What's your Uber experience?

[andyhui01]

Seems like a silly ATO rule. It flies in the face of the Uber model ... that being drivers can drive a lot or just a little to suit their individual needs. Why should those that decide just a little works for them, be burdened with the GST management whilst other low turn-over businesses don't have to? They certainly don't have the hidden cash problem that they do with taxi drivers.

How would it work if half the drivers are GST registered and half aren't? Do both drivers charge the same fare? If they did, does that mean when I go through my Uber expenses, I need to check each trip individually to see if it includes GST?

 

[MikeG]

I had my first terrible Uber experience while I was in Vegas for SEMA.

I ordered an Uber outside the chaos of SEMA, on an adjacent block, to avoid the crowds, on a street that was open to traffic from both directions.

The lady who accepted my order seemed to be going up and down the SEMA strip in front of the entrance, and I had to wait 15-20 minutes for her after she said she couldn't find me, even after I described the hotel I was standing front of. After all that, she delivered us to the wrong address which meant we had to walk the remainder of the way.

She seemed nice to talk to, but she may have been a few crayons short of a coloring in set. Not really Uber's fault, except that surely they need to test that the driver can read a GPS??

M

 

[Deleted member]

Ordered Uber select on the G.C. the other night, really good experience, im thinking this is my go to option form here

 

[andyhui01]

I had my first terrible Uber experience while I was in Vegas for SEMA.

I ordered an Uber outside the chaos of SEMA, on an adjacent block, to avoid the crowds, on a street that was open to traffic from both directions.

The lady who accepted my order seemed to be going up and down the SEMA strip in front of the entrance, and I had to wait 15-20 minutes for her after she said she couldn't find me, even after I described the hotel I was standing front of. After all that, she delivered us to the wrong address which meant we had to walk the remainder of the way.

She seemed nice to talk to, but she may have been a few crayons short of a coloring in set. Not really Uber's fault, except that surely they need to test that the driver can read a GPS??

M

In Vegas along the strip. Even during busy times when I'm there for a conference. It is still most reliable to wait at the designated ride share zones at hotels and let the drivers get you. If it really is too busy, walk to the next hotel and wait at the ride share spot there. Putting the pin outside of the hotel driveways would make it even more confusing as Drivers would most likely automatically go to the ride share spot.

Plus most drivers wouldn't actually know the address of the hotels on the strip. Most likely the name so it might have confused them if the name of the hotel didn't show up.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

How would it work if half the drivers are GST registered and half aren't?

Half? I think you're a bit more optimistic than I, for the earning potential of these drivers. They aren't a taxi company. They are individuals working for a minimal wage. Some have suggested to me they typically earn $100 a day. Say a 5 day week for 50 weeks in the year and their turn over would be roughly $25K. Most business don't need to register for GST until a turnover (excluding GST) surpasses $75k or roughly $300/day on the basis I mentioned above.

I'd suggest the vast majority of Uber drivers would not normally have the need to register and those that do may be working too many hours for fatigue management. Of course, others in the know may correct me on my assumptions.

 

[andyhui01]

Half? I think you're a bit more optimistic than I, for the earning potential of these drivers. They aren't a taxi company. They are individuals working for a minimal wage. Some have suggested to me they typically earn $100 a day. Say a 5 day week for 50 weeks in the year and their turn over would be roughly $25K. Most business don't need to register for GST until a turnover (excluding GST) surpasses $75k or roughly $300/day on the basis I mentioned above..

I have friends that drive Uber and one of my staff drives it part time on weekend. If a drivers takings (before expense) is $100 / day. Something is very wrong unless they've worked for 2-3 hours. Full time drivers in Sydney would average $2000+ a week in overall and Melbourne Full time drivers would be >$1500 a week. This is before Uber's commision, they will take home 25% less.

A pretty large portion of Uber drivers these days are full time. You can tell as they have brand new Camry Hybrids, Kia SUV which they rent.

Most drivers do make ~$100 a day after they account for fuel costs, car leasing... etc. But GST is calculated on Revenue, not profit

 

[Bolthead]

Uber Limits How Much You Can Tip - View from the Wing

To prevent fat fingers.

Just be mindful that this guy is quoting Uber in the USA. In Australia there is no tipping on the App or ability for drivers to make a comment about passengers. However I did find it interesting reading...

 

[Bolthead]

I have friends that drive Uber and one of my staff drives it part time on weekend. If a drivers takings (before expense) is $100 / day. Something is very wrong unless they've worked for 2-3 hours. Full time drivers in Sydney would average $2000+ a week in overall and Melbourne Full time drivers would be >$1500 a week. This is before Uber's commision, they will take home 25% less.

A pretty large portion of Uber drivers these days are full time. You can tell as they have brand new Camry Hybrids, Kia SUV which they rent.

Most drivers do make ~$100 a day after they account for fuel costs, car leasing... etc. But GST is calculated on Revenue, not profit

In Sydney I have made $800 - $1100 in a normal week for about 40 hours while the App was online. (after the 25% has been taken off) Certainly more and less on certain weeks. (I also have a daily quota) I certainly have heard drivers earning $2K per week however the hours must be long. (either that or I am doing it wrong) Saying this drivers can earn the big bucks on a Friday and Saturday night. As well there is some luck involved.

 

[Bolthead]

Half? I think you're a bit more optimistic than I, for the earning potential of these drivers. They aren't a taxi company. They are individuals working for a minimal wage. Some have suggested to me they typically earn $100 a day. Say a 5 day week for 50 weeks in the year and their turn over would be roughly $25K. Most business don't need to register for GST until a turnover (excluding GST) surpasses $75k or roughly $300/day on the basis I mentioned above.

I'd suggest the vast majority of Uber drivers would not normally have the need to register and those that do may be working too many hours for fatigue management. Of course, others in the know may correct me on my assumptions.

In NSW the NSW government has restricted Uber drivers to maximum of 12 hour per day. Uber will kick you off the platform once you reach this mark.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I've been led to believe there is a Tesla Ubering around Cairns, and recently did the trip from Pt Douglas to Cairns, with little driver input!

Excellent stuff!!

I’ve had a small lexus, 3 series, Tiguan and a polo sports.

Variety the spice of .............

 

[Deleted member]

Caught a cab with a friend in Brisbane last night. Only a short trip but of the four of us, two have mobility issues. Taxi driver didn’t want the fare. We pointed out he was behaving illegally by refusing a reasonable trip. My mate gave him a tip anyway. But it goes to the heart of why Uber is killing cabs.

 

[jastel]

Sorry for your experience but this will only get more common as the old rules and standards of pre uber days are gone now.

By mobility issues were you using a wheelchair taxi or a normal one?
Wheelchair ones are meant to pick up wheelchair users and need a good reason not to.
Normal taxis are gettng picky with fares as they seek only the more profitable fares like uber does.

Uber drivers can pick and choose fares and blacklist customers...so can taxis now.
Uber drivers can surge price so can taxis...meter use is only compulsory from Taxi ranks and for TSS customers.
Customers can pick whichever taxi they like just like they always could.

This is under what is left of the Qld Transport Act...not the Federal Anti Discrimination acts
Uber dont obey that either so Taxis are starting to ignore it as well.
It's a race to the bottom now and nobody will win.

This gig economy "disruption and innovation" has a long way to get sorted yet...

Please complain to Queensland Transport...they need to hear the truth.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

I thought taxi drivers had to use meters, has this now changed?

 

[TomVexille]

Sorry for your experience but this will only get more common as the old rules and standards of pre uber days are gone now.

By mobility issues were you using a wheelchair taxi or a normal one?
Wheelchair ones are meant to pick up wheelchair users and need a good reason not to.
Normal taxis are gettng picky with fares as they seek only the more profitable fares like uber does.

Uber drivers can pick and choose fares and blacklist customers...so can taxis now.
Uber drivers can surge price so can taxis...meter use is only compulsory from Taxi ranks and for TSS customers.
Customers can pick whichever taxi they like just like they always could.

This is under what is left of the Qld Transport Act...not the Federal Anti Discrimination acts
Uber dont obey that either so Taxis are starting to ignore it as well.
It's a race to the bottom now and nobody will win.

This gig economy "disruption and innovation" has a long way to get sorted yet...

Please complain to Queensland Transport...they need to hear the truth.

I can't comment about QLD, but in MEL those are all bad Taxi habits that have been around for a long time and only started creeping into uber as taxi drivers moved across.

I'm sure that you and your family have never refused a fare, but in Melbourne you pretty much had to either lie to a cabbie to get them to take you anywhere less than a $50 fare, or negotiate a cash fare more than the meter rate. And the companies/industry doesn't want to know about it.

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm sure that you and your family have never refused a fare, but in Melbourne you pretty much had to either lie to a cabbie to get them to take you anywhere less than a $50 fare, or negotiate a cash fare more than the meter rate. And the companies/industry doesn't want to know about it.

Which is why when I needed a cab home from the airport I would catch one from the departures area. I was happy to break the 'rules' to save a driver who had queued for 2 hours getting a $30 fare.

 

[jastel]

I agree there are some good and bad drivers everywhere.

But think of it this way...you have been waiting for a job for 2 hours (which means NO INCOME)
Someone comes along and offers you a $10 job.

Drivers have 2 choices
A) Take it and earn $10, $5 per hour if you are the cab owner, or $2.50 per hour if you are a driver
B) Refuse it and hope for a bigger fare.

In non surge time uber this fare would be say $6, minus $1.80 for ubers fee, leaving the driver $4.20 and ALL the expenses.

As a driver the difference in $0 and $2.50 per hour is not much so the gamble of refusing and hoping for a bigger fare will pay off more often.
If you land a $50 fare, suddenly you are making $25 or $12.50 per hour, which is at least sustainable.
This behaviour is worst at Airport ranks as drivers know there are bigger ones coming...city ranks the fares are more random.

​

With rideshare meaning less jobs for every driver, the "pie" is cut into more pieces, meaning a lower hourly income for ALL drivers, more drivers will take the choice of picking and choosing a "good" job only.
Luckily there are still some drivers who will take every job and those ones are the ones who may survive in the business.

In some cities after a certain time if you want a taxi there is a "callout" fee of $20 plus the fare for example.
No different than a tradie who has a "minimum charge" of $100 for a 5 minute job.​

Uber drivers get to logoff and go home as it is a second job for most of them, but taxi drivers generally do the whole shift...though this is getting harder to enforce...no one will sit out there without being paid.
Many days of the week the dole pays better, which again leads back to no/bad drivers and no/bad service.

 

[jastel]

Which is why when I needed a cab home from the airport I would catch one from the departures area. I was happy to break the 'rules' to save a driver who had queued for 2 hours getting a $30 fare.

You are sneaky...
The airport do not like this as this would usually mean they miss out on toll revenue.
Parking naz_s will often try and stop this I have observed.
Neither do the other 100 taxis waiting at the arrivals area.
But it is everyman for himself these days, I would take you and call in saying "Customer has a sore leg and cant walk up to arrivals "
This has kept me out of trouble so far.
You win...I win...airport loses.

 

[Milboo]

I use to be a short fare (ie $25 approx) from Sydney Airport and the number of times I had drivers complains at International when I told them my destination and then drive like a maniac to do the fare.

I have no patience for attitude like that. I appreciate they have waited a while and this means no income but frankly if you choose to take airport fares then you have to expect shorter fares. I have just as much right/ need to get home as someone who lives on the North Shore or Parramatta.

 

[TomVexille]

I agree there are some good and bad drivers everywhere.

But think of it this way...you have been waiting for a job for 2 hours (which means NO INCOME)
Someone comes along and offers you a $10 job.

Drivers have 2 choices
A) Take it and earn $10, $5 per hour if you are the cab owner, or $2.50 per hour if you are a driver
B) Refuse it and hope for a bigger fare.

In non surge time uber this fare would be say $6, minus $1.80 for ubers fee, leaving the driver $4.20 and ALL the expenses.

As a driver the difference in $0 and $2.50 per hour is not much so the gamble of refusing and hoping for a bigger fare will pay off more often.
If you land a $50 fare, suddenly you are making $25 or $12.50 per hour, which is at least sustainable.
This behaviour is worst at Airport ranks as drivers know there are bigger ones coming...city ranks the fares are more random.

​

With rideshare meaning less jobs for every driver, the "pie" is cut into more pieces, meaning a lower hourly income for ALL drivers, more drivers will take the choice of picking and choosing a "good" job only.
Luckily there are still some drivers who will take every job and those ones are the ones who may survive in the business.

In some cities after a certain time if you want a taxi there is a "callout" fee of $20 plus the fare for example.
No different than a tradie who has a "minimum charge" of $100 for a 5 minute job.​

Uber drivers get to logoff and go home as it is a second job for most of them, but taxi drivers generally do the whole shift...though this is getting harder to enforce...no one will sit out there without being paid.
Many days of the week the dole pays better, which again leads back to no/bad drivers and no/bad service.

I'm actually talking about being in the city or suburbs. If you sit in the city waiting 2 hour for a big fare when you could have had multiple short fares you're doing it wrong IMO.

 

[Deleted member]

Sorry for your experience but this will only get more common as the old rules and standards of pre uber days are gone now.

By mobility issues were you using a wheelchair taxi or a normal one?
Wheelchair ones are meant to pick up wheelchair users and need a good reason not to.
Normal taxis are gettng picky with fares as they seek only the more profitable fares like uber does.

Uber drivers can pick and choose fares and blacklist customers...so can taxis now.
Uber drivers can surge price so can taxis...meter use is only compulsory from Taxi ranks and for TSS customers.
Customers can pick whichever taxi they like just like they always could.

This is under what is left of the Qld Transport Act...not the Federal Anti Discrimination acts
Uber dont obey that either so Taxis are starting to ignore it as well.
It's a race to the bottom now and nobody will win.

This gig economy "disruption and innovation" has a long way to get sorted yet...

Please complain to Queensland Transport...they need to hear the truth.

By “mobility “ issues, I actually meant that Mrs GPH is still in recovery mode from her severe head on collision (car crash) in October. She still requires a walking stick, is unable to move quickly, or very long distances. Anything more than 100-200 metres is tiring and done at a slow pace. The other person was suffering from a combination of torn meniscus and torn AC .