Uber

Author
Discussion

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
quotequote all
So I've been using Uber for a while and have had nothing but good experiences. I got one on the weekend and realised my new (to me) daily would be a fine turbo taxi. This week I go in to show my credentials and then I'm kinda like a taxi driver. Whenever I can be arsed.

Anyone have an opinion?

  • image does not show actual vehicle or taxiing manner

Hitch78

6,117 posts

201 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
quotequote all
Fastest taxi in town!

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
quotequote all
Hitch78 said:
Fastest taxi in town!
Actually not, had a young bloke in an SSV the other day. Asked him if he'd be so kind as to 'rip it up' and was obliged.

Hitch78

6,117 posts

201 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
quotequote all
Nice. How much do you get per km?

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
I don't think it's that simple, it depends on time as well, like it is factored with a cab, and also how much demand there is (in 'surge periods').

Simply, it's cheaper than a cab and the driver gets 80%, Uber 20%.

custardtart

1,736 posts

260 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
Can you fill in your preferred customer type or is it pot luck who you taxi around?

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
It's not a dating app and nor is it for racists wink

Hitch78

6,117 posts

201 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
Will you be taking payment in kind from some of your late night passengers?

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
No, I am unable to negotiate as no money changes hands. Payment in kind is limited to tipping and is at her request and subject to my approval. This should not deter my female clients as my standards are extremely low.

Hitch78

6,117 posts

201 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
Fair play, a guy I went to school with became a weekend nights driver for the local cab firm in the UK and he always used to claim that it was more common than you'd think!

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
quotequote all
I can't really see me doing any Friday/Saturday night ubering anyway. 1 because if anyone's going to be the drunk, it's me, 2 I don't see me doing it much anyway or going out of my way and 3 I don't need the hassle (although of all the ubers I've had not one has said they've ever had a 'bad' customer). It'll be at my convenience, likely weekend loose-end mornings, or I happen to be driving aimlessly, or coming home from somewhere with nothing to be back for. Or I want the cash for something in particular and it helps with the man maths. I've got a more than full time job as it is, so it's more to have the opportunity to drive around, chat to folk and make a few quid on the side as and when I wish.


I took an Uber for some afternoon drinkies on Saturday. The (retired guy) driver had been working since 9:00 and was going home after dropping us, at about 3:00. He reckoned the day had been worth $250 to him. Plenty of weekend mornings I’ll do nothing, watch old Law & Order and Top Gear in that same time, smoking tabs, drinking tea and not getting paid for it.

Conveniently ignoring expenses, a man maths example: At the pub we were drinking at I was admiring a CB400 outside which I've been fancying for a while and you can pick up for about 6 grand. According to the above 6 months of 1 morning a week would have paid for it. Or I could intend to do 1 morning/week and justify it. Or I could do more and drive towards my goal. Or not.

robm3

4,930 posts

234 months

Wednesday 25th March 2015
quotequote all
Keep us posted on your adventures!

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Wednesday 25th March 2015
quotequote all
Cheers Rob, I will. Hope I do have amusing tales to tell smile

PomBstard

7,109 posts

249 months

Wednesday 25th March 2015
quotequote all
I'm also looking forward to hearing more! Don't fancy taking the phatt white car for an Ubering?? Could be a way to secure repeat business. Also conveniently ignoring expenses... biggrin

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Wednesday 25th March 2015
quotequote all
The Phatt white car would be great, until Uber find out and ban me for

  • >10 years old
  • 2 doors
  • i come to pick up 4 folk
  • the elderly
  • complaints
  • 40C and no aircon
It was actually my first thought for novelty value a few months back to do that, until I found out it's not really a joke. I discounted uber from then until I realized my new turbo taxi fits the bill perfectly.

If I decide it's crap and I want out I might do a few 928 runs for a laugh but can't really see that:

I've no intention of repeat business, it's all about convenience, remember it's an uber not a cab.

If I get to that stage I'll be sure that let you know!

200bhp

5,681 posts

226 months

Monday 30th March 2015
quotequote all
Are you concerned about the potential for legal problems? Talkback radio regularly have features on Uber and the local Perth taxi monopoly make a big point of saying Uber drivers are risking big fines.

Google [bot]

Original Poster:

6,698 posts

188 months

Monday 30th March 2015
quotequote all
200bhp said:
Are you concerned about the potential for legal problems? Talkback radio regularly have features on Uber and the local Perth taxi monopoly make a big point of saying Uber drivers are risking big fines.
The taxis would say that. The legal situation as I see it is unresolved and Uber would go into bat for you and say they pay fines. Regardless, as an occasional thing I don't envisage problems.

ezakimak

1,871 posts

243 months

Tuesday 31st March 2015
quotequote all
200bhp said:
Uber drivers are risking big fines.
for what?

provided it is declared to the Tax office what am i missing?

200bhp

5,681 posts

226 months

Tuesday 31st March 2015
quotequote all
ezakimak said:
for what?

provided it is declared to the Tax office what am i missing?
Being an un-licensed taxi

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-state-election-2015/...


ezakimak

1,871 posts

243 months

Tuesday 31st March 2015
quotequote all
200bhp said:
in NSW, does SA have the same legislation?