Uber Technologies Inc, a ridesharing company, has become the center of transportation debates since they launched in 2009. They started as a peer-to-peer ridesharing and expanded to a food delivery service in 2014. Their latest market is a micro-mobility system with electric bikes and scooters.
Uber and Taxis have been competing in the transportation industry for about 10 years. What are the benefits and risks with each?
Uber Pros:
Uber has more options for payment: Uber takes PayPal, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards.
Uber gives you a price estimate: Before even accepting the ride you can see what it will cost for the trip. You can also see the estimated time it will take to arrive for pick-up.
Uber has a rating system: This type of transparency gives customers a sense of security. It helps maintain a high standard for drivers and an overall experience.
Uber Cons:
Surge pricing: A taxi is likely to be the better option when demand is high or during peak usage. Uber fares are calculated according to algorithms, which match supply with demand.
Too many cars on the road: This is certainly an environmental problem with more cars on the road. The idea was to cut back on pollution but instead with rideshare companies we actually add to traffic and pollution.
Depends on battery life: If your phone dies while waiting or paying for an Uber this is not an ideal situation. You also risk wandering aimlessly around streets finding the Uber.
Taxi Pros:
Strict regulations: Inspections, higher insurance coverage, and flexible location drop off make taxi’s more attractive.
A local driver: When traveling, it is useful to take advantage of the skills, knowledge, and experience of a local driver. Along with knowing the area, they know all the routes in the cities where they are located.
Request the taxi driver for another trip: If agreed upon previously, you can request the taxi driver for another trip later on or for the return. When traveling this is very convenient, and you become comfortable with your driver making the trip more relaxing.
Taxi Cons:
The type of ride: Uber currently has 5 types of services - UberX, UberXL, UberSELECT, UberBLACK, and UberSUV. Taxis are less flexible in what type you receive unless called and reserved ahead of time.
No rating system: What you get, is what you get. You don't know who your driver is before they arrive. On the Uber app, you see them as soon as you accept the fare.
Refusal of credit card payment: Some may refuse credit and debit cards meaning you should be carrying cash with you. Unlike Uber, where your information is already taken like a prepayment.
The Summary:
Prices can vary depending on a few factors like distance, traffic, time of the day, and location. The three biggest factors to consider are time of day, location, and amount of passengers. Ubers are very convenient and for tech-savvy people. Taxis are more ‘old-school’ and have a certain charm about them.
When traveling you should also be aware of where Uber is banned. They are fully banned in Bulgaria, Denmark, Hungary, and Northern Territory of Australia. They have been partially banned in Oregon (USA), Germany, Italy, France, Hong Kong, Netherlands, and Finland. Possible Uber bans include Turkey, and London (UK).
Let us know below your experiences with Taxis and Ubers!