you go.
My Uber driver is getting close
|
The thing I love most about this app is also the thing I worried about the most. A taxi is quite obviously a taxi so how would I recognise an Uber car? Well once you’ve confirmed your ride you are notified with your divers name, car type and registration plate. To simplify it even more, Uber tracks your ride in real time so you can watch the car icon on your phone move closer to see where it is. Easy! Once your ride is done you get to rate your driver out of 5 stars. Careful though as they get to rate you too so the next time you get a ride the driver will know whether you’re a bad apple but you read my blog so I already know you’re a good egg 😉
You don’t even need your wallet as your fare will automatically be deducted shortly after you arrive at your destination. You will be emailed a receipt with the price broken down and explained which you can use for tax purposes if you are travelling for business.
![]() |
An Uber receipt |
If you want to arrive somewhere in style you can select UberX when ordering a pick-up. Slightly pricier you will get picked up in a much posher, fancier car. Sadly I was continuously broke in Australia and now live in the middle of nowhere so am yet to test out the UberX service. Stay tuned!
Have you used Uber before? How do you like to travel?
I'm not sure I like the idea of this but as you say if you're still apprehensive just give it a go x
What exactly doesn't appeal about it? I find them safer and more professional than regular taxis.
I only recently found Uber. The fact that you see the persons face on the app as well as know the car beforehand is a great idea. It is so convenient! We were in Nashville but nowhere near a taxi and by using Uber we had a car pick us up in less than 5 mins.
I've been left stranded by taxi companies and had to walk 9 miles home in the dark! Great for that kind of thing.
I've been a little apprehensive about trying Uber myself because I've heard a few concerning stories regarding unpleasant journeys, but your post has helped me understand the process a whole lot better! I'm definitely going to keep it in mind now – especially UberX which I hadn't heard of before! 🙂
The media is always full of horror stories. If we took it in all word for word then we wouldn't even leave our houses. Bad things can happen anywhere at any time but don't let that put you off getting things done.