Back to tipping:
I and my coworkers used Uber exclusively in San Francisco over the course of 2 years worth of almost monthly business trips to work together there. I was torn about tipping, and some of my coworking friends figured it’s not necessary, so I rarely did. We mostly just used Uber to go from and back to our hotels.
Do you feel a bit slighted for not getting tips from the 2/3rds that don’t do so?
I don’t know about the OP’s insurance (I would be leery of “would most likely still cover me and my vehicle”), but anyone with a personal auto policy is likely going to have problems. Liability may be covered by Uber, but you’re probably going to be on your own for damage to your car. Besides the existing commercial use exclusions, insurers are adding personal vehicle sharing program exclusions for all coverages (liability, medical payments, uninsured motorist, and comp and collision).
For the no-shows, is there a penalty fee they get charged?
For folks who talk about no licensing needed: I would think that Uber would be treated much like a private car service. There are tons of those in New York City - the main difference between those and cabs is that you can’t hail a car service, you have to arrange the pickup by phone.
I’m reasonably sure those are regulated in NYC. I’m sure other cities have something very similar regarding licensing and I can’t see that Uber would be any different.
I just took an Uber car. I met an old friend at a bar for his birthday. Despite being young+10 years old, I got dropped off fairly early and shut the place down with him. The car showed up in 7 minutes and the driver was more careful than any cab I’ve ever had. His car was clean, he responded to small talk but didn’t impose on me with conversation, and he got me home. Six months ago I took a cab half as far in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday and it cost me $40. Uber had a $30 credit toward your first ride promotion and I didn’t pay a dime. I tipped the guy all the lunch money I had in my wallet and I plan to use them again.
I always imagined that NY Times reporters would use proper capitalization in their everyday writing, even on internet message boards. There goes another belief down the toilet.
Here’s some leaked data on how much Uber drivers actually make: