RIDEGURU
Monica Castleberry (momof4)
Ride Expert from Philadelphia PA
Mom & Nursing Student by day Ride Share Driver by night always on the go
8198 Rider DriverActivity
Posts by momof4
-
Uber's Secret "Project Luigi". Just another way to put the screws to the drivers.
Uber has 180 of Change, Uber Pro. Lyft in some markets added the long pick up fee for drivers. Then … -
Lyft finally got some B@!!$! They made a positive decision on their own without waiting on Uber to do it.
WTG Lyft! I always call these companies out for their BS however they have made a positive decision for the … -
Lyft finally does something right! About damn time.
Its about damn time! We have been complaining about this for months. Although it helped drivers it screwed up with … -
Is Uber's Customer Service Reps causing drivers to lose out on tips? You be the judge.
Or is Ubers app? Or both??? My son & his gf went out Friday night to his Christmas party & … -
Uber drivers seeing Surge Amt. on their maps but what is Uber really charging the rider? Where is all that money going? I can tell you.
I've seen this on 2 other occassions when my kids call me for a ride. This all started back in … -
Hope drivers dont fall for this! Drivers will end up working for free. Is there anything this company wont do to screw over drivers???
Just another way to not pay drivers. The interest will be so high drivers will be driving for weeks to … -
Uber wins small Victory in CA rape suit. What do you think?
I dont agree with Uber very often. They usually are at fault. However in this case it was not their … -
Didn't Uber say they were deactivating riders with low ratings?
I know Uber said they were giving riders time and suggestions to improve their ratings. That had to be at … -
Is Uber serious? Uber Offering snacks now when logging off.
Went out to drive today. Logged on accepted a trip. Completed it. Logged off to run an errand. The app … -
More on the Axios interview with Evil CEO Dara K. This dude is a total jerk.
The only thing this man gets right in the interview is autonomous vehicles are a long way off. How much … -
Lyft wants you to give up "Car Ownership". Say goodbye to your car and rely on using Lyft to travel.
Lyft wants you to "give up car ownership". They will help you sell your car. They paired up with Carvana … -
AXIO on HBO interviews Dara K. on drivers wanting to unionize. Short video. What a joke.
See link to interview below. Dara definately dont want drivers to form a Union. This last statement from him is … -
Will Uber and Lyft ever stop fighting laws? How do they get away with ignoring laws? Is drivers ever going to make what they deserve?
Will Uber and Lyft ever pay the drivers what they deserve? Will driver rates increase? Why don't Uber & Lyft … -
Drivers don't forget Thanksgiving Eve is the busiest drinking night of the year!
If you are new to driving for Uber & Lyft or you never thought about it this is the best … -
Uber being Sued by 96,000 Drivers in NY. When will it end? When are they not being suec?
Many wonder why Uber isn't profitable. Lets forget about about self driving cars, flying taxi's, submarines, helicopters, low rider fares, … -
Too funny!! Angry Moms Road Rage Against Lyft Driver. I would say Unbelievable except in todays world.
I have to say she deserves Mom of the Year Award for 2019. Click on link. The video/article is pretty … -
Will never take a NY trip again. Ever! Few questions in comments if anyone knows the answers. Would appreciate it:)
I try to avoid NY trips. I can usually tell on Uber by the amount of time as its a … -
Car accident recently. Will my Insurance notify Uber or Lyft for any reason?
PA driver. On the way back from a trip both apps were off as PA drivers cannot pick up passengers … -
Uber and Lyft Ballot Initiative guarentees only $5.64 per hr. for drivers in CA. Total BS.
http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/the-uber-lyft-ballot-initiative-guarantees-only-5-64-an-hour/ -
Lyft Pink Membership $19.99 per month. Offers 15% off, waived lost and found fees, and more. Is it worth it?
https://amp-usatoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2484960001?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fmoney%2F2019%2F10%2F29%2Flyft-membership-plan-lyft-pink%2F2484960001%2F
Featured Answers by momof4
-
This happened to me quite a few times. This particular night I get a request for Uber X I can seat 4 safely. I pull up there are 3 people they say we are waiting for one more. I am paying no attention to back seat they say ok we are good I start trip get 5 blocks from pick up look in rear view mirror I have 4 in back 1 in front. So what do I do? Do I say something? Do I end trip there and boot them out? I am sure you are all saying I would of. Lol There is 5 of them one of me, oh forgot to mention I am not in a very good neighborhood. Do I call police? I probably won't get past 91 before one of them can take my phone and if I can connect with 911 chances are police will not be there before I am beaten and my car is on cinder blocks. So I take my time ride the right lane nice and slow, stay away from traffic. We get to destination still in another crappy hood. I quickly end trip. The person they are meeting doesn't answer their call so they are not moving out of my car. Uh hello trips over. So they continue to sit in my car for 10 min deciding what to do. Fnally I get another rider so I find my voice and get the courage to say "I got to go" . Still another 2 min. go by. Finally guy comes out and they get their stuff out of my trunk and go on their way. Now I pull up with doors locked and don't unlock until I know how many are getting in my car. I've learned quite a few lessons driving for Uber this past year.
-
I've picked up strippers twice. One stripper had a fit & started screaming at me because I didnt pick her up at stripper enterance. The app put me in front of the place. I had never been there before. She called me screaming so I drive around to where she told me but there were people all over plus 2 entrances/exits so I ask the first female I see if she was my passenger. She ignores me then I see Mr. Big and Beefy with the tight muscle head shirt on wave me over. She opens door starts screaming why didnt you come here 1st & why were you talking to those people? I try to explain that the pick up location put me up front and what people are you talking about? She screams the people in the car. I reply "what people, what car" . She screams again the people in the car. I am getting annoyed now, because she hasnt stopped screaming at me and what people in what car not a clue who she was referring to. I should've left when I was eligible for cancel fee. We drive a mile GPS says make left turn screaming stripper barks order i will tell you where to go. We go another mile another barking order "pull into that gas station I need something". She needed something all right some manners or a foot up her ass. I pull in to this gas station that is packed has a line of cars to get in (will explain the line of cars at 3am at a gas station another time). I finally get into lot she gets out and I plot my escape. Why should I take her screaming, order barking ass anywhere else they dont pay me enough for this? I put the car in drive ready to pull out and my guilty conscience kicks in. Its 3am you cant do that. Then the little devil on my shoulder says go for it. Good conscience won I stayed but when she got back in I had a little talk with her. By the time i dropped her off she was happy. So happy when she got out she said "i am going to give you 5 stars". I wanted to reply "stick your 5 stars so far up (that thing you shake for money)that they shoot out of your mouth and hand over some of those bills you made tonight. She was out right rude and bossy.
The 2nd stripper I picked up didnt yell at me but she also barked orders. Wont get into much detail as I just wrote a book about stripper #1. Her barking orders were hello as she entered car order #1"put this radio station on, order #2 turn volumn up ill tell you when to stop" #3 dont speak to me while music is on #4 put the heat up. No please no thank you ànd you guessed it no tip. Last but not least we pull up to destination my app shows end trip you've arrived i end it wait for her to get the hell out. But she needs to bark 1 more order #5 "I've never been here before just sit here until I can find my friend then you can leave". Must be a stripper thing to bark orders and not tip. These 2 were in my first month of driving they taught me a few things that night. No, one of those things was not how to work a stripper pole. Thanks for sharing R Paulson. Would love to here more stories.
-
This time I pick up 3 men in there 30's from India at a strip club in Bensalem PA. They get in dont seem really intoxicated. We have a coversation then they are talking amongst themselves. I look at GPS. Its putting me on PA Turnpike. Now where ever I get off I am not going to know where I am so obviously relying on GPS completely. Go up a few exists get off. Its dark as hell. I swear Bucks County suburbs doesnt like or is too cheap to put up street lights. Everything is so dark you see nothing when you look behind you. At this times roads are not only dark but no traffic around. The guys start speaking in their language now, up to this point their conversations were all English even to each other. Before I go further I was under impression destination was one of their homes. Now I have to turn into a dark business complex. Everything closed no one around. My mind thinks they are plotting to hack me up into little pieces lol This is just too shady. No houses, everything dark, no people, no cars. I am so ready to turn around at this point but had no idea where I could go or what i would say to them about turning around. Hearts pounding, nervous. Drive about .5 mile and up on my right was a Hotel. Never so grateful to see one. This was my 2nd experience on a ride that really scared me being a female driver. I think after all my stripper, strip club experiences (as I have 2 other time I had a pick up) I need to stay away from those places. Those rides are either miserable, scarey or just plain strange. Do you think Uber would deactivate me for not driving to or picking up from those places? Lol Yes definately.
-
I think you should be able to. I have had a few riders who are happy to see a woman driver. I even had a male who said he would rather have a woman because a male driver may be able to over power a male rider. Some of these young girls pass out from drinking. Some are so drunk that a male driver could do something and she probably wouldnt remember. If these women who got raped had a female than the rape would've never happened. Young women tell me all the time some of their male drivers hit on them some are just creepy make them feel uncomfortable. One young woman said her driver bought her cigs alcohol, and tried to kiss her after ride was over. Women tend not to be criminals, rapist, etc. I would think they wouldnt be hitting on male passengers to the point that the msle rider is uncomfortable. Unfortunately these women who have had these issues dont report driver because they are afraid he will come back to their house.
-
Lilly, Can you please clarify or correct me if I am wrong as I dont want to be giving my riders wrong info. If you schedule a ride more than 60 min. in advance your fare is locked in. If you schedule a ride in less than 60 min. in advance Uber gives you an estimate. Then when you are matched with a driver fare could increase if there is a surge in your area. Thank you.
-
Uber and Lyft base fares on the longest route to riders destination (time & miles). Most Drivers take the shortest route. Driver is paid for the miles they drove & the amt. of time it took. I arrive at riders destination switch off GPS & go back to Uber or Lyft app. It will say 5 to 15 min until destination. I do the speed limit, I use WAZE app, my car doesn't fly, and its not an amphibious car. Passenger got charged for that 5 to 15 min even though it didnt take that long and they get charged for the miles I didnt travel. This is why drivers are complaining. Uber and Lyft are making a few dollars less than us or the same amount. Nothing we can do as we agreed to be pd per mile and time. Upfront pricing scam. What sucks is riders think we are getting 75%/80% of the fare so they may not be tipping for that reason. Especially on long trips that are 50.00 to 150.00. I am driving for Uber as I text this. When I have some free time later today I will post some screen shots so passengers can see whats going on. O will also screen shot my next trip that says we have X amt of time until destination when we are all ready there.
Of course.
I dont think drivers should be able to post these videos on social media. They are supposed to be used for security reasons and as evidence if needed. People know they are being recorded why not be more careful. If these hockey players didnt want their conversation out there dont talk shit when you know you are being recorded. Why take the chance. Rag mags pay good money for those things. As much as you shouldnt have to worry about what you are talking about or what you are doing, in todays world you need to.
This wasnt recorded but one night I picked up 2 women who came from a bachelorette party. They complained about and trashed the bridal party for the 45 min ride. Telling me how awful it was. As it turned out the next day I see on FB a friend (more of an acquaintance) talking about the same party. Her post much different from the 2 ladies the night before. I mentioned that I picked up 2 people from that bachelorette party. I didnt mention a word about what the 2 riders said. One of the riders from the night before posted "what happens in an Uber stays in the Uber". I replied "of course lol". I am sure the 2 riders were concerned I would say something. I had no intentions on doing so. You never know so be careful when trash talking. Lol
Good one BigFrank. I guess express pool is bigger cesspool. Even more sewage lol
There is an article under "latest" in the forum addressing your question. Short answer Lyft wants to make it "better".
I want a long trip headed down 95 going South with destination not far off 95. Lol PA TP up the extension. Areas I know better. Lol
I didnt take toll roads home. Lincoln tunnel I assume lol I didnt know where I was I am a slave to GPS. Lol First ride of the night. Yes, didnt put app back on until 95 it was 1am by then. Approx. 1hr 55 min (traffic) to get there as rider took 8 min to get his butt in my car. Does snyone ever sleep in NY traffic always a mess. Approx. 2 hrs to get back to Knights and Frankford. I stopped to fill up in Jersey andcanswer a few texts and emails. It was a scheduled ride he was still late:) Had me stop to pick up a key 5 blocks from destination. Made sure he handed me 20.00 as he was asking me to make stop. That was nice of him but I would've stopped for free :)He had a child with him. Let's see if you can guess car seat or no car seat? Lol Good thing he was 5 yrs old and decent weight and height. My booster seat has paid off. Wouldnt of been happy if I had to cancel that ride. No way would I have taken them with no seat regardless of how much I was paid. They didnt speak English well but the wife understood pretty good. I had to tell them 4X to put kid in seat. Little did I know at some point she took him out of seat so he could sleep on her lap. I will say this over and over again, what the hell is wrong with these parents? It totally blows my mind that they just dont get it. 126.00 + Tolls 20.00 tip. Although Uber cheated me on NJ TP toll. I sent a message they gave it to me. Took the new TP route 95 North got off after Bristol exit. Very convenient. Saved on that 3.00+ toll they charge you when you get on up by Neshaminy. You know the one that you drive maybe a mile and come to a toll as soon as you get on. I think I covered your ques. Lol its too early in the morning actually late for me. I am going home to bed to start all over again at 6pm. Have a great weekend. Be safe out there.
I use blunt effects or fabreeze. Get compliments all the time. Yes some people get headaches or feel nauseous when smells are strong. I try to spray an hour before I start and a quick spray when needed throught the night. If its too strong I open windows to air it out for a few minutes. Both of those sprays are great. Blunt Effects get rid of any odor(vomit, cigarettes, and riders who smoke weed and get in your car right after). I havent found an odor it doesnt get rid of.
Had another long trip tonight. Flushing NY 104 miles.
I try to stay in my area as much as possible. Doesn't always work out that way but I end up back to my neighborhood a few times in 8 hrs. I have quite a few riders that are repeats. They remember me and I remember them. I can see it happening.
Uber rolled out the color screen a few months ago here in Philly. Rider's screen lights up whatever color and they are supposed to hold it up. Unfortunately most riders dont know about it or dont use it. I've had one rider use it. I got a message saying "rider has blue light" or something similar. As I pulled down dark street he was holding it up. It was nice. No looking for addresses, people, or wondering where your rider is. Very easily seen. Some roads up in Bucks County are dark, really dark. You can spot rider eadily. It would be nice if the riders knew about it and used this.
Just another attempt to keep drivers on road longer and to accept rides we know are going to be a nightmare (Pool and Express Pool).
There is definately some other issues than just money. People who commit suicide are in very dark places and have issues, it just takes that "one more problem" that they feel they cant fix or handle. I am not blaming Uber or saying its their fault. What I will blame them for is the constant ads stating how much money drivers can make while driving for them. Their advertising definately borders on false. It gives people the idea you can make really good money. Some drivers do but there are a lot of expenses that people may not realize until they start driving. I started driving 1 to 2 days per week while in nursing school. I needed the flexibility. When I signed up Uber's take was 25% thst doesnt include the booking fee that ranges from 2.00 to 2.60 per ride. I dont recall ever seeing that when I signed up. It was probably buried in small print lol. They added Uber pool express which is absolutely horrible in my city. The pay is awful for those trips and not much better for regular pool. I now am driving more hours and it's not really worth it. The more miles you drive the more issues that can happen to your car the more money you have to put out to fix it. Some areas I end up are dirt roads, pot holes, construction, etc... Uber makes it all sound so damn easy get in your car, drive people around, make your own hours, get paid quickly be your boss, etc... It's so much more involved. Not everyone is knowledgeable on running their business but Uber makes it so easy. I think Uber's advertising gives people a false idea of what a driver can really make. Uber doesn't care about their drivers or what means they use to get people to drive. I now learned a big lesson. I should've done my research, looked at videos of drivers experiences, read post, etc... Thankfully when I am done school I can put my Uber days behind me.
Conclusions
Research things when they seem to good to be true (I usually do but not on this one, big mistake)
Talk to other drivers
Read the small print
Research, research, research
Dont believe all the advertising
No you cant blame Uber for these suicides. However they are not innocent in their advertising and how easy it all is. How much money can be made.
On the few items I have found in my car I've been able to return easily. One night when I first started driving for Uber I did have a passenger who left brand new I Phone. I told him I would return at the end of my shift but not for a few hours. with me but was on another trip. I gave him my cell number in good faith to kind of reassure him I would return it. Big mistake. He blew up my phone calling me every 20 min. offering me 10.00 to return it. I tried to explain that I was still driving and 10.00 or no 10.00 I would return it. Finished the night and got it to him. Lesson learned. When I started driving I never realized all the videos out there and post from other drivers that could've prevented me from my many mistakes lol. Green Light Hub is 35 min drive not in the best neighborhood. Luckily every item I've had to return was 2 min to 15 min from my house. Other items such as credit cards I was able to contact them through social media and got their cards to them. I still report it to Uber that item was found and then when I give it to them I let Uber know its returned. One rider left keys he lived 5 min from me. Returned keys try to hand me $ which I declined. As I went to pull away threw it in my car window and ran away :) I put it aside until later that day when I went to get gas found out it was 50.00. I texted him and told him although it was appreciated way too much $. He explained it would've been 250.00 to replace the car key and fob the the $ he gave "was well spent". Sometimes people are very generous. Others you go out of your way for and dont offer a dime.
Dont trust him anymore than Travis. Not much has changed. Any driver will tell you how there pay has declined. For a few reasons. At least for me it has been not as many trip request. The cities are saturated with drivers.
Uber tends to put stuff out there for both riders and drivers to make themselves look good. That they care. In the end its all BS. Anything they offer a driver comes with a price. It makes us accept more trips, stay on road longer, etc. .. Nothing they offer really helps a rider or driver.
Thank you Kayla.
The one to Hoboken was a very sweet man who was a steward on an airline. He was ftom England visiting the Katherine Drexel Shrine. His Aunt was a Nun there who passed away. He couldnt make the funeral so he came before they closed the Shrine down. He was headed back to get on a plane that was flying back to England. Super nice interesting man. Talked the whole way. He was also my 40.00 tipper :) AC trip was a young woman who was very quiet. I had to pull over to get my wallet out of trunk for tolls. Forgot my cash in it. That opened up a discussuon so we talked the rest of the way. Most times you can tell when a rider wants to talk or not. She was one of the few I wasnt sure. Tried when she first got in but she seemed to want to be left alone. Guess I was wrong :). Brooklyn trip 2 guys missed train trying to get to concert. After 25 min. of both of them assuring their women they were going where they said they were. That they could be trusted & not cheat on them they were talkers also. Thankfully my long rides were all nice friendly people. In my opinion its nice when riders talk to you especially long rides as it gets boring and awkward when there is total silence other than radio. If you are tired having a conversation helps you stay awake. I had a 47 min rude last night. Rider talked for few minutes asked some questions and then I could tell he was done talking so I said no more. He got laptop out and was doing some work. If rider is occupied headphones on, playing games on phone, talking, texting etc... its not awkward if they dont speak to you. If they seem to be watching your every move and seem bored out if their mind then its awkward. Uber should have icon on app passenger open to conversation and dont talk to me lol. I would like to know that they dont want to talk or they would like to have conversation. Sometimes you try to talk and they give 1 word answers or they say nothing. It gives impression they dont want to speak. Three blocks before drop off something comes up they start tslking and dont shut up. Lol Then your thinking damn I read that one wrong. Lol Most awkward is when rider sits in front seat right next to you. Doesnt say 2 words and gives impression they want know parts of talking. Not often but does happen, so awkward. :) Sorry all my answers are always long. Lol
Short answer -
Yes all of the 3 trips were super nice people, no awkward moments. Well maybe a little with AC ride in the beginning. Lol Dreading a long trip with someone that is annoying or it being totally awkward. Thanks for the upvotes.
On all of my long rides I chose not to accept any trips until I got closer to home. I dont like driving in areas I dont know at all. We cannot pick up in New York. I could've picked up in NJ though. It was worth it for me as 1 trip I was tipped 40.00 cash, the other trip 10.00, AC trip no tip. All 3 trips were approx 3 hrs roundtrip. I think its worth it approx 22.00 to 35.00 per hr after subtracting gas, taxes, tolls, etc. Dead miles on way back sucks. It would be great if we had a rider. Especially if that rider was headed back close to your home city but dont see that happening :) Tips on long trips definately are a help when you have those dead miles. :)
I have had 3 long rides since I started driving for Uber. One was to Brookly NY 2 weeks ago (87 miles) Atlantic City NJ (77 miles), and Hoboken NJ (82miles).
So true. The riders who brag about how much money they make or have are the cheapest people ever. I've had Orthopedic Surgeons who bragged how much their practice was making them, picked them up at a huge single home with at least 2 acres of ground in Newtown. According to them they were so grateful I picked them up as they were having issues getting an Uber. Not grateful enough to tip. Another one with "so much $" didnt tip the 1st time, 2nd time tipped .50, and 3rd time 1.00. One other guy ordered Uber Express Pool wasnt on corner he was supposed to be found him at bar. Claimed he didnt know he had to walk to another location. Bragged the whole 2 miles to his house about money. Had the guts to ask me in for a drink (wife down the shore). Obviously I declined lol. No tip. Between the guys that brag and the people who will "tip on the app" dont know which are worse.