Uber vs. Taxi: Cost
Many people believe that Uber is the cheaper way to travel, but this is not always the case. The cost of an Uber depends on your destination, the time of day you are traveling, and how far you are going. If you are traveling a short distance, the majority of the time, a taxi is cheaper but you want to opt for an Uber for further trips. Another consideration is when you travel by taxi, the driver expects a tip, and you need to factor this into the cost. Uber drivers do not expect a tip and often will refuse them.
Uber vs. Taxi: Customer Service
The customer service for both services are dependant on your driver. Uber drivers have incentives to be friendly since they rely on ratings and the taxi driver wants a good tip. When it comes to waiting times, Uber is far superior to a taxi. The majority of the time, Uber drivers pick up the individual within 10 minutes. A taxi, on the other hand, takes significantly longer, if they show up at all.
Uber vs. Taxi: Safety
Taxi drivers have a stricter screening process than Uber drivers have. Uber drivers do have a background check, but it is not as extensive as a taxi driver. There have been instances when drivers for Uber had criminal backgrounds that Uber was unaware of and drove for them.
There have been instances where Uber drivers convicted of sexual assault, kidnapping, or rape charges went through the background check undetected. Having a driver who may have convictions is a scary thought, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area. There is confusion when bringing a sexual lawsuit against an Uber driver if they are self-employed or employed by Uber.
Uber vs. Taxi: GPS Tracking
GPS on phones is one of the most convenient ways to track the time and cost when riding in a taxi or Uber. GPS can give you a sense of safety because you know the route you are taking and the amount of time it takes to get to your destination. You need to be aware of your route to ensure that the driver is not taking longer ways to increase the cost of the ride. Watch out for drivers taking unnecessary toll roads, which the rider is responsible for paying. To use Uber, you download an app and choose your payment method before requesting a ride. You pay Uber instead of the driver directly.
Uber vs. Taxi: Scams
There is no way to avoid scams altogether, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent them. When riding in a taxi, make sure the meter is running. While it may appear you will get a deal, this is not always the case. When you first arrive at the airport do not take the taxi that is waiting inside the airport. The individuals that claim to be taxi drivers are not real cab drivers and can charge any price they choose for the ride. When taking a cab to your hotel, make sure they are regulated taxi drivers. Not only does this make sure you are getting standard prices but it also helps ensure your safety.
Uber vs. Taxi: Schedule Rides
Scheduling a pickup with Uber is simple. You download the app, choose the type of ride you want, and then the driver is notified. The app gives you an estimate of how far the driver is and how long it will take them to arrive.
To get a taxi, you have to call the company and then schedule a pickup. There is no way to know when the cab will arrive or if they are coming at all. It can be very frustrating when trying to make it somewhere by a specific time.
While there are obvious benefits to using Uber, there are also disadvantages. If you are looking for reliability and ease of pay Uber is the obvious choice. If you are looking for the least expensive, the option is not always as cut and dry.