Uber: Reinventing How You Use Taxis

Till Uber happened, we all had to wait for our favourite taxi. And it did take a while before we could catch one. Uber-connected millions of customers in need of a timely cab with thousands of willing cab drivers, making rides available quickly and easily, at better rates. And as the taxi business understood how things were changing, entrepreneurs started looking at having their own taxi app, for their taxi business. This gave rise to such a wave of similar apps or Uber clone app which connect the consumer directly to the service providers that it led to the term ‘Uberisation’ being coined to put a label on this new phenomenon. How Successful Has Uber Been? There is no doubt that Uber and the Uber clones have revolutionized the cab riding and sharing business. But whether or not it is truly worthy of the praised lavished upon it by its customers everywhere remains to be seen. Two Sides Where many of its customers are conce ed, Uber can do no wrong. This sentiment is not without reason – Uber has indeed proven itself to be a boon to its users who can get a ride home at late hours and from remote areas with ease, where otherwise they might have been stuck desperately looking for transport. Every coin has two sides, however, and like any other service, Uber comes with its (perhaps more than) fair share of flaws. So what is it really to society, a blessing or a curse? The Advantages of Uber Uber users, both customers and cab drivers, have certainly reaped the benefits of this service. • Good Quality Service: Uber pays attention to their customer’s comfort and well-being during the cab jou eys. Most users have reviewed that the drivers tend to be very friendly and accommodating, and do not make working together a hassle. They have a knack of setting their passengers at ease. Because drivers are often from the same area as the customer, seeing a familiar face is another reassurance. The cars are also in good shape, clean and comfy. A well-maintained vehicle makes commuting a much more bearable process at peak hours, and Uber holds up its end of the bargain. • Ease of User The Uber app is very user-friendly; its features are easy to learn even for someone who struggles with smartphones. Signing up is quick and convenient, as is using the app and booking a ride. The app requires you to confirm your request from step to step so there’s no worry about making a wrong or accidental booking. The in-built GPS feature that allows you to keep a track of your driver’s location is also highly useful. • Reasonable Prices: Regular cab fares can be pretty exorbitant. It’s no surprise that people are preferring the lower rates, discounts and promotions that Uber offers their customers. The system is easy to understand and is fair to both customer and cabbie. Be on the lookout for coupons and deals on the app, too! You are charged per mile as long as you are going at least 11 miles an hour. If your vehicle is stuck in traffic or slowed down for a similar reason, you get charged per minute. This system takes into account both the time that the driver has invested and the delay suffered by the passenger. • Available in Many Citiesr Uber’s reach has spread across many countries and is operational is hundreds of cities. The Flaws in the Systemr Regardless of its pros, Uber has plenty of drawbacks which need to be taken into consideration. In an article here, Benjamin G. Edelman has discussed the threats of Uber at great length, with depth and detail. • Multiple Lawsuitsr Uber has blatantly flouted rules and regulations in many states and is involved in more tha 150 lawsuits at the moment. In spite of cease and desist orders from various governments, it has muscled its way on and disregarded laws. You can read more about the various cases that have been filed against Uber, including a battle with its own drivers that led to a $100 million settlement. • The Reserve the Right to Refuse Servicer And refuse, they do! Uber refuses to pick up passengers with disabilities, which is a serious issue. The cars used by Uber as cabs are not built to accommodate wheelchair-ridden passengers, and as a result, the people who would probably benefit most from such a service are the ones denied it. Though Uber has started the ASSIST initiative to counter this problem in recent times, there is still a dearth of drivers working as a part of it. • Inadequate Insurance Coverager The car insurance given by Uber to its drivers cover any damages sustained by their vehicle when they are working. There is a loophole here, though – it is only applicable if there is a passenger in the cab. Even if the driver has turned on his/her app and is scouting for a customer when the losses occur, Uber does not take responsibility. Due to the tricky nature of this situation, nor would a driver’s personal car insurance. As a result, the cabbie would be left hanging and may be tempted to lie to their insurance company about being on Uber time. The rise of these kinds of incidents could lead to insurance firms gradually increasing their rates for premiums. • They Think They are Above the Lawr In order to come out at the top from amongst all the competition, Uber and Uber clone in the business do not think much of cutting corners. In order to reduce their expenses and thus offer customers more attractive rates, Uber has ignored many laws worldwide. Final Verdict With regards to safety, convenience, rates and effectiveness, Uber certainly has made a name for itself. However, unless the company takes serious steps to deal with the allegations of unlawful behavior and pays more attention to proper licensing, and insurance, it will not reach the standard of service that society expects and needs.