Uber, an online transportation network company headquartered in San Francisco, is arguably the best alternative to taking taxis in terms of convenience, cost, and environmental friendliness. Having recently rolled out an UberPool option, which allows you to share your ride with other members, Uber is currently in 507 cities around the world. We took an Uber while abroad in Amsterdam, and here’s what we discovered.
The Registration Process
Getting started with Uber is uber simple: install their mobile app on your smartphone, fill in your personal details, add a credit card, and get to riding right away. Since you’re the passenger, no driving records are required for membership approval.
Using the Uber App
Using the Uber app is also just as simple as registration. Simply select your pickup destination, and request an Uber. You’ll be given the estimated time of arrival right away, and you can request a fare estimate before confirming your pickup. Once confirmed, your driver profile will appear and the interactive map will display where your Uber driver is in the neighbourhood, and when you can expect them to arrive. When your ride completes, the rate will be charged to your credit card on file (which includes tip) and you will be given an option to rate your driver.
The Uber Experience
You can select your own private Uber ride or you can opt for an UberPool, which offers a carpooling structure where you share your ride with other Uber members for a lower rate. If you are sharing an Uber ride within your own group, you can opt for a private Uber and “split fare” with another Uber member within your group. The rate then gets split and charged to each of your credit cards on file.
Uber Vehicles and Drivers
There are a variety of Uber vehicles and drivers, and therefore a range of experiences that all fall under the umbrella of a personalized, exclusive ride experience. While the company started as a “black vehicle” experience, you can now expect to be driven by a variety of different vehicles and a variety of different colors. Some drivers offer complimentary bottled water or candies to their riders.
If you are interested in learning more about our member experience of Uber or want to discuss more, please contact us.
