Within the last 10 model years
4 door
capable of transporting 3 passengers + yourself
No obvious body damage (a few minor scuffs and scrapes are ok)
They have us upload pictures of our vehicles Front, back, both sides, front and rear bumpers, interior, and trunk.
No mechanical failures that would interfere with safety and comfort of the riders.
(I actually need to fix my air conditioning, at this time of year especially at night, no biggies, in 2-3 months it will be a major problem.) Its like #3 on my “fix it list”
Smaller cars are technically not a problem as long as they meet the other criteria. One of the other drivers I know owns a Nissan Leaf electric car. I have seen a Toyota Yaris and a Honda Fit in use as well.
I decided this sounded interesting enough to go to there website and look into becoming a driver. Madison, WI is not among the cities listed where they have a presence, but there is a “Madison” (no state mentioned) to select in the application process – so … I dunno.
Anyway, I started filling it out, and then came to where you enter data about your car. Once I put in “Mazda” the next field is populated with Mazda models, and mine (a Protege 5) was not among them and I could go any further. So I just stopped.
In a few minutes I had a boilerplate email thanking me for my application, and inviting me to ask questions. So I replied that apparently my car wasn’t suitable, and I wasn’t going to buy a new one any time soon, so I didn’t think this was going to work out.
Within 5 minutes I had a reply from somebody named “Nick” who told me that a Protege 5 was a fine car for the job, and he had already added it to the list of acceptable models on the website, and I should feel free to go back and complete the application.
Clearly, they’re young and hungry and eager to expand, though I have no idea whether Madison is a larger enough market to support me as one of their drivers – though there are at least 3 cab companies in town.
So I’m going to go ahead and complete the application and see how things go. It would have to be a part-time gig for me, as I have a full-time day job.
If they’re picky about 10 years, then I’m out of luck. Min is 12, though it only has about 65k miles and is in good shape. I think it fits all the other criteria.
Nope, I’m toast. I had another exchange with “Nick” and they can’t go older than a 10 year old car for insurance reasons. Since the newest Protege5 is older than that, I suggested he remove it from the list he just added it to.
I am a fan of Uber and use it regularly in both Chicago and LA. The taxi industry will need to modify it’s business practices to compete long term and that’s a good thing.
One question, is an additional tip expected? Another reason I like Uber is because the tip is already included.
As an aside for non-Uber users, the cost difference can be significant. When I take a Black Car (limo) Uber from the city of Chicago to my home in the North Shore of Chicago it costs about $80 all in. A can would cost about $60 with tip. An UberX can cost about $28. Massive difference.
You mean like how they’re “modifying their business practices” in Las Vegas by, er, getting an injunction to prevent Uber from operating? Even when Uber was operating, it was still illegal for an Uber driver to pick up anybody either at the airport or on the Strip. (I think there’s a similar “no Uber pickups” policy at San Francisco’s airport.) Dropoffs are fine - just not pickups.
The technology has arrived and the taxi business can either change with it or eventually be put of of business. There is only so long that their political friends can protect their cartel. Will take time but Uber or it’s ilk is the future.
The Nevada drivers have not (to my knowledge) sought a cab license and are being treated as unlicensed operators (which they are). Uber hasn’t given any rational reason why Uber drivers don’t need a license (the reason they did give “we are not a transportation company, we just provide an app” is a non sequitur.)
It’s odd though because here in NYC all Uber drivers must be TLC licensed so it obviously doesn’t go against any principle held by the company. Of course, Uber cannot provide the service cheaper than TLC rates (most versions of Uber cost considerably more than a yellow cab, UberX is about the same as a cab with bonus sketchiness) and the service doesnt have much of a foothold.
I shouldn’t say it doesn’t have a foothold. It does. It’s just not amazingly different and awesomer than services already available… People definitely use it but there’s no “wow” factor if filling a niche.
I’m curious how OP feels about the higher commissions, forced rate drops, and lower reimbursements, which were all implemented recently. Affecting his bottom line or not really?
Do they have Lyft in your area? I notice a lot of the drivers in Chicago usually work for both Uber and Lyft, and switch bak and forth depending on demand.
Given the self-employment/FICA taxes associated with this, plus wear and tear on vehicle, I’d do a very careful cost-benefit analysis on whether it’s worthwhile as compared to a number of other business ideas.
As for insurance, bottom line is that while Uber may have X coverage on you, you cannot prevent anyone from suing you for anything, and someone, hurt or not and just looking for someone to cough up, WILL include you in the lawsuit. Your insurance company may well flip you the bird and say “sue us for breach of contract” even if it’s a covered issue. Regardless of what Uber indicates it will do if you are sued, even if the contract with it and their “policy” (self-insured or through what company?) specifically indicates Uber will hire you a lawyer, you may want to re-think this. (For me, it’d have to be at least $50/hour cleared before I’d consider taking on all the risks and hassles, and all the taxes and other hidden costs that you may not be considering that indicate you might clear $12 or so an hour based on the info provided.)
I used UBER X exclusively while I spent a week in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area last month for business. Mostly pick up for work, drop off back at my hotel. Very nice, prompt, reliable and I felt safe. My last morning there though a taxi driver verbally harassed us as I was getting picked up to fly back home. His argument and approach did not merit a sliver of sympathy from me.
Wanted to ask, will you consider supplementing by also driving for Lyft? That’s Ubers competition and many drivers cross drive…
Do Uber SUVs regularly get used for hauling stuff? We have Uber here and I was planning to use it to transport a new TV, but mother threw a fit about strangers and possible rejection and we ended up using a friend’s Highlander. I did Google and find anecdotal transport stories. I thought it would be fine.
How short of a trip is too short? It’s only about a mile and a half from home to my usual bar.
How about going out of area? My usual bar is opening a second location about a half hour outside of town. Would that take the driver too far away from other fares?
Used Uber when I was in DC and Loved. It. But I haven’t taken the plunge here in Charlotte, due to general anxieties such as above.
Sounds like you do about the same money/mileage-wise as I did delivering pizza, but I had the advantage, not having to deal with other people in my car.
Our state apparently just came to an agreement with Uber and Lyft regarding operation; they had slapped a cease-and-desist order on the programs earlier in the year.
