Has anyone had experience with driving a ride share like Lyft or Uber?

2015-10-15T18:50:10-04:00

Boston uber is trying to employ local veterans. Wondering if anyone has been a driver and what the experience was like.

For those interested in driving with Uber or those currently driving with Uber in Boston, a place with all the information on Uber in Boston

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 15 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-10-15T20:12:12-04:00

I have the application on the phone and have not used it, I did however do the one where you rent a place from someone who lives in a metropolitan area. The veteran position is an attempt at creating trust as most folks view military as trustworthy folk.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-10-16T12:06:40-04:00

I used it for the first time two weekends ago - twice in the same day. It was a pleasant experience, better than any taxi cab ride I've taken. The first Uber driver, she was very friendly and easy to talk to (something Cabbies don't often do in my experience), and the second Uber driver was just as friendly and chatty. And in both experiences, I sat in the front seat vs getting in the back seat (which I believe is preference of the Uber driver tbh), so that was another way to make the experience seem more like a friend giving me a lift vs a typical "taxi" ride.

I recommend Uber (haven't tried Lyft) to anyone that wants to get home safe from a late night out at the bar/club or just to/from dropping your primary means of transportation off for maintenance (which was my case) or for any purpose to get from point A to B. Uber does background checks, you can see the picture of the person picking you, read their reviews and ratings and see what kind of car they are driving - all before they arrive. Plus the fare estimate before you actually request is nice - there's no haggling, no need to have cash on you..etc... It's just much more convenient than taking a taxi cab.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-10-18T00:04:23-04:00

I am a Soldier that swears uber

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 18 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-10-18T16:29:52-04:00

Call me a paranoid fool, but that stuff seems like the craigslist of automobiles. Too many weirdos out there.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 19 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-10-19T10:41:46-04:00

SSG Carlos Madden Friends of my grandson deliver meals 'on-call' rather than drive for Uber and let strange people into their POVs.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Oct 19 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-10-19T13:49:40-04:00

I use it as a rider all the time, in fact I grabbed one this morning. The experience is much better than a taxi, usually more cordial and the vehicles tend to be cleaner. I talk to a fair amount of drives (I like to sit up front and talk) and the number one reason drivers like it is the flexible schedule, i.e. you make your own hours. The number one gripe that I hear from drivers is around the algorithms that determine what drivers get what fares, particularly for surge pricing and generally how the payments are determined.

Another nice aspect is that the drivers rate the passengers and the passengers rate the drivers. When an Uber is coming I know what they driver is rated at and the drivers have to maintain a particular rating to keep on driving.

The driver's app also will map out the route for them like any normal GPS program. I have noticed that some drivers prefer to use the app's guidance and some prefer to use their own GPS apps.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Oct 20 at 2016 12:19 AM

2016-10-20T00:19:26-04:00

I haven't used it in the Boston area...but it has to be cheaper than a cab. I have had a cab driver or two say "it's taking our business away" and "they aren't professional drivers".

Good to know that Uber has a background check. That would be my concern using them.