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Getting Around: Uber, Taxi or Your Car?
Uber and its rivals have emerged as major players in the public transportation industry as a result of the rise of the ride-sharing industry. A ride-share service, public transportation, or taxis are all options for people who need to get from one location to another, especially in large cities. Each mode of transportation has advantages and disadvantages, and a person’s choice of transportation is heavily influenced by where he or she lives. There isn’t much of a need to own a car in a large metropolitan area where public transportation and private taxis are readily available. Because it’s available in so many major cities around the world, Uber is an additional choice. Having a private vehicle, on the other hand, is usually unavoidable for those who live in rural or smaller metro areas with limited access to public transportation or even Uber. Are you trying to decide between Uber vs Car ownership, or Uber vs cab driver transportation? You can learn more about the pros and cons of various modes of transportation, such as taxis and Uber, by reading on.
Getting Around
The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks to car ownership, taxis, and Uber to consider if you live in an area where public transportation and private car ownership are common:
Personal Car
For those who have the option of personal cars over public or ride-share cars, the main concern is usually cost. When you take into account the annual cost of insurance, paid parking in some areas, gas, maintenance, and other unforeseen expenses of owning a car, it’s possible that using Uber will end up being less expensive. Research into the situation shows that the annual cost of owning a car is about $1,000 higher than the annual cost of taking an Uber, give or take. On the other hand, owning a private car may be worth the additional cost. Driving your own car will always be safer, cleaner, and more available, especially in cases of emergencies.
Taxi
Taxis have been around almost since the beginning of the automobile era, dating back to the 1800s. In most major cities, they are a well-known mode of transportation. Background checks are required for taxi drivers in many cities, even for minor offenses. Many taxis charge a base fare, with an additional fee for each mile traveled and a gratuity included. Taking a taxi will cost you between $12 and $20 on average. After 8 p.m., some taxis may charge an additional dollar or two on top of the base fare.
Uber
Uber, the pioneering ride-share service, operates on a business model in which independent contractor drivers use their own vehicles to ferry passengers, by making use of an app that matches passengers with potential drivers in the area. Background checks on Uber drivers are extensive and require proof of driving proficiency and vehicle safety before a driver can be authorized to operate. Additional safety features include trusted contacts, ride location sharing with loved ones, and panic buttons that can be used to summon police, especially in light of recent complaints against Uber regarding safety issues. While Uber does not charge based on moving or stop-and-go traffic like taxis do, they do employ surge pricing during peak hours. Since passengers can see how much they’ll be charged before they accept a driver and can split the fare with other passengers, an Uber ride can be cheaper than a cab at any time of the day or night.
Summary
The main factors that will likely influence a transportation decision are safety and cost. Riding in your own car will always be safer than having someone else drive you, although taxis and Uber tend to have comparable safety records. Uber cars, being private vehicles, are often cleaner and in better shape than some taxis, and the safety, cleanliness, and condition of a personal vehicle is up to the owner. Overall, riding in your own car will be cheaper and a better experience, but between Uber and taxis, Uber tends to be the better, and cheaper, experience overall. Hopefully this article has helped you decide in choosing between between Uber vs Car ownership, or Uber vs cab driver transportation.
FAQ
Between Taxis and Uber, what methods of payment are accepted?
Uber payments happen directly in the app, making use of stored credit, debit or gift cards. If paying cash, Uber passengers must select this as a payment option prior to the ride, and pay the driver directly at the end of the trip. Taxis have varying payment methods. Some services have dedicated apps that allow payment within the app, but most payments are made directly to the driver, either with cash or card, at the end of the ride.
Can I schedule a ride in advance with Uber and taxis?
Most taxi services do allow for scheduling rides in advance, anywhere from two weeks to a month in advance, depending on the service. Uber rides can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance.
Can I split the fare with another rider?
Yes, both taxis and Uber allow passengers to divide up the fare between them.
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