Uber

[Gonolz]

Has anyone used this ride service? I just got an offer through Capital One for two free rides if I sign up. It looks like an app where random people sign up to be drivers and give you a ride. You pay the service and they pay the driver something. Does anyone know how the fares are calculated and how they compare to a taxi?

 

[Ward17]

it's a way of life out here in Los Angeles and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than a taxi. You pay a fixed rate per mile unless there is a shortage of drivers in the area (usually due to an event with major traffic) where you pay 1.5x, 2x, or on the rare occasion like NYE 10x the rate. My mom drives uber for a living.

 

[Nole Daddy]

It really has changed my life for the better, and I use it frequently. Just in the last month I have used it in West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Tallahassee.

 

[montconole]

I got the same offer and will use it when we travel to San Francisco later in the month.

 

[Nole Daddy]

Has anyone used this ride service? I just got an offer through Capital One for two free rides if I sign up. It looks like an app where random people sign up to be drivers and give you a ride. You pay the service and they pay the driver something. Does anyone know how the fares are calculated and how they compare to a taxi?

It is much cheaper than a cab; the drivers are more friendly; and the cars are cleaner. During busy times the fares do go up, but you will know that before you get them to come out. You can also get an estimate of what the trip will cost ahead of time and it has been pretty spot on in the cases I have used it.

 

[NDallasRuss]

It's a common thing in DC (not out where I live). Seems like a good deal for the most part. The surge pricing will get you, but like was said, you should know about it beforehand. I guess the drivers will occasionally get killed, or will kidnap and/or kill their passengers. You can google different stories about drivers losing their minds and beating passengers with a hammer, etc. Here's a good list to get you started.

 

[LT4PLY]

There is a lot of controversy over it. From the customer stand point it's almost all up side. Taxi drivers hate it because it is killing their business.

I heard any driver that is averaging less than 4 stars gets kicked out which is why the cars are nicer and cleaner and the drivers are friendly.

 

[cfbfan23]

I use it regularly when travelling for work. It works great. I'll use it occasionally at home when I know I'll be in no condition to drive. It's a much better driving experience than a cab, and cheaper.

 

[seminoledq]

I will vouch for it as well. Use it a lot when traveling for work and on vacation. Almost always cheaper than a cab and it's nice to get the fare estimate before you book the ride.

 

[anon_snp6dc585nnj4]

Best way to avoid drinking and driving

 

[FSUFrank]

+1000000000

 

[DanC78]

I heart Uber....I will be buying plenty of stock once they go public.

 

[DanC78]

Oh yeah...your question. Just like everyone else has mentioned. You get a great rate, clean car, your travel is tracked by GPS with your name and the drivers name..meaning it's super safe. They are typically always easy to locate as well. I HIGHLY recommend. And one of the better things is how you pay for your ride. You simply get out of the car and say thank you. No kind of money or credit card transaction that take place between you and driver. The App knows you ride is over and automatically bills your account and sends you a receipt. You have it within a minute. It also gives you a quick and easy way to rate your service with a 1-5 star rating.

The down side of Uber...when demand is high they will charge A LOT. I took a ride in San Fran that cost me about $23 to get to the place and over $60 to get home. One driver told me during Gasperilla that the rates were astronomical. He said one ride was over $300 for him to take a person from downtown about 35 miles up 589. That's insane is you ask me.

The drivers receive 80% of fare.

Capital One has structured a deal where you get a discount when you use your C1 card to pay for transaction.

 

[OrlandNole]

I wonder how much drivers actually make after you factor in gas, maintenance, depreciation, etc.

 

[Bav803]

I use it many times a week. I almost always use Uber if I'm drinking AT ALL.

 

[TripTychTwo]

What is this, 2013?

 

[phideltflg]

I use Uber almost weekly and love the service. With regards to surge pricing, I recommend trying Lyft when Uber is on surge. Very similar service and can be much cheaper during surge pricing with Uber.

 

[Nole Daddy]

When I went up to Tallahassee for the Spring Game I parked my car, and basically used Uber the whole weekend while I was out drinking. Super convenient.

 

[CobNole]

When I went to Pasadena for FSU/Auburn, that is literally all I used. Saw today though where there is a chance they might get voted out of Florida.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

What is this, 2013?

GoNolz has to be trolling here.

 

[ericram]

The taxi companies are pissed they are even around. Banned in several cities. Tallahassee is trying to regulate them out of business. They are upset they don't have real background checks and are vague on their insurance.

I am a fan. The drivers I gave used have been wonderful.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

The big debate is do you tip the driver? I know you're not supposed to according to uber, but I have before just out of common practice. Is it awkward or do the drivers look down on you if you don't?

 

[Gonolz]

GoNolz has to be trolling here.

You have to remember, I'm on beach time now. My usual mode of transportation is flip-flops to the beach bar down the street.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

GoNolz has to be trolling here.

Yes. Can't be serious.

 

[Manch.]

They are trying to get up and running up here in Manchester, but the city wants them to pay the same fees that the taxi's pay, including airport fees...... I guess another roadblock is the way the do their background checks. We live in a small town between Manchester and Concord, where it is expensive to get a cab from either city and I was thinking that I could be very successful if I were to drive under the Uber flag, their is a ton of business just sitting here where customers don't have a cheaper alternative to the distant city cabs.

 

[Hayduke GW]

use it regularly.

caught a 430am uber to the burbank airport a month ago, it was $11.

made the mistake of taking a cab back from the airport upon my return. same ride, in reverse. it was $28.

 

[Nole Daddy]

The big debate is do you tip the driver? I know you're not supposed to according to uber, but I have before just out of common practice. Is it awkward or do the drivers look down on you if you don't?

The tip is in the fare so you don't tip.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Tallahassee is trying to regulate them out of business.

such a Tallahassee thing to do. Smh.

 

[ncnole1975]

I have used Uber at least 12-14 times in the past week alone!

 

[phideltflg]

The tip is in the fare so you don't tip.

Correct, no tipping. It's part of the beauty of the business model. No cash changes hands. I love not having to deal with the old "my credit card machine is broken" speech from cabbies. It's amazing how it's always magically fixed when I tell them it's a cc or nothiHappy birthday!ng.

 

[Nole Daddy]

Correct, no tipping. It's part of the beauty of the business model. No cash changes hands. I love not having to deal with the old "my credit card machine is broken" speech from cabbies. It's amazing how it's always maniacally fixed when I tell them it's a cc or nothing.

I can not tell you how many times I have heard that over the years when I am traveling( about the CC machine not working).

 

[cmanole]

You have to remember, I'm on beach time now. My usual mode of transportation is flip-flops to the beach bar down the street.

Remember when you moved to Tampa and I told you to move to the beach? Now look at you...

 

[Gonolz]

Remember when you moved to Tampa and I told you to move to the beach? Now look at you...

True cman, you had the right idea. I had to go into the office every day the first year and didn't want a long commute, then I got cleared to work from home, so I moved to the beach.

 

[cmanole]

True cman, you had the right idea. I had to go into the office every day the first year and didn't want a long commute, then I got cleared to work from home, so I moved to the beach.

Sweet. Where abouts are you?

 

[AllNoles]

I like it but it's going to change. Cities and states will either regulate Uber more or cabs less. There is no logical reason to treat them differently.

 

[F4Gary]

I like it but it's going to change. Cities and states will either regulate Uber more or cabs less. There is no logical reason to treat them differently.

This.

 

[Gonolz]

Sweet. Where abouts are you?

Indian Rocks Beach

 

[DanC78]

Indian Rocks Beach

So the wifey and I are heading down to Indian Rocks Beach this weekend for a day relaxation. This will be our first time over that way. Any suggestions of where we should set up camp on the beach..or stay away from?

We might grab sammich or grouper basket somewhere as well, any suggestions there would be helpful as well.

 

[Gonolz]

So the wifey and I are heading down to Indian Rocks Beach this weekend for a day relaxation. This will be our first time over that way. Any suggestions of where we should set up camp on the beach..or stay away from?

We might grab sammich or grouper basket somewhere as well, any suggestions there would be helpful as well.

Around 16th Ave is usually pretty crowded on the beach. Around 5th Ave too. If you want to have a little more room go up towards the Bellair Beach end (24th-27th Ave). You can take a walk up through Bellair Beach and see some pretty cool luxury beach houses. 18 On The Rocks is a bar/restaurant on 24th with open air bar and fantastic food. Another place with great food is Keegan's on 15th. There's not much of an atmosphere there as it is just in a strip mall with no real bar, but the food is great. Try the Buffalo Grouper sandwich. For atmosphere, the best place is probably Crabby Bills on 4th Ave. They have a nice outdoor bar and open area, usually with live music playing. The food is solid, but not as good as Keegan's or 18 On.

Oh and if you go to 18 On, I know it sounds crazy at the beach in 80+ degree weather, but try the clam chowder. It is the best I've ever had anywhere.

 

[DanC78]

Around 16th Ave is usually pretty crowded on the beach. Around 5th Ave too. If you want to have a little more room go up towards the Bellair Beach end (24th-27th Ave). You can take a walk up through Bellair Beach and see some pretty cool luxury beach houses. 18 On The Rocks is a bar/restaurant on 24th with open air bar and fantastic food. Another place with great food is Keegan's on 15th. There's not much of an atmosphere there as it is just in a strip mall with no real bar, but the food is great. Try the Buffalo Grouper sandwich. For atmosphere, the best place is probably Crabby Bills on 4th Ave. They have a nice outdoor bar and open area, usually with live music playing. The food is solid, but not as good as Keegan's or 18 On.

Oh and if you go to 18 On, I know it sounds crazy at the beach in 80+ degree weather, but try the clam chowder. It is the best I've ever had anywhere.

Great Stuff!!! Thank you Sir!