Launched in 2009, Uber has around 100 million users from around the world who take advantage of the ride-sharing app. But do you know the many ways that you can use Uber? Similar to a taxi service, Uber is an on-demand service that allows you to order a car via your smartphone. Since 2009, the company has branched out into other areas, providing food delivery among its services.
01 Where is it available
If you're looking to see if you can take advantage of ride-sharing when you go on vacation, there's some good news. Uber is currently available in 69 countries - from North America to the UAE. You do not need to download another app to use it in a different country, and the process of ordering an Uber stays the same.
02 How to sign up
If you've never used Uber before, don't worry - the process is designed to be as easy as possible.
First, you need to download the app onto your device. Once you've done this, they will ask you to register using your mobile telephone number. You will also need to have an email address, which is where copies of your ride receipts will be sent.
You can also sign up via their website.
03 Making a journey
Once you've registered your account, open the app.
Tap "Where to?" and enter the address that you would like to go to. You will then be asked the kind of vehicle you'd like to take, but the most often used vehicle is the UberX.
Prices will be shown, and once you select which vehicle you would like, click Confirm Pickup. You will then be given an approximate arrival time for your driver. You can choose to pay via credit card, cash, or link your Paypal account to your app.
04 What kind of ride can you get?
Since branching out into different services, there is now a wider range of cars you can choose from.
UberX, Select, and Black are the typical town cars you might be expecting. They offer seating for up to four people. UberX is the most commonly used service.
An Uber Black is typically a luxury sedan vehicle, and Uber Select is a high-end sedan or luxury SUV. You can also order an XL or an SUV if you need to sit five or six people.
05 How about UberPOOL?
If you're hoping to save a little money on your rideshare, UberPOOL could be exactly what you're looking for. While it's not available in all areas, it's a particularly popular service in cities.
You select your car as you would any other on the app, but then specify how many seats you need. The driver will then collect you, and also have at least one other traveler in the same car.
06 Uber EATS
UberEATS was launched in 2014 and is the food delivery arm of the app.
Through the UberEATS app, you can check the menu, order, and pay for delivery. The app will show you which restaurants are currently open, or delivering soon, and will allow you to add a tip for delivery. All payment are done via the app.
Your delivery will arrive by car, bike, or possibly on foot, within the delivery timeframe.
07 What are Uber Ratings?
One of the major selling points is that you can rate your driver after every individual journey.
Once you have reached your destination, you'll be asked to rate your driver, as well as being given the option to add a tip. A driver's rating overall is the average score for the last 500 completed journeys, which means that your rating is given in confidence.
As far as Uber is concerned, only a 5-star rating is a positive one. There are some issues which aren't your driver's fault, so it's worth bearing these in mind.
08 Your driver also rates you
Uber's particular rating system actually goes both ways, allowing drivers to rate their passengers.
Things which drivers have said induce them to give customers a higher rating are:
- Keeping the conversation friendly
- Being respectful of their car and property, and not slamming doors when climbing in and out of the car
- Being sure not to distract the driver while they're driving
09 For business
Another helpful feature of Uber is the ability to open up an Uber Business Account.
Once you have set up a business account, Uber provides a transport dashboard that allows you to have an overview of all the traveling that has been done on your account.
You can also set up Uber to provide expenseless trips for your staff or clients.
10 More than just cars
As Uber continues to grow, they are widening their scope - meaning you'll soon be able to take Ubers in a wide variety of ways.
- JUMP Scooters allow you to find electric scooters on demand. These are currently available in 19 U.S. cities, as well as Berlin, Paris, Lisbon, and Madrid
- Uber Freight is for long-haul freight drivers to find loads across the U.S.
- Uber Elevate plans to bring short distance air travel to cities by 2023, starting in Dallas and Los Angeles
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