Uber is a great resource for teens

Transportation for teens varies from person to person, but regardless, each student must get from point A to point B somehow. I recently came into a pinch after  rehearsal at the high school and had an large amount of equipment to carry home. Without my parents to pick me up, I had to improvise.

Uber became my first choice. I downloaded the app and sent for a driver to pick me up. There are different options in the Uber app that allow the user to select the specific type of transportation they wish to use. I selected Uber Black, the top of the line of Uber’s selection of cars featuring Black Lincoln, Cadillac, or Chevy SUVs.

As I was riding I couldn’t help but wonder what the background of my silent driver was. I found out that if you drive for Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar, you don’t need a commercial license. However, all the services require a clean driving record and Department of Motor Vehicles check. They also perform a background check to ensure drivers have never been convicted of a violent crime, sexual offense, or a DUI. Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, and others also offer liability insurance for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians for up to $1 million, but only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover an accident. Both Uber and Lyft now levy a $1 per-ride charge for insurance.

It’s hard to see the downside of ridesharing for passengers. The increased supply of cars makes it easier to find a ride, even if you prefer taxis. It also avoids the normal calling or wandering around to hail a cab, and gives you the status of your ride from the moment you request it, as well as a saving benefit like promos for existing users, etc. It’s often cheaper than a cab, and there’s rarely a dispute about unwanted fees or questionable route decisions. Additionally, the rating systems help keep drivers, and passengers, honest.

From a ridesharing driver’s perspective, it’s mostly good too. You’ll never get stiffed on a fare, and the services generally shuffle cars around efficiently, minimizing downtime. The pre-registration process and automatic ride-logging also add a safety factor for both parties. Of course, most cab drivers would rather that ridesharing services go away. They see them as amateur interlopers who pay no hefty fees, but steal precious fares. One would imagine that if these apps continue to grow, taxi services would be put out of business.

My experience was wonderful. Other than riding in a car that’s associated with the federal government, I was allowed to blast Frank Sinatra throughout the ride.  But I must say that the best part of my ride was that I didn’t pay a penny. All new users are permitted certain amount of free credit for the first trip. I believe that these apps and similar ridesharing programs can be very useful to teens when in a pinch or just needing a ride. Ride fares vary day to day but Uber will always charge a flat rate and then tack on the distance and time it takes to drive you there.

Uber was my selected choice but regardless what the app is, it’s a wonderful experience and a great deal.