Drivers and frequent riders share advice and tips for departures and arrivals.
Georgetown is not so big a city that we can’t get where we’re going easily, but if you are going to travel, knowing the ins and outs of ride-sharing will demonstrate it is much more than just an occasional door-to-door service. Not everyone is comfortable with this relatively-new concept, but our “experts” have a lot of perspective on the benefits.
For starters, giants Uber and Lyft are changing the dynamics of car manufacturing. In the 60s and 70s, young people couldn’t afford cars, but had the freedom to hitchhike. Today, our younger generations see ride-share as a viable alternative to the financial burden of owning their own cars, and time spent not-driving can be used to send emails or make calls from the back seat. Plus, who wants to look for parking when you could already be there; so Uber is probably not going away any time soon.
The Pickup
Both companies identify as technology giants because everything they do is online and on your phone. No cash is ever exchanged and you don’t even need a credit card; fares and tips are paid on the apps.
Drivers are given GPS routes from the app as well, and, unlike taxis, you will know the estimated cost of your trip ahead of time.
You will also have the driver’s phone number and can see the car approach on an interactive map, so you can call or text to let him or her know exactly where you are. Jeff Frazier drove for Uber in Austin and he suggests walking to a place with less traffic where you can easily be seen.
He also recommends riders comparison shop. “Each app has a base price set by minutes and miles. Every trip is different based on traffic and route choice, so don’t assume that your favorite ride is actually the best price.”
The Ride
Once you check your price, you do not have to accept the ride. Be aware, you are allowed to cancel, but if the car has already arrived, you may be charged a small fee based on percentage or time.
John Christian is a business traveler who uses ride-sharing as a way of life on the road. “I don’t have the hassle of renting cars I might drive only to the hotel and back, nor do I have to wait on a taxi. I am also very glad Uber has enhanced the personal profile.” Riders indicate certain preferences before the ride to avoid issues of etiquette. “I like the car cold and I don’t usually want to make small talk. My drivers typically honor that and that’s what gets them good ratings.”
While drivers and riders are under no obligation to follow a specific set of rules or etiquette, everything about the service is based on ratings. If you or your driver receive enough unsatisfactory ratings, the rides stop.
NEED A RIDE?
Most ride-shares allow you to choose the style and size of the car you want. For instance, you can ask for an SUV to spread out and work, or specify a car with a trunk and even send a note to the driver that you’d like help loading the groceries you just bought.
Georgetown’s Ben Stewart drove for Uber and says if you want an economy trip, share the ride. Drivers may pick up other passengers to share your fare to the same place or along the same route.
Ride prices are subject to change based on demand. Check your apps before you call during busy times for “surge” prices. Jeff says, “New Year’s Eve is an obvious surge period, but also keep in mind that most bars get out at the same time, and it also applies when a concert or a sporting event lets a lot of people out at once.”
DON’T NEED A RIDE?
You can order a ride for another person. Ben says, “Set up a ride on your app and it doesn’t matter who or where it is. As long as you are paying for it, you can let them know it is your mom or a neighbor who needs a ride. “
He also says the expansion in offerings makes Uber and Lyft something of a concierge service. “With a taxi, you’re lucky if they arrive in 45 minutes. With ride-share, you see your driver within ten minutes even on a bad day. I once received a request from a man who just wanted me to drive to an impound lot and pick up his son’s keys and personal belongings and bring them to him. You can call a driver for Uber-eats to bring your dinner or even pick up your dry cleaning.”
John added that riders are certainly allowed to bring or pick up other people on their trip, but not animals; “You’re riding in someone’s personal vehicle and they will not appreciate a dog that makes a mess in the back seat.”
Staying safe
John says to make sure to check the app for the make, model and color of the car that is coming to pick you up. “You can also see the license plate of the vehicle and a photo of your driver to make sure you’re not being scammed. Uber and Lyft are adding decals to their cars-for-hire so you can spot your driver farther away.”
John and Jeff both agree that being polite is key to the best experience. “If you start out nice,” Jeff says, “your driver will reflect that attitude and try their best to please you.” John says, in his experience, being polite and friendly just sets the tone early on that you appreciate their service. “Drivers are not paid a fortune, so being kind and giving them a tip will get you a return visit from a driver who likes you.”
Our combined experts have helped us with a bottom line: You may not have the need for ride-sharing on a regular basis, but there will come a time—airport run, picking up the car from the shop, etc.—when it is the best option to get you where you need to go, so it is a good idea to know how to do it.