Uber and Lyft: The Better, Cheaper Taxi | brokeGIRLrich
Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but the 4th of July was the first time I’d heard about Uber and Lyft. I was visiting an old friend in Washington, D.C. and we were discussing our evening plans, which were going to include a whole lotta cocktails, ya’ know, in honor of our nation and all, when she told me we’d just Uber back and forth.
She used it like a verb! How did something get so big it’s been verbed and I’d never even heard of it?
Uber is a taxi alternative service. It is also extremely convenient and, cost-wise, will almost always get you home cheaper than a taxi.
To get an idea of the fares you drag the button on the bottom of the screen to the option you want and tap on it. It’ll let you know the estimated time of arrival, minimum fare, the maximum number of people and the fare rates.
When you sign up with Uber, you enter a credit card number, so no money ever exchanges hands. It’s pretty convenient, although I was a little alarmed the first time . I kind of missed the traditional ticket, telling me the cost I was racking up. However, as soon as you get out of the car, you get a text and an email telling what the cost was, and it’s always been about what I expected based off the amount listed before scheduling the car.
Now I just like the convenience of not fumbling with my wallet and hopping right out of the car. I also like that you can split the fare with other travelers.
Another cool thing is that as soon as you schedule the car, you get a text telling you the eta of the car coming to get you and it’s make and model. You’ll get another text when it gets there and often times, the driver will also call you when he or she arrives.
Uber actually has 4 options when you sign on:
- UberT
- UberX
- Black Car
- Rush (available in NYC and some other locations)
UberT connects you to local taxis. UberX is what I use, and it’s just an everyday car. Black Car gives you the option of a high-end sedan or an SUV (if more of you need to pile in). Rush is a courier service.
Lyft is the same idea as Uber – although their cars come with a nifty pink mustache and there’s only 1 type of transportation, so you can recognize them. Again, you store your credit card details in the app so you don’t have to worry about having cash on hand and the press of a button summons a car to get you home.
Lyft is usually a more social sort of ride. Pretty much any driver can apply to work for them and then tend to be the younger, more outgoing type (in case the giant, pink mustache on their car didn’t give that away). With Uber, you have more of a traditional taxi service.
Another great thing about these services is the side hustling potential! With both companies, you can apply to be a driver and work your own hours. If you’re approved to work for either Uber or Lyft, when you feel like working, you open the app and turn “on” your driver status. When you’ve got other things to do, you turn it off and you’re off duty.
It actually sounds pretty awesome to me – so awesome, I’m considering signing up myself.
Still interested? If you download the apps and use these codes, you can try out your first rides for free (actually, the Uber one is probably more than one free ride – I still have $10 left over from my first time):
- Uber for iPhone or Android and use melissab214 for a $30 credit.
- Lyft for iPhone or Android and use MELISSA2996 for a $25 credit.
*This is not a sponsored post! Although I do get a credit too if you guys use those codes to try them out!*
*Part of Financially Savvy Saturdays on Femme Frugality and Shoeaholic No More*
The first time I ever heard of Uber, I walked up to a car service car on the street and asked if the guy was available (it was raining out). He said, “I just accepted a pick-up from Uber but will cancel it, get in.” I’ve never actually used the service though, since it’s smart-phone based.
Leslie Beslie recently posted…June Monthly Spending in NYC 2014
Yeah, I’d heard of it once before, but I guess it didn’t really stick.
You can also summon ice cream trucks with it. How freaking dangerous is that?
They outlawed Uber and Lyft in Nebraska. Something about possible insurance complications and the state not getting a slice of the pie as they do with normal taxi’s. http://www.omaha.com/money/lyft-launches-in-omaha-police-won-t-ticket-drivers-while/article_d853c757-b093-5e52-bf70-9734b33677cb.html
I guess people can get fined and their cars impounded.
Will recently posted…Why and How to Make Yourself Poor
Quick question… I was comparing rates with TaxiFareFinder.com. Does Uber include a tip or is there a way to add that on at the end?
Thanks!
Carrie @ Season It Already! recently posted…How to Choose a Restaurant for Restaurant Week
Actually, a tip is not required or expected of the regular Uber drivers – but if use UberTaxi, it defaults to a 20% tip, which you can go into the app and change.
Mel @ brokeGIRLrich recently posted…Uber and Lyft: The Better, Cheaper Taxis
I’ve been hearing more and more about these companies lately. I love your bit about it being a verb indicating popularity!
Anne @ Money Propeller recently posted…Friday Jet Fuel #2
My friend in DC was obsessed with Uber too, and I helped her move to Louisville and it is a big thing there as is Lyft. I think it’s wild to get into someone’s personal car. The chick who picked us up in Louisville had personal items on the floor and and a very messy console area. I am clearly not used to that from the taxis in NYC, but my friend told me it was normal.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Top Ten Cheap Summer Ideas for Kids
Yeah, when I went with my friend I was like, “we just get in this guy’s car???” This is not how we do things in NY… but if it’ll save me some cash, I’d consider it. The subway is just too convenient here. When I’m visiting other cities, I feel like it’s a pretty big draw, especially after a night out drinking.
I’ve heard of these, but never been in a position where I needed to use one, especially since I don’t like somewhere liek NYC. I will admit, I’m scared off by the horror stories that get reported on the news like the guy that was in the high speed chase, of the $900 new year’s eve fares. But I am interested in the side hustle potential, even though my car already has a lot of miles.
Ryan @ Impersonal Finance recently posted…the right time to have children
Yeah, the side hustle potential is really interesting to me too.
I think NYC and other cities with really good mass transit actually make them less appealing. I can think of so many cities I was in last year working with the circus when I would’ve LOVED to use this service to go hang out downtown after a show and not have to worry about finding a taxi service home.
I booked an Airbnb for an upcoming trip and the property owner also sent me a free $30 credit to Uber. Can’t wait to try it out!
Lisa E. @ Lisa vs. the Loans recently posted…Stay Fit While Traveling
That’s definitely pretty awesome! I wonder she managed to arrange that deal.
A kid I went to high school with is co-founder and president of Lyft. Guess it worked out well for him 😉
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life recently posted…How To Choose A Bank: Find Your Perfect Match
Dang. Yeah – although Lyft is also the one being sued by NYC for improper licensing of their vehicles.
I have never heard of this company. I don’t think they are in Chicago yet. It would be a way to make extra money and to meet people.
The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Should It Be Required That Food Stamps Recipients Grow Their Own Vegetable Gardens?
Never heard of them before, seems very convenient.
Lyft’s concept is kind of funny for NYC. Their website says you can feel free to sit in the front seat and every driver will greet you with a fist pump. That just doesn’t happen in NYC! I surveyed a bunch of Lyft drivers and nearly every NYer sat in the back and only 1 out of 20 actually fist pumps – guess that only happens in SF!
Roger@lifelaidout recently posted…Lyft: $25 Off First Ride
Hah, and Virginia. When I visiting a friend in DC she mentioned that Lyft was a way different vibe than Uber and she was right.
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