Uber

[Google [bot]]

So I've been using Uber for a while and have had nothing but good experiences. I got one on the weekend and realised my new (to me) daily would be a fine turbo taxi. This week I go in to show my credentials and then I'm kinda like a taxi driver. Whenever I can be arsed.

Anyone have an opinion?

• image does not show actual vehicle or taxiing manner

[Google [bot]]

Hitch78 said:

Fastest taxi in town!

Actually not, had a young bloke in an SSV the other day. Asked him if he'd be so kind as to 'rip it up' and was obliged.

[Google [bot]]

I don't think it's that simple, it depends on time as well, like it is factored with a cab, and also how much demand there is (in 'surge periods').

Simply, it's cheaper than a cab and the driver gets 80%, Uber 20%.

[Google [bot]]

It's not a dating app and nor is it for racists

[Google [bot]]

No, I am unable to negotiate as no money changes hands. Payment in kind is limited to tipping and is at her request and subject to my approval. This should not deter my female clients as my standards are extremely low.

[Google [bot]]

I can't really see me doing any Friday/Saturday night ubering anyway. 1 because if anyone's going to be the drunk, it's me, 2 I don't see me doing it much anyway or going out of my way and 3 I don't need the hassle (although of all the ubers I've had not one has said they've ever had a 'bad' customer). It'll be at my convenience, likely weekend loose-end mornings, or I happen to be driving aimlessly, or coming home from somewhere with nothing to be back for. Or I want the cash for something in particular and it helps with the man maths. I've got a more than full time job as it is, so it's more to have the opportunity to drive around, chat to folk and make a few quid on the side as and when I wish.


I took an Uber for some afternoon drinkies on Saturday. The (retired guy) driver had been working since 9:00 and was going home after dropping us, at about 3:00. He reckoned the day had been worth $250 to him. Plenty of weekend mornings I’ll do nothing, watch old Law & Order and Top Gear in that same time, smoking tabs, drinking tea and not getting paid for it.

Conveniently ignoring expenses, a man maths example: At the pub we were drinking at I was admiring a CB400 outside which I've been fancying for a while and you can pick up for about 6 grand. According to the above 6 months of 1 morning a week would have paid for it. Or I could intend to do 1 morning/week and justify it. Or I could do more and drive towards my goal. Or not.

[Google [bot]]

Cheers Rob, I will. Hope I do have amusing tales to tell

[Google [bot]]

The Phatt white car would be great, until Uber find out and ban me for

• >10 years old
• 2 doors
• i come to pick up 4 folk
• the elderly
• complaints
• 40C and no aircon

It was actually my first thought for novelty value a few months back to do that, until I found out it's not really a joke. I discounted uber from then until I realized my new turbo taxi fits the bill perfectly.

If I decide it's crap and I want out I might do a few 928 runs for a laugh but can't really see that:

I've no intention of repeat business, it's all about convenience, remember it's an uber not a cab.

If I get to that stage I'll be sure that let you know!

[Google [bot]]

200bhp said:

Are you concerned about the potential for legal problems? Talkback radio regularly have features on Uber and the local Perth taxi monopoly make a big point of saying Uber drivers are risking big fines.

The taxis would say that. The legal situation as I see it is unresolved and Uber would go into bat for you and say they pay fines. Regardless, as an occasional thing I don't envisage problems.

[Google [bot]]

Pommygranite said:

I'll take a 997 turbo please

Way over the top.

996 turbo would be fine.


Or a Panamera for Uber Blacking.

[Google [bot]]

So I did my first Ubering today. Pretty boring actually, all nice folk but not really any novelty value. A couple from the station home, couple to lunch, group of lads to the races, lady to her son's wedding and a couple of others over a couple of hours. I'm on five stars so can't have done much wrong.

Not that sure it's particularly worthwhile $-wise by the time you take petrol (MPS not ideal) and tax into account., but nice to have the option to do as and when. See how I go and will update if anything exciting happens.

[Google [bot]]

Pommygranite said:

Nice to hear how it went

So how much did you make? Is it worth it?

Thanks for the interest. That's what I'm not sure of. I made $90 in less than 2 hours. But then Uber take 20%. That's fine, but I'd guess the majority of drivers don't declare if for tax purposes, which I will. So once that's added to my real job's taxable income, and petrol (which the MPS likes), plus unquantifiable wear & tear, I'm not sure it's worthwhile.

It was never to be a money making exercise, more something fun I can do if I'm at a loose end that makes a few quid, but I can't help thinking at th end of the day I'd be doing it for Uber & Govco mostly.

[Google [bot]]

RogerVulva said:

Also following with interest. I've given it a thought.
My 06 159 might be getting a a bit too old and rear leg room is not ideal.

Keen to know if you keep going with it and have any issues.

There's a part of me wishes I knew about the existence of the 159 Q4 thang before I got the mps. Especially alongside one today on the way to a forum for my real job.

Uber have annoyed me to be honest, for a long time I couldn't go online because I hadn't uploaded a photo, which I had, repeatedly etc. and every time you submit a query you get a survey form to fill in about your 'Uber satisfaction'. Then on Monday I've a message that I'm subject to a 'random safety check' of my car, which is fine, but I've heard nothing and if it's not done within 4 weeks I lose access to the driver app.

From my perspective I don't really care as it's a novelty, but if I were a serious Uber driver I'd be irritated. They also SMS advice every few hours on the weekend. You can opt out, but it's annoying.

Don't worry about legroom, I've been picked up by a Honda Jazz. If your car qualifies, it qualifies.

[Google [bot]]

Declaring is surely the lesser of two evils. And also I don't believe it's properly illegal.

[Google [bot]]

200bhp said:

Interesting.

Would it work if booking a ride for someone else? I often use my company credit card to pay for colleagues taxi rides after they've taken a vehilce to shomewhere and then a taxi back to the office. Currently I just give them the card and PIN and they pay the driver. However the Uber savings seem attractive.

Does it give you a fixed price before the driver arrives?

Does it matter that the person with the app and payment card is not the same person taking the ride and is also in a different place?

It wouldn't work. It used GPS, the only way I could see this working is if the original sign-up is with your card and their phone, giving them unlimited Uber at your expense. EDIT: This is incorrect and you can book rides for others by putting in the address./

No you don't get a fixed price, again its GPS and based on time and kms.

PG, I'm surprised at yours, I thought there was an $8 minimum.

FYI the driver doesn't know where you're going even if you enter it, until they arrive to collect you. Some folk think by not putting the destination in they're stopping drivers cherry-picking - the only thing it does is not put it in the driver's phone for directions.

Right, I'm off to do some shopping. I'll go online and see if there's anyone about while I'm at it.

Edited by Google [bot] on Tuesday 7th June 02:49

[Google [bot]]

ajg31 said:

How does is the route determined? Just a to from location entered when asking for a lift? Thinking of doing this a few evenings a week when bored and wondered how good their navigation was. Wondered if the app was clever enough to avoid traffic and road works.

I think it's just Google Maps, so no traffic stuff. No reason you couldn't have your own GPS thing as well, as long as the Uber app is running too.

Also some passengers don't put the destination in. I guess thinking in terms of cabs and stopping cherry-picking - waste of time as the driver doesn't know the destination until pick-up.