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I have used Uber several times since first seeing this thread. The drivers are all part time and have ranged from graduate students to massage therapists. All say they are happy with Uber and seem to like that they can "sign in" or off whenever they are available. They tell me that the only complaints come from cab drivers. Uber is now a 62 billion dollar company. They are doing something right.
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That's an interesting number you have there. Made me wonder if there will be an IPO? |
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skyking,
I think the article you linked is probably right. That number is a stunner which was not making sense to me either. As much as the idea of Uber intrigues me, I would not be an investor. It's a concept, not a product. It seems like it would be hard to keep stockholders happy with investing in something so wide open to competition from variations on a theme. But I really like the Uber concept for the sake of the concept itself. Earlier in this thread, I posted a little list of a few reasons I think it could be helpful and practical to have Uber available to Villagers who might need or like another choice for transportation. |
I have a neighbor where I just moved from who drives for Uber & Lyft. Uber & Lyft weaken the local Taxi company then the Uber & Lyft drivers realize that the income they are told is possible doesn't factor in EXPENSES which are HUUGGHHH and they quit and the Taxi Company is struggling now and people are upset because of poor service. I would crawl before I would use either. Give me the old Taxi Company anytime. Both companies are blood suckers but people are desperate nowadays and are willing to give it a shot. Lets see what happens.
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Uber is an interesting company as they effectively have no capital assets. The drivers must use their own assets (their car) and bear the cost of the depreciation of those assets. When all expenses are factored in (depreciation, maintenance, gas, car washes, repairs, etc.), it is apparently difficult to make much money driving for Uber, or any of the other similar companies. There may be isolated areas where the exception is possible.
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Uber Pros:
1. You see a photo of driver and passenger when the text is sent. You can refuse said driver/passenger. 2. No $ changes hands. Fee is calculated ahead of time and paid at destination via the app. Tips can be added via the app. Therefore drivers are not at risk of a hold up. 3. Passenger rates the driver, driver rates the passenger. Those with several bad rating have their app disabled. (Rude, unsafe drivers or drunk, obnoxious passengers) 4. You know who is picking you up, as a passenger, and what type of car. The driver know who they are picking up and the destination, before accepting the call. 5. I have never heard anyone say anything negative about an Uber transaction. Some drivers offer mints, chilled water bottles to their fares. It's all about ratings. 6. When on the app, and calling for a ride, you see where each driver is in your area and info about them. Same for the driver. Full disclosure, thus you can accept or reject a driver/fare. I've been in some very scary taxis traveling alone. As a woman traveling alone I would feel much safer using Uber than a taxi any day!! |
I'm an Über Driver!
I just signed on to be an Uber Driver in TV!-- just for the summer. I'm an elementary school teacher in South Florida (part time villager) and I'm here for the summer break. I haven't had a raise since I started teaching but I'm not complaining. I LOVE being a teacher. I love my students and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in this world. There is nothing so special as being important to a child. When they come in with a note they have written or a picture they drew just for me, I realize again how blessed I am. The chance to make a little extra money over the break is great for me. I don't want to derail your debate about the effects of Uber on the American economy, just wanted to share a personal take on the issue. :)
Bernadette |
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Is Uber available in The Villages?
Duplicate post.
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I feel bad for the Taxi company I see around...clean cars & respectable drivers. If Uber was so good all the Taxi drivers would flee immediately for the dream of owning their own company. As stated when you add all the expenses for running a car and the insurance the margin is very skinny in this area. Not enough fares to make it work $$.
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Bernadette, we wish you much success. Thanks so much for choosing to teach. Such an important job! Teachers are always underpaid for the critical job of molding our future leaders. You are greatly appreciated!!
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I know that the influence of a good teacher is priceless. |
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I admire teachers and the work they do... Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk |
After 8 years of teaching, I'm still at the same starting salary of $39,000. I only earned a supplemental pay of $3,600 more when I finished my master's degree. The union and the school board keep arguing about raises but nothing seems to happen. I'm not complaining. I wish we were paid more but I'd trade that in a heartbeat for more teaching and less testing. I hate that kids are categorized by their FSA scores. "He's a 1, she's a 4."They are so much more than that …. but that's a different topic!
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I signed on as a driver but there is no UBER in the villages. UBER keeps on sending me to Gainesville but that is too far/
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As a uber user and driver I find the uber much easier to use, more timely and better vehicles. The insurance is covered by the company, and it's not a job to make a living off, especially in our area, just a past time to do something and meet interesting people. For Dr. visits, going to the hospital to visit someone, or going from one end of the Villages to the other, it is very easy to use. Most people don't have the app in their phone so they don't know how to use it. Once it becomes more widely used it will catch on.
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I must agree about the benefit of using Uber. We use it often when we travel and it is outstanding. We have had conversations with drivers about why they do it and the answers have varied. As far as money is concerned, some said it paid their car payment and insurance while others said they made between $1000-1500 a month.
(never met a teacher that only worked nine months out of the year) |
I would assume the numbers they quoted were not net after expenses such as depreciation on their car, gas, maintenance, and repairs.
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I began using Uber several years ago when I was unable to find an available cab in Asheville, and my daughter immediately found several Uber drivers in the area with her app. Within minutes we were on our way; furthermore, we were able to select a minivan that could accommodate our group. I've been using Uber extensively ever since when traveling. I don't like to over-generalize, but every driver has been courteous and friendly and can provide wonderful conversation. In WPB I had a deaf driver (this was noted on the app) and it so happened that we got stuck in rush hour traffic on I-95; the fare never changed, of course, so I did tip him; he was so grateful. I have had some horrible cab rides in Atlanta (surly drivers, smelly, dirty cars) as well as cabs that take 45 minutes to arrive or just don't show up at all, but I am always impressed with the quality of the Uber rides. Drivers always say it's just a way to make some extra money during their down times, whenever they feel like it.
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Uber
I have a nephew who drives for Uber in a small town in Central Illinois. He doesn't do it as his primary source of income bit he tells me it provides some nice spending money. His take on the expenses is that those costs are going to occur anyway. Depreciation, gas, maintenance, and upkeep are a constant changed only by rate of use. He logs on the rate of use. He logs on when it is convenient and he wants to. His determination is the reward is greater than the costs for him.
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Uber
Yes Uber is now available in The Villages. They are not always online, but as it becomes more known, there will be more drivers.
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I found this article about Uber. It seems pretty objective.
How to Make Money Driving for Uber - The Simple Dollar |
There is an individual advertising in the classified as an uber driver with a cost of $15. This is not how I understand the service works.
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The only major complaint i have about Uber is that the driver can cancel the trip anytime until they pick you up.
This probably isnt a big issue unless you live in a big metropolitan area. I have had it happen twice when demand and traffic were heavy. |
See below.
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