Uber.com Query?

[cleoval]

Hi I have signed up to Uber.com as a passenger but I do not know how you book your first ride.it will be my first time.Can you pay the driver cash.? And how does the driver contact you and how do you contact the driver.? Can u all recommend Uber and r they cheaper than normal taxis please.? Thanks.

[CrapAtCryptics]

i`d never even consider them as they have terrible staff policies and dubious staff vetting procedures.

[237SJ]

As far as I know, you log your credit/debit card details on the Uber site and no cash changes hands between you and the driver (unless you want to tip them) Yes, they tend to be cheaper than normal taxis

[JimF]

You need to download the Uber app to your mobile. Then, select your current location and intended destination and a driver will be allocated to you. You can monitor their progress as they get closer. You don't give the driver money. Instead, the Uber app will debit your credit card.

[JimF]

"unless you want to tip them"

You also do that through the app. Under no circumstances should you offer money to an Uber driver.

[Buenchico]

>>> they have terrible staff policies and dubious staff vetting procedures

They have excellent staff policies whereby, just like most private hire companies, their drivers are all self-employed (or, at least, they would be if some lazy drivers, who wanted holiday pay, etc, hadn't obtained a bizarre court ruling preventing it).

All Uber drivers hold private hire licences and, as such, it's the responsibility of the relevant licensing authority to ensure that the driver is a a 'fit and proper person' to hold such a licence.

All of the information you require should be on the Uber website, Cleoval:
https://help.uber.com/riders/section/a-guide-to-uber?nodeId=5a9e5cd6-88f4-4597-b29a-4feb67d407c2

Private hire cars are usually significantly cheaper than taxis (especially in big cities) but you need to be aware that Uber set their prices by demand. So you could be quoted different prices for the same journey at different times of day.

All payments are made from your Uber account, and not in cash.

While Uber are doing a great job (which I heartily applaud) of forcing traditional black cab drivers off the road, there are other firms who're just as good, if not better, than Uber in many cities. For example, although Uber now operates in Sheffield, many travellers prefer to use City Taxis, which has more than 1400 drivers. They offer an app-based method of booking and making payments (similar to Uber's) but also accept both online and telephone bookings, together with cash payments.

So whether Uber is your best option might depend, to some extent, upon which city you're in.

[237SJ]

I've got a friend in Sydney who has been making a bit of money as an Uber driver. He reckons he can make at least 2000 Aussie dollars per week. He drives like a maniac and I`m not sure his body is clear of dope when he does it either. Anyone who thinks that the unregulated, Uber drivers are as clean as a whistle might want to think again.

[JimF]

"He drives like a maniac and I`m not sure his body is clear of dope when he does it either"

That could be said of any taxi driver, or any driver of any car.

[237SJ]

Sorry, I don't agree.

[Buenchico]

Suggesting that many/most Uber drivers might be high on drugs is rather like suggesting that all black cab drivers are like John Worboys!

[JimF]

Apology accepted.

[Eve]

You can pay by cash, you need to select this option when booking the ride though. I never have (and wouldn't) as it's just so easy that it's debited via my bank account and I much prefer that option. As Jim says, you can do a tip via the app too. If you are determined to pay by cash, I'd wonder about the driver having much change, given that most, if not all, payments will be via your bank account.

I find them good value and cheaper than some private hire cars I took prior to signing up to Uber, definitely much cheaper than black cabs. They do, however, use surge pricing where they can increase the fares at "busy" times.

You are informed prior to requesting the ride what the estimated fare will be, including any surge pricing, you have to agree to any surge pricing price before you call the ride.

I also like being able to track where the taxi is on the map and knowing the car/registration details beforehand and getting an email invoice afterwards with the ride details.

[Eve]

Sorry, that should say "given that most, if not all, payments will be via a bank account", not your bank account, obviously :)

[JimF]

"You can pay by cash"

I wasn't aware of that. I don't believe I've ever seen that option when booking an Uber.

[237SJ]

What I don't like about Uber is that any old Tom Dick and Harry can drive an Uber. Just give them the post code and they are away. No Knowledge, regulation whatsoever.

[JimF]

"any old Tom Dick and Harry can drive an Uber"

Utter garbage! There's a whole vetting process.

[JimF]

https://www.splend.co.uk/blog/how-do-i-become-an-uber-driver-in-london/

[237SJ]

But not in Sydney, obviously

[JimF]

https://www.finder.com.au/uber-sydney-driver-guide

[237SJ]

So you found something on Google. No disrespect but why do people thing that if they find something on Google, then it must be gospel? Does not personal experience count for nothing? Oh hang on though..

[Eve]

The website said you could when I checked, I remembered something coming out a while back about being able to pay by cash. Never took much notice as I wouldn't. I checked again and this suggests it might depend on which city you are in as to whether you have a pay by cash option.

https://help.uber.com/driving-and-delivering/article/accepting-cash-?nodeId=cae4b926-03d6-4ebf-81c4-75953ef54c0c

I'll have a look next time I get one and see if it has the option for me.