Uber is a car service that lets you request a private car using an app on your Apple, Android, or Windows device. You can request different levels of service from Uber including uberX, which runs ordinary cars, UberSUV, which sends a larger vehicle, and UberBLACK, which is for high-end luxury vehicles.
How Uber Works
The first step for using Uber as a passenger is to sign up for the service using their website. You’ll enter your name, email address, cell phone number, preferred language, and billing information to create your account. Once you agree to the terms and conditions you simply add a valid credit card number to your account and download the Uber app. Then, you’re ready to request an Uber.
Passenger Benefits of Uber
Since you have to create an account with Uber and enter your credit card information before you request an Uber, you don’t have to worry about having cash on you to pay for your ride. As well, Uber offers digital receipts that are easier to keep track of instead of paper receipts. Some taxi companies also charge a surcharge to pay with a credit card, but Uber does not.
Additionally, as Uber driver partner Bob points out, most cars will arrive at your location within five to ten minutes after you place your request because the company uses dispatch software to send out the closest person. Compare this with a taxi dispatch, which could take between 30 and 40 minutes to arrive, and you’re on your way significantly sooner when you use Uber.
What’s it Like Driving With Uber?
Catherine Purcell used to work in the mortgage industry until she quit to become an Uber driver partner. She says that not only does she enjoy being an Uber partner because she loves to drive; she also appreciates that she can set her own hours. She points out that nobody at Uber tells you when you have to work, so if you’re tired or don’t feel good, you can simply turn it off until you’re ready to go again.
Catherine says she typically makes between $200 and $300 a day, although there have been times when she’s made around $650 in one day. Of course, where you live can affect how much you earn a day. While the average Uber driver partner makes $19.04 an hour, those living in New York City have an average hourly wage of $30.35.
Uber Driver Partner Benefits
Along with the benefits Catherine mentioned, Uber driver partners also have plenty of write-offs when tax season rolls around. Besides deducting the standard mileage rate, you can also include cleaning and car washes as added vehicle expenses. In addition, you can write off your Uber phone and even the water and gum you buy for your passengers. Plus, Uber driver partners don’t have to work full-time if they don’t want to. In fact, only 19 percent of Uber partners work more than 35 hours a week while 51 percent work 15 hours a week or less.
Uber is changing the way we think about on-demand car service. If you’re a passenger, you can take advantage shorter wait times and if you’re a driving partner, you can enjoy flexible work hours.
