Uber, it seems like the perfect solution to costly taxi cabs, or private driver services. With the ability for a cheap fare, and ease of use, Uber seems like the answer consumers have been looking at. Customers sing the praises of Uber and think it is a good addition to commuting options and paid driving services, but there is a darker side of Uber that most either don’t know about, or don’t want to admit is happening.
Let’s first look at the most obvious. Almost anyone can be an Uber driver. There are some requirements like passing a background check, but some undocumented offenders may still be able to drive you around, jeopardizing your safety. There have been reports of passengers being assaulted by their drivers, as well as a kidnapping report. Another passenger reports that an Uber driver took them on a high speed chase with the police.
Former Uber drivers report that they have had issues with the company as well. One driver reported that Uber’s software is inaccurate giving riders a false sense of the time they will be picked up causing friction between passenger and driver. It has also been reported that Uber makes its drivers rent a phone from them at $10 per week as well as charging them with fees that take away from their hourly rates.
Don’t have a car? No problem, Uber has a solution for that. If you don’t have a car or the credit to buy one Uber will help you out. Uber partners with dealers that offer subprime lending and typically very high interest rates. One driver reported that they ended up with a 22.75% interest rate, which will make his $25,000 Kia Optima cost him $49,000 when he is finished paying. This particular driver is now bound to Uber because his $1000 per month car payment won’t allow him to quit.
Some drivers state that they use Uber as a part time job to pay off bills or college loans and do just fine. Others find that they can’t make enough to get by as a full time job because Uber keeps dropping the pay rates. It’s safe to say that if you consider Uber, whether as a driver or a passenger, it is a good idea to do your homework before using the car driving service.