Uber Review

[chrisb]

Not used them in LOTFAP yet...but definitely no need to tip here, just jump out at the end. Assume the same model over there.

I've used it twice in Washington over the past few days. I asked the first driver and he said no tip is required. I didn't tip either time and there wasn't any attempt to run me over.

Surge pricing makes if very expensive, but also means that you can get a car when you really need it.

I love uber, it's just expensive.

 

[jmphoto]

Had some back and forth today with Uber.

I got charged $75 to go from Sydney T2 to Potts Point, and questioned the $6 Eastern Distributor toll and the $4.50 Airport Toll. Got the $6 refunded, but not the $4.50. It's my opinion that a Flat Rate from the Airport to the CBD at $65 should be just that, a Flat Rate, not a Flat Rate + Tolls, especially the Airport one.

towncars.com at $50 is good, but obviously requires pre-booking.

 

[qaz]

I have a regular silver service taxi driver (or two), but have been using Uber over the past few weeks with free $40 vouchers courtesy of http://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/uber.com...

Drivers have been good - polite, courteous, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable - sometimes arriving sooner than expected (nice being able to watch their progress on screen), mainly in Statesman/Calais, though also a Lexus SUV, generally needing little direction.

The one time a car wasn't available, I ended up receiving an email later for $10 credit "to make up for the inconvenience."

No credit card surcharge is great as well

Has anyone in Melbourne used http://www.gocatch.com or similar?

 

[DGW]

Has anyone in Melbourne used http://www.gocatch.com or similar?

I used goCatch for a few trips in Sydney a couple of weeks back and it was excellent. I was picked up (from Bondi & Glebe) within a couple of minutes on every occasion, and it's cool to be able to monitor the progress of your job (how many drivers have seen/rejected it etc) and of course to also be able see how far away your cab is once a driver has accepted your job.

I'll be needing cabs in Melbourne over the next few days so I'll be trying goCatch again for sure, rather than waiting on the phone to book.

 

[qaz]

I used goCatch for a few trips in Sydney a couple of weeks back and it was excellent.

How were the drivers?

What I like about Uber is that they meet and vet all their drivers, both limo and taxi, who apparently have to maintain a certain standard/rating to remain on its network.

Ingogo is meant to do so similarly, with no credit card surcharge as well - goCatch seems to differ by charging 7.5%?

Can't wait until Uber Taxi comes to Melbourne

Btw, do you know if http://www.platinumcabs.com.au are the same as http://www.platinumtaxi.com.au? Is the former (listed on thatsmelbourne) just the new website of the latter (listed on taxi.vic.gov.au), whom I previously used a while ago?

 

[DGW]

How were the drivers?

They were just your "regular" cab drivers I guess however for short trips around town I don't mind a cab. Given they're using the app they know exactly where you're waiting (via GPS) and likewise you can track them so you're not left wondering when/if the cab is going to arrive. Once your job has been completed you can rate your driver, and you can see the ratings others have given when you're browsing the map for potential drivers.

I've looked into Uber but my main use for a chauffeured car is to/from the airport and I wouldn't be game to take my chances with finding an Uber driver ready to go at 5am on a Monday morning (given you can't pre-book). I've been using these guys for a while and haven't had too many issues: http://www.melbstarchauffeurs.com.au/.

 

[DeKa]

Uber have dropped their pricing in Melbourne....

CUTTING THE AVERAGE FARE BY 25%​

We've heard you! Riding more often shouldn't break the bank. From Friday 2 August, lower time and distance charges mean that the average ride will cost 25% less. Same class, less cash. Here's how your new fares compare to before.
​

[TABLE="width: 450"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

OLD FARE[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

NEW FARE[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

TAXI
FARE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Prahran to CBD[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$32[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$23[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$18[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]St Kilda to Carlton[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$51[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$36[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$27[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Crown to Brighton
(After Midnight)[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$61[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$43[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$38[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

​

* Taxi fares include 10% credit card surcharge and $2 phone booking fee.
​

UBER MELBOURNE RATES​

[TABLE="width: 450"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

OLD UBER RATES[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

NEW UBER RATES[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Base Fare
Start with this fare[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$8.00[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$6.50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Per Km
Speed over 18 kmh[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$3.50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$2.50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Per Minute
Speed at or below 18kmh[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$1.25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$0.75[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Minimum Fare[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$15[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]no change[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Cancellation Fee[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$10[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]no change[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Flat Rate
CBD - Airport[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$80 + tolls[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]no change[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Flat Rate
SE - Airport[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]$95 + tolls[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]no change
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​

​

 

[qaz]

free ubertaxis in sydney this week in case you're not already aware

Uber Blog | Hello Sydney, it’s your FREE TAXI WEEK

edit:

interesting article on a possible future of public/daily transportation:

http://www.slate.com/articles/busin...ous_cars_and_smartphone_taxes_are_a_game.html

 

[qaz]

fyi free $40 credit for new sign-ups
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/129704

 

[mozerz]

I've used Uber in Atlanta and Paris. Very competitive rates and soooo much better than regular cabs. Both cities are notorious for coughpy cabs and cabs in Atlanta take forever to show up.

 

[mushypeas]

I'm really disappointed with my first attempt at using Uber.

I decided not to use our usual experienced and reliable VHA driver, instead opting to try Uber from Melbourne Airport to the city.

You've really got to question how serious a car service is when following a long weekend at a major city airport and you cannot get a vehicle.

Four attempts and nothing but SMS's telling me nothing is available.

I'm now standing outside MEL taxi queue like a chump, very disappointing.

 

[lovestotravel]

I'm really disappointed with my first attempt at using Uber.

I decided not to use our usual experienced and reliable VHA driver, instead opting to try Uber from Melbourne Airport to the city.

You've really got to question how serious a car service is when following a long weekend at a major city airport and you cannot get a vehicle.

Four attempts and nothing but SMS's telling me nothing is available.

I'm now standing outside MEL taxi queue like a chump, very disappointing.

They are not going to be at the airport as that is where the vehicles are normally put for customers who book privately with the hire-car companies

They are for inner-city use around the CBD and about 10-15kms from the city

Not for airport trips!

 

[mushypeas]

I can't see where it states it's for travel within 15km of the cbd?

My understanding was it finds your location, tells where a vehicle is and how long for pick up.

I don't expect a fleet of cars sitting waiting however the ability to have one within 20 minutes is surely not too unrealistic.

 

[lovestotravel]

I can't see where it states it's for travel within 15km of the cbd?

My understanding was it finds your location, tells where a vehicle is and how long for pick up.

I don't expect a fleet of cars sitting waiting however the ability to have one within 20 minutes is surely not too unrealistic.

It doesn't state that, but you have little/no chance of ever getting one if you are further than 10/15kms from the CBD!

Your understanding is correct

However, my limited knowledge of the regulations surrounding airport pick ups in Melbourne/Australia is that private cars MUST be pre-booked and not just "random pick ups"

I am sure someone can explain far better than I have attempted

 

[anat0l]

I'll vouch that the waiting time for an Uber car at MEL airport can be really random. I think last time we requested a car it took over 30 minutes. At least it arrived and we could see it on the app's map.

Waiting time at SYD airport is rather less due to more cars, as well as Mascot to city is a lot closer than Tullamarine to city.

 

[lovestotravel]

Melbourne CBD never had to wait more than 15 minutes - Days/nights/Sat nights/anytime

Only issue I had was the driver picking up someone else who flagged him down a few metres up the road from where I was waiting and had to re-book!

Thought I was going to end up paying for that fare, but the driver eventually cancelled my booking, but when he picked up the other person, I tried calling him 10 times and he never answered, so I left him a few nice voicemails...

 

[Ewing]

Waiting time at SYD airport is rather less due to more cars, as well as Mascot to city is a lot closer than Tullamarine to city.

It's expensive in Sydney though. While I've used Uber for a couple of airport jobs I don't make it a habit.

My regular driver (who has a Mercedes S Class) charges $55 from the airport to home. Uber charge $75.

Uber is great for short ad-hoc trips, but if you have a regular driver who is good then I'd suggest sticking with him/her.

 

[N860CR]

Anyone had any success using Uber in Sydney in the early mornings? I'll need to get from the Brighton Novotel to the domestic terminal for a 6am flight.

 

[RB]

Anyone had any success using Uber in Sydney in the early mornings? I'll need to get from the Brighton Novotel to the domestic terminal for a 6am flight.

Book a cab

 

[N860CR]

Thanks... Have done so (we'll see if silver service show up). For interests sake, I'll have a look in the morning and see who's around