My first experience with Uber
I don’t usually catch taxis (cabs) on my travels, whether it is going to and from the airport or for general transport between places I visit. I tend to always catch public transport when it is convenient. However with luggage in tow not all public transport is suitable. Trains from airports to central stations are fine. Most places I’ve visited have this well sorted and just to name a few: Athens, Rome, Milan, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Singapore, Hong Kong… I have caught taxis too in the past in Barcelona, Hong Kong, Rome…, but I think unless they are the only option I now have an alternative. One I didn’t really fancy trying before.
When travelling between home and the airport and back I was happy to pay a little extra and use the services of a chauffeur. A good friend of mine runs his own business and I would call him even at short notice and it was either him or one of his colleagues who would take care of me. Unfortunately my last interaction with my friend left me with a sour taste in my mouth. His price jumped astronomically. He gave me his reasons why. Fair enough. He gave me a price then a discount as an old customer, but it was still too much for my liking. If there were a few of us I’d understand and pay it, but I left it as that and had to find another way of getting where I wanted to go.
What made me look at Uber? Well, it was either them or another ride-hailing service or a taxi. It’s been a while since I have been in a taxi and for reasons I will not go into here I have a dislike for them. In the past around 30 years ago it was different but now that’s how it is.
After talking to a friend, Peter, who now makes driving for Uber his full time job, I asked for advice and decided to give them a go. He explained how the charges work. Basically it’s down to timing. Peak periods are the most expensive as more people require the service and less drivers available. So it’s a matter of being patient if you want to save.
Booking is all done via the Uber app downloaded to your smartphone (or device). First thing is to set up an account with a payment option, which in most cases is a credit card either through Apple Pay or similar. Next step is to type in where to be picked up and the destination. Then check for availability of the service you require and its respective price. Select the one you prefer and make your way to an assigned pickup area. Mine at Adelaide International Airport was in pickup area 2 adjacent to the main carpark opposite Terminal 1. It’s a gated parking area assigned to ride-hailing businesses.
Price alone is a factor but also the quality of the vehicle and driver. I got a very good driver named Karthik. He was very calm and patient while driving. His car was very clean and it didn’t smell like he had eaten or slept in it. This made my experience better than I expected and dispelled any bad thoughts I had about the service. Later I checked the reviews on this driver. He gets 5 star ratings regularly. Should his services be required he can be contacted direct on 0473 907 076. My son has used Uber a few times and he also has been happy with them. It was him and my wife who said I should try them. Originally my wife was suppose to pick me up but her work schedule got in the way. My friend Peter who I spoke to also encouraged me. He drives in Brisbane. If anyone needs a Uber driver there to and from the Brisbane International Airport to any location within 10km he can be contacted on 0401 089 028 locally or +61 401 089 028 from overseas.
My other friend, also named Peter, runs a chauffeur business in Adelaide (Adelaide Metropolitan Chauffeurs). He can be contacted on 0433 839 844 locally or +61 433 839 844 if calling from abroad. Expect a more refined personalised service, perfect for single business travellers, couples and families of four.
Do I recommend Uber? My first experience was a good one and going by this I would recommend it as a cheaper alternative to taxis. If you want to save more you can try ride sharing. I missed my opportunity on this ride but that’s for another story.
For details go to: A guide for how to use Uber
