As a Sydney-sider, I have enough to put up with rude taxi drivers! Uber is a private car service born out of San Francisco that you book luxury transport with the flick of an app, and it promises to revolutionise the way people of Sydney get around.
How does it work?
Uber is an app client you download to your smartphone that lets you book a driver to pick you up. A black Holden Caprice arrives within minutes to whisk you quietly, comfortably and luxuriously to your destination. Once you’re there, you needn’t hand over any cash. Your pre-registered credit card is automatically billed by the driver for the journey.
Uber is in a soft-launch mode in Sydney at the moment. Uber reportedly plans to launch in Melbourne in the first quarter of this year.
As far as cost goes, it is a premium service but it’s only about 15 per cent more expensive than a traditional cab service.
Uber is Everyone’s Private Driver™. Use the app to request a private car in any city the service is available. The app lets your driver know precisely where to pick you up, and lets you know exactly how long until they arrive. At the end of your ride, the fare is charged to your credit card on file (no need to tip), and you receive a detailed receipt in-app and via email.
Uber says about its Sydney pilot: “While we’re in “test mode,” you can request a car, but be aware that availability will be limited until our official launch. If you’re one of the lucky few that’s able to grab an Uber, make sure you shoot us heaps of feedback on your experience so that we can make our Sydney launch hotter than this summer’s going to be. You can chat with us at supportsydney@uber.com or chuck us a tweet @Uber_Sydney.”
Don’t go railing against the company for its limited beta, though. It’s probably a good thing. The Sydney Taxi industry is a cutthroat environment, and the last thing Uber wants to do is fall foul of the industry or the regulators.
About Uber
Transform the way your company moves and feeds its people. See how. Rent a car on Uber. Whether it’s a holiday getaway or just a day around town, find the right car for you through Uber. Learn more. Focused on safety, wherever you go. Our commitment to your safety. Uber website: https://www.uber.com/au/en/
