By now you’ve heard of Uber, the ridesharing service that has taken urban transportation by storm. Aiming to replace the traditional taxi service, Uber allows users to hail a driver right on their phone and pay online with their credit card.
Back in 2009, Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick founded UberCab, operating out of San Francisco, Calif. After a series of angel investments, the company expanded to 45 countries and more than 200 cities around the world. The company has since faced backlash in regards to regulations, so be sure to check Uber’s status in your city.
The app itself is free to download for iOS, Android and Windows Mobile. Simply register your phone number and credit card information and you’re ready to go. The app will find your location and match you with a driver, displaying how long it will take for the car to arrive. Once your pick-up location is set, users are sent the driver’s photo, name and license plate number. Gratuity is calculated into the rate, so payment is smooth and automatic, sending an e-receipt once you arrive.
There is a $15 minimum for rides, which makes the service best suited towards medium to long trips in the city, and also a cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. Uber has a strong focus on customer feedback, asking users to rate their drivers and give feedback. A representative known as an Uber Community Manager quickly follows up on negative comments.
As Uber’s popularity increased, it came under scrutiny for its lack of regulations compared to traditional taxis, as well as its compensation policies for drivers. There have been questions about the background checks it does on drivers, which are not as thorough as a taxi company.
In spite of the criticism, there is no denying Uber’s popularity and novel take on taxi service. To learn more, visit their website at Uber.com.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis