Uber

I haven't used it but I was reading the other day that some Uber and Lyft drivers are pet-friendly, it depends on the driver.

I'm not sure exactly how it works but it is worth checking out once you activate the app on your phone.

Good luck!
 
Aunt Bea said:
I haven't used it but I was reading the other day that some Uber and Lyft drivers are pet-friendly, it depends on the driver.

I'm not sure exactly how it works but it is worth checking out once you activate the app on your phone.

Good luck!
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Thank you. I first have to find someone to take me get my phone activated...but that sounds interesting. When I have to go to the Vet though I need a driver who will definitely take my dog, too. I wonder if you can put a request in for a pet friendly driver?
 

Sorry to be a downer on this but I’ve never trusted it and said I’d never use it. Maybe it’s because they don’t have the gps like taxis do. But, my parents and sisters use it. A few years back our friends daughter was raped coming home late at night in a similar service. The company missed the background check part where he was a sex offender.
 
Ruthanne said:
Does anyone use Uber? Do you like it? How are the rates?

Do they ever wait for you while you go in somewhere till you come out?

I have to get my cell phone activated to use it I guess.
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Like you @Ruthanne, I've wondered about using the service too. I put the app on my phone last year, then decided to remove it ..??
One of these days I will probably need to figure it all out. I'm still driving right now.

@Kimwhiz ... Would never be using it at night, but I have seen a few bad stories on the news regarding Uber and Lyft.
 
Since I don't have Uber yet I called the area taxi service to see if they take dogs to Vets and they said they do and you can request someone who is dog friendly. Since my dog is on the smaller side they said I probably wouldn't need a carrier. I don't have one. The dispatcher was very informative and nice and I think I will use them. I have used them before for just myself and was happy enough with them.
 
@Kimwhiz you are mistaken - uber does use gps.

@Ruthanne
I've been using Uber for short, quick errands off and on for a couple years. I've only had 2 problems and when I reported it my fare was promptly refunded. (I've never used Lyft)

1. Uber is cheaper than a taxi and FAST, (unlike taxis)...I've never waited more than 6 minutes. You need to be ready before you press that app to order.
2. Cars are always very clean (unlike taxis which are often dirty and reek of BO...eeeww).
3. You should ALWAYS check the license plate # and driver photo.
4. Driver should ask if you are (your first name) before you get into the car.
5. No money is exchanged - fare and tip are charged to credit/debit card.
6. I've only done the round trip/wait for me once. Driver had to punch some buttons on his phone...keep in mind they don't make money while waiting for you to shop. Better to relax and just order another Uber.

Some people say they are wary of getting into a car with a stranger...well, a taxi driver is also a stranger...so is a bus driver.

https://www.seniorforums.com/threads/woman-attacked-by-fake-uber-driver.37553/
I recommend Uber. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine. I know people who always use Uber to/from airport.
 
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FYI Uber has no customer service phone number. I asked Uber and Lyft drivers about pets and they both said it depends on the driver. On the APP there is a spot for you to type in any requests and instructions.

When it comes to taxes I'm hoping this will be a deductible medical expense for Physical Therapy, but I doubt it. There is some supplemental insurance I saw advertised on TV which covers PT transportation. The American Cancer Society provides FREE transportation by volunteers for Cancer patients.
 
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I've used Uber a number of times; every time has been positive. I especially enjoy using them while traveling. In my experience they're chattier and better versed than cabbies about neighborhoods, an area's history, cool things to do, and good places to go. I always tip in cash, and do so generously. Without exception, drivers have helped with luggage without being asked.

As others have stated, they arrive almost immediately, are less expensive, the vehicles are cleaner and in better condition than cabs, and I like the drivers better.

Safety tip: when taking an Uber from my home, I walk to a corner near my house and get picked up there. No need to inform strangers that my house is going to be unoccupied for a time. That's particularly important when going to the airport. I would do the same if using a cab or airport shuttle.

My kids started using Uber years ago. If they're going to be drinking or going to a place where parking is difficult, they have no qualms about calling an Uber to go back and forth. :love:
 
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Butterfly said:
Isn't this something you can do online -- I mean to getting the phone activated part?
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I have wondered about that but the place where I get the kind of service (boost) I need for my particular phone requires me to go to their store. I could call them and ask about online activation. Another thing I have to consider is that I partially will pay cash for activation if it's higher than a certain amount. I have to keep enough money on my card to get food all month, too.
 
StarSong said:
I've used Uber a number of times; every time has been positive. I especially enjoy using them while traveling. In my experience they're chattier and better versed than cabbies about neighborhoods, an area's history, cool things to do, and good places to go. I always tip in cash, and do so generously. Without exception, drivers have helped with luggage without being asked to do so.

As others have stated, they arrive almost immediately, are less expensive, the vehicles are cleaner and in better condition than cabs, and I like the drivers better.

Safety tip: when taking an Uber from my home, I walk to a corner near my house and get picked up there. No need to inform strangers that my house is going to be unoccupied for a time. That's particularly important when going to the airport. I would do the same if using a cab or airport shuttle.

My kids started using Uber years ago. If they're going to be drinking or going to a place where parking is difficult, they have no qualms about calling an Uber to go back and forth. :love:
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That's some good info. to know, thanks.
 
Thank you for the replies everybody.

I have found 2 people who will help me get around to some places I need to go. I am also going to ask my nephew if he can give me any rides. I plan on reimbursing these people who help out, too.

Also looking into the regions bus system. I will use the cabs at times, too.
 
I joined in this way late & am wondering how it's going for you, Ruthanne, if you're still doing okay without Uber or if you ended up using it? (I feel like I'm really getting near the end of driving and am wondering about Uber. Also:

StarSong said:
I've used Uber a number of times; every time has been positive. I especially enjoy using them while traveling. In my experience they're chattier and better versed than cabbies about neighborhoods, an area's history, cool things to do, and good places to go. I always tip in cash, and do so generously. Without exception, drivers have helped with luggage without being asked.

As others have stated, they arrive almost immediately, are less expensive, the vehicles are cleaner and in better condition than cabs, and I like the drivers better.

Safety tip: when taking an Uber from my home, I walk to a corner near my house and get picked up there. No need to inform strangers that my house is going to be unoccupied for a time. That's particularly important when going to the airport. I would do the same if using a cab or airport shuttle.

My kids started using Uber years ago. If they're going to be drinking or going to a place where parking is difficult, they have no qualms about calling an Uber to go back and forth. :love:
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how much, do you tip them, StarSong? And is there a way to tip using your credit/debit card or does it have to be cash?

Thanks for any updates and info.
 
@officerripley, I tip at least as much as I would if I were at a restaurant, more if they manage a suitcase for me (which they technically don't have to do). Always tip in cash unless using a foreign currency in which I'm not well-versed. You can add the tip after arriving at your destination. The app prompts you to rate the experience and provides an opportunity to tip.

We've had wonderful Uber drivers, particularly when traveling. They've pointed out supermarkets near our AirBnbs, cool places to visit, sketchy neighborhoods to avoid, and generally give a great overview to their area.

Most Uber drivers are driving in order to make ends meet; they're not raking in the bucks, that's for sure. Having struggled financially a few times in my life, I have great compassion and appreciation for people at the bottom of the financial food chain and tend to be generous with them.
 
Ruthanne said:
Thank you SS but I had signed up for that and deleted my account because I need 2 way rides and I don't see how you can do that online. I don't have a laptop I carry around to get back and forth from places. But thanks again.
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I just now saw your September reply to me. Sorry about that.

After I arrive someplace and get my business managed, I order a second Uber for the return trip. I use my cell phone rather than a laptop.
 
StarSong said:
@officerripley, I tip at least as much as I would if I were at a restaurant, more if they manage a suitcase for me (which they technically don't have to do). Always tip in cash unless using a foreign currency in which I'm not well-versed. You can add the tip after arriving at your destination. The app prompts you to rate the experience and provides an opportunity to tip.

We've had wonderful Uber drivers, particularly when traveling. They've pointed out supermarkets near our AirBnbs, cool places to visit, sketchy neighborhoods to avoid, and generally give a great overview to their area.

Most Uber drivers are driving in order to make ends meet; they're not raking in the bucks, that's for sure. Having struggled financially a few times in my life, I have great compassion and appreciation for people at the bottom of the financial food chain and tend to be generous with them.
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Thanks, StarSong; you said "Always tip in cash"; have you had problems doing the tip on your phone? Also, how many pckgs will Uber drivers let you carry with you? Like if they pick you up from the grocery store or someplace? Maybe it depends on how big their back seat is?
 
officerripley said:
Thanks, StarSong; you said "Always tip in cash"; have you had problems doing the tip on your phone? Also, how many pckgs will Uber drivers let you carry with you? Like if they pick you up from the grocery store or someplace? Maybe it depends on how big their back seat is?
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Uber vehicles have to be approved by the Uber company. Among the requirements is adequate space for parcels. We've never had a problem fitting our packages or luggage in an Uber vehicle.

I haven't had trouble tipping on the phone. I just feel like I'm giving more of a personal thank you when tipping with cash.
 

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