How To Use Uber

If you travel to a new city this summer and aren’t sure how you’re going to get around, you should give Uber a try.  Uber, since its 2009 San Francisco inception, has rapidly become one of the world’s most talked about ventures. Essentially Uber (pronounced oo-ber) is a service that allows you to get a taxi, private car or rideshare from your mobile phone in minutes.

I’m not alone in saying it’s a preferable alternative to standard taxi services. Below is a step by step guide in what you’ll see, what you can expect, and what you should do with your first rider experience.I recommend downloading the app shortly in advance, syncing your method of payment, and checking out the aesthetics on-screen.

De Niro- Scorsese’s Taxi Driver

We know: Cabs are tough.

Currently available in 58 countries, Uber is not (tough, that is). The app uses your location (coding specifics are wordy and unnecessary) to create what’s essentially a real time GPS with a driver service involved. Once you’re downloaded and ready to go you’ll see this screen.

Setting the pickup uses your standard phone location system. Both iOS and Android platforms will give you a prompt (if location is not on) to either turn location on, or to authorize, turning it on. Once on screen you’ll see both drivers in your area and options for uberX, uberXL, BLACK CAR at the bottom of the screen. X is the industry standard lowest cost option, XL arrives in an SUV for larger parties, and BLACK CAR is for when you want to ride in style. Tap the respective vehicle icon to see baseline rates. Set your pickup location either by moving the pin (not necessary if it’s your current locale) or typing into the search bar above.

While you wait for the driver to arrive you should set your destination:

You can paste or type the address directly into the search bar. It syncs location-destination (as seen above) automatically and gives a price estimate on the bottom of the screen. Variance is rarely higher than $5. Once a driver has agreed to pick you up, the app gives you the driver’s name, car color, make and model. No standing on the corner waving.

Enjoy the ride which concludes with the final fare confirmation once you reach your destination.

To learn how to use Uber, click here.

• About
• Latest Posts

Jake S. Nelson

Jake is an advocate of all things technology, music, and food. Time spent writing is never time wasted. If he's not perusing the offerings of new restaurants or cocktail lounges you can find him, pen to paper, doing just that. He likes long walks on the beach but prefers to watch Game of Thrones with company and Cabernet. Always reads the book first, also a comedian, take him seriously at your own risk.

Latest posts by Jake S. Nelson (see all)

• Review: LastPass App - July 25, 2015
• Streaming Music: Free or Paid, It’s All About Personalization - July 5, 2015
• How To Use Uber - June 17, 2015