AARP has some good webinars that I often sign up for but most of the time forget about and miss them. That was not the case yesterday as I have been interested in finding out about Uber and Lyft in case my car dies and I am in need of a ride.
Only one of my friends has ever used it as her daughter was unable to pick her up from the airport and took care of all the arrangements. All my friend did was get in and get off.
This webinar was pretty good and you could type questions for them to answer as you watched. I asked how much are you suppose to tip...they said that was a personal choice it was up to me...gee that was NOT the answer I wanted to hear. I need to know percentage-wise.
I had no idea it is all done within their app and no money ever changes hands and ride-sharing was cheaper than taxis. They said how useful this service is for seniors or those that no longer care to drive.
Have any of you tried this service and if so how would you rate them? Is there one you prefer over the other?
Today has been gray, gloomy with light rain. We had a high of 71 and a low of 64.
I finally finished the first part of my 2019 Terlingua Chili Cookoff - Trip 1 and hope to get to Trip 2 soon. Sorry, it has taken so long and that the pictures and video are not that great. Here is the link https://terlinguadreams.blogspot.com/2019/11/to-be-written-later.html
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
Terlingua Dreams
Governors Landing Campground - Lake Amistad - Del Rio, Texas
Our Granddaughter and her Boyfriend have used UBER a number of times when they go out at night and have adult beverages. they don't need a DUI on their driving records. What it costs or the Tip we were never told.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Too bad you do not know how much it costs versus taxis or how much is appropriate to tip. Thank you anyway.
DeleteI use both Uber & Lyft & can vouch for the fact that, even though I'm not a particularly frequent user, having them available just makes me feel more secure knowing I can get a ride quickly, especially when I travel.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like around my house Lyft drivers are more prevalent (you can see where a company's drivers are on the apps) & it also seems like a lot of Lyft drivers are women - Moms making cash while their kids are in school - so I like to patronize them.
But down in the big city & when I travel elsewhere Uber is usually more available so I'm grateful to hail whomever I can.
As for tipping, if it's a short trip I give a few bucks because doing it as a percentage the same way you do with waiters etc wouldn't be very fair.
If it's longer (like to/from my airport) I do the 10-15-20% for subpar/middling/good service like I do wait staff at restaurants.
I have no earthly idea if this is right, however.
Truth is, everybody says different things about how much to tip ridesharing drivers. But I worked as a waitress in college so I like to tip well & it's also important to know that drivers can rate you so if you're stingy, you might not get anybody to come when you desperately need them again. (At least that's the theory, I'm not sure drivers actually check this.)
In your case, it would not only be an important back-up for you, it would give you peace of mind if your Mom had the app so she could go somewhere if she had to when you were off running errands on your own in Acuña or if you broke your leg or something & couldn't drive her. My Mom has both services on her phone.
I also like that it is cash-less & all goes on your credit card by magic. If your purse is stolen with money & car keys inside, but you still have your phone, you can still get home.
You definitely should sign up for one or the other or both though because, dammit, now your blog readers will have to worry about what happens to you & your mom if your car breaks down because we just found out you *don't* have the app!
And you don't want to make us worry, right? ;-)
I too would prefer a woman driver in particular if I were to take one in Houston. In Del Rio I guess it really does not matter.
DeleteI was surprised to learn that drivers rate passengers as well...seems fair. With my cheap phone I do not know if I can add anymore apps everytime I try to add one it tells me I have to get rid of some and the ones I choose are not removeable.
I seldom carry cash on me so the fact that it is cashless appeals to me.
The last time I took a taxi was back in 2004 so it has been a long time. Thank you for your input.
Rideshares in Austin seem to cost about 2/3 to 3/4 the price of a taxi. Regarding tipping, I agree with Leilani, "10-15-20% for subpar/middling/good service". A nice thing about rideshares is that there's no fumbling with money or credit cards at your destination. The company gets your credit card number in advance when you sign up. You can select the tip percent or custom amount on your phone when the ride is complete or afterwards. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi, Hachita! The webinar left me with the impression that the cost was less though 2/3 or 3/4 the cost of a taxi would be less.
DeleteWhile I like that it is cashless I do believe I heard a while back that either Lyft or Uber was hacked but sadly in the world we live in that is to be expected.
I also liked Leilani's tipping scale.
My granddaughter uses Uber for everything and it doesn't sound like it's that cheap compared to a taxi, but she said the service is faster. But I have never asked what it costs.
ReplyDeleteThe temp today was 58 I love it but it has also been raining for 3 days I'll take that too its always needed
It is good to know that a young person would take Uber everywhere in particular if she does not have a car.
DeleteIt has been a long time since I took a cab so I do not have a point of reference to compare prices.
58 degrees is a wonderful temperature and rain is always needed in arid locations. Enjoy the cooler temperatures!
I have used both, mostly when I'm in Vegas, never had any problems or issues, the cars are always late model and clean, the drivers usually chatty and always friendly. As far as tipping, like everyone has said, its up to the rider, I like that the app gives you a choice of tips, or customize exactly the amount you want. I even noticed some of the drivers had a lighted sign on the dash, very handy at night, Idk the difference in the taxi rates but its for sure less
ReplyDeleteRedmike, long time no reading you!
DeleteSo you like to go to Vegas? Never been there. You do not make reference to which service you have used. I guess the tipping like the webminar mentioned is up to me.
Thanks for commenting and don't be a stranger.
Ooops...sorry Redmike my bad you did mention that you had used both.
DeleteMy kids always use Uber if they go out for night on the town and they know they'll be drinking adult beverages. I've never tried it yet and probably won't now that I have a dog and don't often leave him at home alone.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good idea to use rideshare if one is going to be consuming adult beverages.
DeleteThis was some helpful information. I've been wondering about Uber lately for when I travel to the big towns in Texas. Thanks for asking the question!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome JudithK...I have been interested in this subject for a while.
Delete