Uber is the new trend that represents a new way for drivers to earn money while also giving people a ride, food delivery, or a package 24 hours a day. Simply by downloading the app and clicking a button, people are now able to call for a cheaper kind of taxi service. Many people aware of Uber have knowledge of what it is like to ride in an Uber, but are unaware of the perspective of the drivers. Fortunately, my dad is an Uber driver and I was given the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his experience driving for Uber this past year.
1. What has your experience been like driving for Uber?
“Driving for Uber has been a great experience thus far. I really like the fact I can make my own hours and not have to adhere to someone else’s schedule.”
2. How does the app work for the driver?
“Uber has made the 'Driver' App very simple to use. The driver first installs the Uber 'Driver' App (which is different from the Uber 'Customer' App). Once you install the App, all you have to do is open it up, type your username and password, and you are ready to accept your rides. Whenever someone calls for an Uber, the driver closest to that customer gets the call via the App. The Uber system tracks every driver and knows who has the app open and ready to receive riders.”
3. What is the best thing about your job?
“The best thing about my job is the fact I can work as much or as little as I want. I can control my own destiny.”
4. What is the worst thing about your job?
“The worst thing about my job is having to deal with customers who are drunk. Most of my calls after 11:00am are people who are intoxicated. Intoxicated people tend to be loud and obnoxious which can be very annoying.”
5. What is the funniest customer you have had?
“The funniest customer I had was a drunk woman who I picked up on New Year’s Eve. She asked if she could change outfits in the backseat of my car while I drove her from one party to the next. I told her that I was okay with it. In the middle of changing, she passed out in my car only wearing underwear and a shirt… no pants.”
6. Describe a night/day driving for Uber.
“On a typical night of driving for Uber, I start around 6:00pm. I put on the Uber app while I am still in the house, and I wait for the first call to come in. Once that call comes in, I pick up my first passenger and drop them off at their desired location. Once I reach their destination, I then wait near there for my next call. The next call can come in a minute or sometimes it may take 30 minutes. I never know for sure how long I will have in between rides. Typically after 10:00pm, the rides are very close together and I am very busy until about 3:00am when it slows down. At that point, I will head home and call it a night."
7. Would you suggest working for Uber to others?
“I would suggest Uber to anyone who is looking for a flexible part time job. They must enjoy driving and enjoy dealing with people."
Ever since my dad became an Uber driver it gave me a new perspective of the app. He explained that all Uber drivers must go through a tedious background check before getting hired. Also, I learned from my dad that Uber driver's are normal people. Most people who work for Uber are parents, grandparents, or young adults looking to earn more cash. Talking to my dad about Uber and his experiences made me understand that Uber is a safe resource to use if in need of a ride.
