RIDEGURU
Wes Kretzer (Wes)
Ride Apprentice from Aurora, OH
Weekend Uber Warrior
1602 Rider DriverWeekend Uber Warrior, experience with lighting and lighting fixtures/applications, Southern Gospel Music.
Activity
Posts by Wes
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Corona Precautions
Just wondering, if you're a driver that's willing to take the chance during these difficult times and continuing to driver, … -
Are you taking any safety precautions during this Pandemic while driving?
Personaly i haven't driven since the Pandemic started as Uber/Lyfting is a sideline occupation for me. And from looking at … -
With the impending changes, will YOU continue to driver for Uber/Lyft?
Yes, you can be SURE rates will increase to the customer, but you can also be equally assured that the … -
Did you continue to drive in spite of the protests in your city?
Several major cities experienced work stoppage this week in protest to low wages and working conditions with Uber. And yet, … -
Why do YOU think Uber is dropping the destination filter in some cities and changing the pay rates on destination rides in other cities?
Uber has announced it is withdrawing the destination filter in some areas (New York for example) and in other areas … -
Uber Sues New York - yet again!
So what do you think Drivers - Uber goes at it again in New York. Uber is suing New York … -
New Surge System Revolt Cleveland, OH
Did you catch the national news story out of Cleveland, OH? The new surge system just rolled into town and … -
Upcoming Rate Increase
Hey Drivers: We all KNOW that Uber/Lyft have been sneaking in a much larger share of the fares as compared … -
The Perfect Prius?
I've been considering picking up a used Prius to use exclusively for Uber/Lyft. But it seems that almost every used … -
New York Rates
If I'm not mistaking, Feb 1 was "D" day for New York when the new rates were going to be … -
Electric vehicles
I regular consider driving an all electric vehicle, but with severe range anxiety as well as the need to occasionally … -
Auto Off feature in newer cars when stopped.
Many of not most newer cars feature an engine cut off feature when stopped at a red light etc... where … -
Should we drive during the government shutdown?
I've seen numerous posts about how dead it is out there - which based on 3 plus years experience is … -
The "new" surge
So for those of you that now have the "new surge" system - where you are guaranteed a surge rate … -
As a Driver, will you buy Uber or Lyft stock when it becomes available?
It appears both Lyft (which has already initiated the paperwork to go Public) and now Uber is rushing to follow, … -
As a Driver, what were some of your moments when you had to say "I'm just the driver"...
If you've driven your share of rides, I'm sure that you, like myself, have had at least a few occasions … -
Cargo and other snack services for Rideshare
Are any of you selling snacks in your cars to passengers whether individually or as part of Cargo or one … -
Lyft Subscription Service
Today Lyft announces that their "trial" subscription service it going mainstream and for $299.00 a month you can receive up … -
The revised Uber Surge System
Just wondering, now that Uber has rolled out the "new way of surging" in many major markets, I'd like to … -
The "NEW" Uber Surge Format
Have any of your markets changed to the new method of surge? Where you no longer get "surge" rates for …
Featured Answers by Wes
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You need to call your agent to see if you can add "rideshare" coverage to your policy. In most states this is now available. I'm with State Farm in Ohio and it cost me less than $10 a month to cover two cars. You NEED this coverage as Uber/Lyft ONLY cover you when you're on your way to pick up and when you have a passenger. You do NOT have coverage when you're waiting for a ping, and if you got in an accident you would technically NOT be covered. Furthermore when adding Rideshare, particularly to State Farm, they then offer you full coverage and THEY deal with the insurance companies used by Uber/Lyft.
If your insurance company does not offer Ridehshare, I would STRONGLY encourage you to change to a company that does. It simply isn't worth the risk. Insurance companies don't want to pay claims!!! Don't give them a reason to deny you, becuase THEY WILL. I don't care how long you've been with them or who you know, the job of the insurance company is to MAKE A PROFIT, and the best possible way to do that is to avoid paying claims!!! Think about it and choose wisely!!!
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Why not use this very site where you are posting the question (www.rideguru.com) and let it calculate the fare for you???
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At least in our market that option no longer seems to be available with Uber. It is available with Lyft, but please understand, all it really does is send out a request in advance of your pick up time to the nearest driver. With Lyft, a driver can accept it well in advance, but if they're on a ride or not near the location, it will still default to the closest driver. It also does not protect you against surge pricing fyi.
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4.5 is not good at all. Keep in mind that, as a driver, we would already be kicked off the system for a rating that low. Honestly I've done a few thousand trips, I've never given a passenger a 1-2 rating, and I've only given a 3 or 4 on rare occasion when they truly deserved much less. There are drivers that are much less lenient, and I would offer a few suggestions to bring your ratings up.
1. Give a cash tip. This will almost ALWAYS result in a 5 star rating, even if you were a little late or generally obnoxious. Once your rating returns to more acceptable levels you could resume tipping on the APP, but a cash tip will be known BEFORE we rate you. Otherwise it can be a couple of days before we would even know that you tipped as they are not always instantaneous on our end.
2. NEVER make the driver wait more than 2 minutes, and most definitely not beyond 5 minutes. (Most drivers will leave at the 5 minute mark anyhow)
3. NEVER turn the sound system up to max!!! Drivers' need to hear things like sirens and horns etc... Consider your driver and also consider that it is their personal car, so they DO care about their sound system in general.
4. If you ask to make a stop, please be quick. Remember we make almost nothing when we're sitting still. We're doing it as a favor, NOT as an obligation. We don't HAVE to wait, so if your driver is gracious enough to do so, hustle yourself in and out of the store!
5. Don't put your feet in our seats. Don't get crumbs all over our seats. Don't get into our car wet or soiled without offering a seat covering (plastic bag would suffice).
6. Please tell us if you're sick. We'll gladly assist you, most of us have barf bags, and we will gladly pull over when it's safe to do so. PLEASE don't puke in our cars!!!
7. Please NEVER yell out the windows at friends or foes, and NEVER discard anything out the window.
8. Please don't bring opened alcohol into the car. It's against the law. We are NOT a limo, so it is NOT allowed. I don't care how special your occassion is, don't break the law!!!
9. Please bring car seats for the kids and babies. We don't have them, and you, as a parent, are responsbile to provide them.
10. Please make sure the address that the app found as your location is correct. YOU, not Uber, not me, but YOU are responsible for entering a correct pick up location. Consider walking outside to request the ride so the GPS in YOUR phone can correctly identify your location. Remember, it's YOUR phone that pinpoints your location and communicates that information to the Uber system, so don't blame Uber when it's not correct!
11. I know nobody wants to "wait"... that's the nature of American culture. But please, wait until you're really READY to depart before requesting a driver and have your shoes on and be ready to go when we arrive. Remember, WE MAKE NOTHING waiting for you, or driving to pick you up. NOTHING!!! So please be considerate!!!
12. Lastly, please don't eat Taco's and messy foods in the car. I know you think you're starving and that drive through Taco Bell stop smells SO good. But please - it is totally wrong to expect us to stop and clean our car in preparation for the next passenger (who is probably already waiting for us to arrive) to clean up YOUR mess. That will ALWAYS result in a lower rating.
13. Lastly, be considerate. Leave the car in better shape than when you arrived. We are NOT responsbile for your trash, your chewing gum wrappers, your candy papers, and I can ASSURE you the next passenger doesn't want to see them.
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Actually they aren't that prevalent in our area and unless it's a Tesla charging station, they aren't free (nor are they free any longer for the more recent Tesla customers)...
But I do feel the day will come when they'll be everywhere - in fact I suspect gas stations will soon add areas for charging (if they have room) and use superchargers that can do the job rather quickly) at 30 mins or less.
But for now - it's still an issue for sure.
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The threshold varies by market. It is a well established fact that certain geographies rate more liberally or more conservatively and thus there is no single number for the entire US. However the long standing number for reference and concern is 4.65 and we can assume once you see any version of 4.xx you should be mildly concerned.
It's another great example of laws being passed and changed implemented by lawmakers who have ZERO knowledge of how it all works!!!
Folks this horrible tragedy was completely avoidable. If that sweet gal that lost her life had ONLY checked the license plate and car model.... we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Having a "sign" or "light" means NOTHING - that's the FIRST thing the bad guys will get - order them on Ebay 7 days a week!
Do you have leather or cloth seats? Black or lighter color? I ask because I've seen several instances where drivers had a major issue collecting because it was nearly impossible to show the wet seat via a photo when the seats were black. Otherwise yes, you should get paid. The last amount I heard was less than $100 but Uber seems to change the rules every day, so please let all of us know how it works out.
I completely understand your situation and would suggest (as others will) that you CALL your Uber driver after the trip to come and get you has started and explain to them your situation. I would think the vast majority would try their best to be accomodating.
Assuming you have an extra buck, I would strongly encourage you to consider tipping, and doing it in cash would be the best route since the driver knows FOR SURE that you tipped for the extra inconvenience and time lost waiting for your slow arrival and departures. This would like fix your rating issue. If you financially can't afford to tip even a buck or two, I would at least tell the driver you really appreciate them and let them know if you were able you would tip but simply can't afford it. I know there will be those drivers that feel "if you can't afford it, take a bus" but I also realize you're in a situation with special needs and getting to a bus may not be possible for you.
I've had them ask my name. I give it to them, but then immediately ask them their name. If they answer incorrectly, I then ask them the name on the account that ordered the ride. If they weren't able to answer that I would tell them - sorry, this is not your Uber. Fortunately that situation hasn't occurred recently.
But I have had several instances while sitting at a drinking establishment at closing time where ladies would walk up and get in my car "thinking" it was their Uber or in 2 cases, they thought it was their friend and after looking at my face (after getting in and sitting down) usually followed by an "Oh sh**, this is the wrong car".. LOL
Excess alcohol is truly not anyone's friend!
I can understand this in a very conservative Muslim area where customs and traditions are ultra conservative. For a single women to be riding with an unknown male is considered taboo and probably punishable.
Just don't expect to see this happen in the US!!! LOL
I personally feel the driver was completely out of line. When I signed up to drive for Uber, I agreed to provide safe transportation from point A to point B. It is absolutely NONE of my business where they're going nor what they'll be doing once I drop them off. PERIOD.
Even if I know the person is going to doing something illegal that is NONE of my business UNLESS I knew they were going to hurt someone else, in which case I'd reroute myself to the local PD and let them handle it.
Abortion is LEGAL. It doesn't matter if you agree! In fact that driver and I would probably agree on many points, BUT, it is LEGAL and we have NO right to pass judgement period.
Utterly foolish. Anyone can purchase a sign on Ebay - as I have purchased lit Uber and Lyft signs myself - and yes, i'm a driver.
But as far as facial recognition is concerned, what about the 100's of times I've picked up a passenger where the ride was requested by someone else, often a friend or lover.
The solution is simple - the passengers need to check our license plate before they enter the car. PROBLEM SOLVED!
Personally I would never ask for ID. If i felt they were seriously under 18, i would ask them their age. If they tell me they're 18, then I don't question them. If they lied to me, then we would settle that matter in court in the event of Uber/Lyft arguing that as a defense in the event of an accident.
Honestly, even though it is in the TOS, I've NEVER heard of either company using that as a defense strategy.
Unless it was somehow construed as a "factor" in an acccident, and I can't imagine that happening, it would never be mentioned in a court case.
Also keep in mind there are some markets where Uber has a service directed towards underage kids - so it's only a matter of time until we will some iteration of that in our market.
I considered buying some - and then had to check myself. What was I even thinking. Knowing that both companies have NEVER made the first cent of profit, and knowing that going forward it is clearly NOT going to be smooth sailing, I personally wouldn't even consider it at this point.
As driver's, we all know how poorly they value their drivers. I cannot with a clear conscience invest in the company until they restore our rates to a more livable rate. Big business continues to push the American worker to the absolute minimal level with zero concern about the well being of their employee's. Fortunately there are still job opportunities remaining that pay well, and thankfully I have a day job that has delivered a livable income for 30 years - BUT, I know hundreds of folks that are living week to week and it's a sad state of affairs.
Now that Lyft and Uber will be forced to answer to their shareholders and have a high level of expectation to deliver profits, there is absolutely NO way they are going to help their drivers until they are forced to do so, and as long as we continue to drive and new people are coming on board, that isn't going to change.
My passenger can do whatever they want as long as it doesn't cause me aggravation or stress. It's 100% their ride, they're paying for it, and they can do whatever they want.
Let's be honest, the majority of passengers are either talking on their phone or playing with their phone, or listening to music, typically with ear plugs while riding. I certainly don't mind AT ALL... in fact it eliminates the need for a lot of conversation which can sometimes be distracting.
I speak when they arrive. I usually ask them "how's your day" or whatever - and judge how talkative they are based on their response. I would guess 50% of passengers are busy on their phones so I don't talk much. I would never downrate a passenger for not talking - however, I have had a couple of instances where the passenger just looked at me and grunted and didn't answer at all to my "how's your day".. and didn't say a word the entire trip, nor a word upon arriving even though I told them to have a nice evening and thanks - yes, there's been a few of those that I downrated to 4 just for being a**holes with an attitude, but that's it.
sometimes it's location especially if they make it obvious it's their home or where they live, but you can sometimes tell by how people conduct themselves, how they dress (dirty unkempt versus clothing that has been ironed or is clean and fits correctly).... and many times you're right, you just can't tell.
I tend to agree with you. Servers are consistently the best tippers as well as anyone that works in an industry where they would routinely receive tips. I've had so many poor (by their own admission) apologize for not tipping over the years - and I truly appreciate and feel bad for them. I find the obviously wealthy are LOUSY tippers. I also find that by driving a really nice car - i honestly think that hurts more than it helps as a lot of riders feel "I'm not going to tip him. He has more money than I do"....
Although it could be fun at times, I don't like the concept of passengers expecting an Uber ride, especially at the X level, to involve anything more than a safe, clean car and a safe driver that's paying attention to the ROAD and not being distracted by events in the car, especially if the driver has to control the karoke machine. That's no different than using your phone - it's all a distraction.
It tends to vary by area and market in general. In Cleveland, OH it's a strong day morning and evening and spotty during the day. Warning: Be SURE to have barf bags in your car. A lot of folks that rarely drink party on St Patty's Day and puke on their way home! Be prepared!
As an English speaking person, I always am hopeful that my Uber 0r Cab driver speaks my language. But be that as it may, I would still prefer a safe and secure ride over their linguistics.
However a couple of comments regarding your post. One is that Uber quotes you a price BEFORE the ride, and generally, unless the trip varies wildly from the original route, the passenger is charged the same whether the route varies or not. So if you were charged MORE than the original quote, you can send Uber a note (via the help screens in trip history) and chances are you will be refunded. Also keep in mind that the driver generally follows the Uber provided route which takes things into consideration such as delays, slow traffic, major accidents and will route you around the problem areas to save time. This generally does not cost the passenger additional dollars. Secondly the matter of the sand. Yes, he may be able to vacuum it for a buck, but consider this. He has to go off line (in other words, off the clock) and can accept no rides during this time. Secondly he has to expend his own energy and money to clean up YOUR mess. Thirdly he was probably lucky to make 50% of your fare, and now you expect the driver to take 15 minutes off the clock, find a car wash, use his time and energy to clean up your mess, and I'm betting you didn't even tip for the inconvenience. Wow... IMO the $40 bucks was less than it actually cost him when all things are considered.
They are "sharing" the surge now. So ALL drivers in a surge area WILL get the "adder surge" in addition to the regular rates. BUT, the surge will ONLY be the dollar amount in addition to regular unless it's a LONG ride in which case Uber seems to be sharing the surge dollars but no one (including Uber) has explained how this works! So yes, on a long ride it could be a loser (compared to the old system) for the driver, BUT, Uber is spending those dollars to the benefit of ALL the drivers in a given surge area.
Some day we'll get our hands on documentation on how this actually works.
The biggest "trick" to doing this is remembering to turn OFF the other APP after you accept a ride. For example, once you accept a ride on Lyft, you MUST remember to TURN OFF the Uber App, otherwise you'll be getting pinged for rides you cannot accept! Trust me, you'll forget until you've done this a few times! There is not a problem driving for both systems - most drivers do actually and Uber and Lyft are fully aware of this.
It is definitely the intention of Uber to get more drivers into a surge market area. They are encouraging this by guaranteeing ANY driver in ANY surge area that is positioned within the surge WILL DEFINITELY get the surge bonus on their next ping even if the ride comes from outside the surge area. So from that view, it's a great program. And on short rides it's a WIN. But on LONG rides it seems you only get additional surge dollars (on top of the promised surge dollar amount) if the rider is actually paying a surge price and it is a long ride. (That's what seems to be happening). Otherwise you only get the bonus dollar amount. That factor is not written in stone based on anything I've seen or heard Uber say, but I've seen dozens of examples where drivers DID get additional surge dollars on top of the fixed dollar amount on LONG rides, and I've seen examples where the driver only received the bonus amount. It seems (but this is just my opinion) that if the passenger is indeed paying surge rates they share it with you. If not, it appears you still get the bonus but no additional dollars. Love to hear if anyone has experienced anything differently.
As long as you know Uber is servicing that location (you can find out on the uber.com website) I would NOT book in advance. There are SO many variables in flying - and if you're more than 5 minutes late the driver would cancel you as a "no show" and you would be charged a no show fee.
I'm assuming you have the APP on your phone and could summon a ride AFTER you pick up your luggage. Remember, drivers make almost nothing waiting on you, so don't expect them to do that. Order your ride when you're ready to roll. If you don't have the app on your phone, I would recommend a taxi or some other form of public transportation.