What do a radio show host, a magician and a college student have in common? All of these people from their different professions have driven me around in their vehicles while using Uber.
Before taking Uber, I used to travel around in taxi cabs where, through a partnership with my local disability agency, I would get a reduced fare.
The Uber app allows me to schedule rides whenever I want them, plus it even gives me the name of the driver who will be picking me up. The app also tells me the estimated time of arrival, how much the fare will be and for sighted people, you can even see the route the driver is traveling to get to your location.
I mostly use Uber to travel short distances, but I have taken it to one of my favorite coffee shops which is about 10 or 11 miles away.
Most of the Uber drivers I've had have been very nice about helping me into the car and making conversation with me during the trip. I can evaluate my drivers by giving them a rating of 1 to 5 stars based on the service they provide me, and I can also leave comments for them. I've given most of my Uber drivers 4 or 5 stars.
If you are wondering if I ever get nervous about riding with strangers, my answer is that I don't. I am used to having taxi drivers drive me around. When I do take local taxi services from time to time, they say that Uber has cut into their business. Uber can be less expensive in comparison to the taxis.
If you take an Uber, make sure to bring cash, as unlike its competitor Lyft, the app does not have a screen for tipping the driver. Drivers have told me that Uber's take home pay is between 75 to 80 percent and many of the drivers drive for both Uber and Lyft. So if you are a college student looking for some spare money, this is something you might want to consider.
The use of forms of public transportation allows me a lot of freedom to go when I want to and where I want to. I also get to meet new and interesting people like my friend Mark who is both a magician and a motivational speaker, and my friend Jeff who used to DJ on a local radio station that played smooth jazz.
Uber is Uber awesome!
