Uber is a transport service that has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2009. This taxi-like service runs purely on an app (perhaps its only flaw is being unable to call). However, this app is easy to use, safe, efficient and helpful.
Our rating: 4/5
Available on: Android and iOS
What makes Uber unique is the feature that allows you to track the driver's movements while they are on their way – and there is almost always a couple nearby to you. Also, the app is run by a card payment method, which means you never have to worry about having cash on you. Tipping is also unnecessary, because the money from the trip goes directly to the driver, with a percentage going to Uber.
Uber is definitely an excellent way to travel and is available in many countries around the world. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, here’s how:
Simply go to your App Store/Play Store app, type in “Uber” and the app will appear at the top. After clicking on the icon, you will be able to download, install or update your Uber app. Below, you can scroll through pictures of Uber's features as well as see basic user reviews.
Congratulations – you’ve downloaded Uber! Easy as that. When you open the app, it will ask you for information such as your name, number, email address and payment details. Once that is sorted, its time to have a look around:
On the top left corner of the screen, you will see 3 horizontal lines for additional tabs. Once you press that, additional settings will appear – your profile, payment, trips, free rides, help, and settings. Feel free to Browse around. As you can see, your name has a star rating next to it. This is because you can rate your Uber drivers, but they can also rate you as passengers!
If you click on the “Your Trips” you will see “past”, “upcoming” and “family”. Being able to view your past rides is very helpful, and is part of what makes Uber so safe. Even once your ride is complete, there will always be a history of your rides containing information and details about the driver – just in case you have anything negative to report. It also means you can keep track of your rides.
Upcoming trips are trips that you have scheduled. Scheduling trips are very helpful if you know that you won't be able to use your phone around the time you need to be fetched. If you schedule your ride, your driver will be at your pick up location at the time you have requested.
Family trips are very useful for those using their app to help their loved ones travel. You can order an Uber for your loved ones, and receive information about when they are picked up and have arrived safely.
When you go to account settings, here is when you can make some changes. Perhaps the most useful here is to “add home” or “add work”. This means that when you are heading home or to work, you don’t need to type the address, as it will automatically be saved.
A pretty cool feature as well is the ability to get free rides by inviting people to Uber! This feature is on the tab list too.
Now that we’ve had a look around, it’s time to head to your destination! Here’s how:
If you do not have your location setting turned on on your phone, the app will request both your pick up address and the drop off address. However, if you do have it turned on, it will simply ask “where to?” – having already seen your current location. It will also show the Uber drivers that are nearby so that you can get an idea of how long it will take for an Uber to get to you.
Once you have entered your drop off request, it will show you how far the closest driver is in minutes. It gives you three options of the kind of Uber you want in the three circles near the bottom of the screen – UberX (standard vehicle), Uber Black (a smarter, more expensive vehicle) and UberVan (for a group larger than 5 people). Once you request your ride, you will need to confirm your pick up address one last time and then your ride should be on the way!
Once you have confirmed the location, you will see the app finding your ride. It will then show you when your Uber is on the way (you can track the driver's location as it drives to you), when they are arriving, and when the trip has begun.
The app also allows you to contact the driver for any inquiries. Don’t worry, a system is in place so that your mobile number does not show on the driver's phone.
This is all quite important because once your driver has been chosen, you have access to their name, their rating, their vehicle and their number plate. It is important to know these details for safety reasons – to ensure you get in the right car. Once on the trip, you can change the drop off location if needed.
Lastly, some extra features:
The Uber “Help” system is great. It allows you to get solutions for any problem or confusion, and also allows you to chat live with an Uber manager.
Attached to Uber is UberEats – a food delivery system! Watch out for the UberEats app soon!
Watch the video for 10 facts about Uber below.
