As most of the modern world knows, Uber is the latest and greatest trend in transportation that has swept the nation the last three years (yep, it's been that long) with its convenience, simplicity and affordability. For those of you rock-dwellers unfamiliar with Uber, it's a smartphone app that lets you hail a cab (or Uber) with just the tap of your finger. After you've provided your credit card information on the app, it searches your location for the closest Uber driver and sends them a request for pick-up. Once the driver drops you off, you say thanks and hop out. That's it. The charges go straight to the card you put on file. No cash, no fuss, no problem. Or is it? With great success, comes great controversy. In the last year or so, the taxi companies and even the government have wagered their opinions on this ultra-contemporary take on the new mode of transportation. They claim Uber is unreliable, unsafe, and exploits innocent passengers for an overpriced service already provided by seasoned taxi drivers. You can find plenty of information on the case of Uber vs. The World, but we want to hear your opinion. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Tell us in the comments below. If you're curious, here's why we at 520 Park Avenue LOVE IT:
- You simply click your phone to summon a car. No need to walk to a busy intersection to try and flag down a taxi. Or worse, call for a cab and wait fifteen minutes (at least) for the driver to show up.
- No need to handle the payment or tipping stuff at the end of the ride. Simply gather your personal stuff and leave! Thanking the driver is actually optional. Want to share the cost of the ride with another Uber customer? That's easy too! Just click, click and it's done.
- You can get an estimate of the cost just by tapping a few buttons on your phone.
- If you have a complaint, it is easy to contact Uber. I complained once, and got exactly what I asked for: a 70% refund.
- The drivers and riders are rated by each other. The drivers need to keep up their ratings in order to continue getting riders.
- After your ride, you will get a map of your ride and a receipt emailed to you.
- If you leave anything in the Uber car, you (and Uber) know exactly which car you were in.
- This acoupon for $10 worth of free rides. Check it out, and decide for yourself! You can earn more credit by sharing Uber with your friends.