Oklahoma City will not enforce their ordnance. Because legislation is on the way to the gov that removes all city regulation. Of ride share companies and puts them only under the corp commission

I suppose in this instance I agree with the supposed proposed over-arching legislation, but I disagree with the idea that the state can keep a city from _________________ (my continuing gripe: enacting a locally different minimum wage).

So how much time and money did the city waste working on an ordinance they have no intention of enforcing? Why didn't they just table the whole thing until the state proposal is settled on way or the other?

Glad to hear they won't be ticketing drivers in OKC. Haven't heard what Norman is doing going forward. I do know a week or so ago Norman PD was pulling over drivers and telling them they were working illegally -- according to drivers commenting online.

Anybody tried to get a ride to the airport around 4:30 AM (from downtown) recently? Just wondering about driver availability at that time...

Good news Uber drivers and riders. Farmers insurance (I'm sure others are as well) is developing an endorsement to their auto policies for Uber drivers. This will essentially fulfill the gap in coverage that exists in the trolling phase. Trolling is when an Uber driver is onn the road with the app on, but not with a passenger. The fight became insurance said that's commercial activity so deny the claim (why else would they be on the road) Uber said no there is no money changing hands it can't be commercial activity. Driver crashes and a huge fight ensues.

Details are scarce at this point but the endorsement should launch by 2016. The passage of HB 1614 allowed the legal framework to accomplish this. There will be no more gaps in coverage for Uber drivers or prolonged insurance fights.

The back story behind HB1614 is this.

Uber started lobbying individual state legislatures to regulate the insurance and their service in a way that was most beneficial for them. Well Uber quickly found out that insurance companies have been lobbying a LOT longer then they have and just handed them defeat after defeat. The insurance companies reached out to uber and said lets hammer out a grand compromise, roll it out nationally and both of us will lobby for its passage. It took over a week of negotiation between the two, but they find a solution. Boom HB 1614 is born and similar bills across the country as well.

Anybody tried to get a ride to the airport around 4:30 AM (from downtown) recently? Just wondering about driver availability at that time...

I needed an uber-early ride around a month ago and there were definitely drivers out. They might be 15 min away though so make sure you're up early!

Speaking of which - that is definitely something I would do - if there was any way to "reserve" an Uber. If I have a 6 AM flight, I would gladly (for example) pay $5 extra to make the reservation tonight and know I'll have a ride, rather than stress about "will there be a driver available", wake up insanely early just in case, etc etc.

^^^
Awesome, thanks very much! And yes, I agree on a reservation system for these situations. Would be nice.

I would love to be able to schedule as well. I am always afraid to risk it for an early flight so I make other arrangements. I usually pull up uber that morning just to see and sometimes there is someone on and sometimes not.

I would love to be able to schedule as well. I am always afraid to risk it for an early flight so I make other arrangements. I usually pull up uber that morning just to see and sometimes there is someone on and sometimes not.

I typically drive to the airport in OKC, but in other cities I've experienced if there are Uber's available for those early flights there has been a relatively high multiple for their surge pricing. It would awesome to not only reserve a car for a certain time but to also lock in a certain rate.

Uber accused of stealing trade secrets - CNET (http://www.cnet.com/news/uber-accused-of-stealing-trade-secrets/)

Looks like Uber could be having some trouble.

The California labor commission has ruled Uber drivers are employees, Reuters reports. The decision was made after a San Francisco driver, Barbara Ann Berwick, filed a claim against the company. The commission sided with her largely because it deemed Uber was "involved in every aspect of the operation."

It's potentially a huge blow to Uber's business model, at least in California.

Uber is appealing the ruling.

Read more: California labor commission rules Uber drivers are employees - Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/california-labor-commission-rules-uber-drivers-are-employees-2015-6#ixzz3dKtUtfPC)

Florida as well. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck,....
Florida says former Uber driver is an employee, threatening its business model | The Verge (http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/22/8647163/former-uber-driver-unemployment-lawsuit-florida)

Uber is already burning through cash before they are actually forced to give its drivers benefits or pay more taxes for them.


Uber Technologies Inc. is telling prospective investors that it generates $470 million in operating losses on $415 million in revenue, according to a document provided to prospective investors.

Uber Bonds Term Sheet Reveals $470 Million in Operating Losses - Bloomberg Business (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-30/uber-bonds-term-sheet-reveals-470-million-in-operating-losses)

Uber is already burning through cash before they are actually forced to give its drivers benefits or pay more taxes for them.



Uber Bonds Term Sheet Reveals $470 Million in Operating Losses - Bloomberg Business (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-30/uber-bonds-term-sheet-reveals-470-million-in-operating-losses)

Those are old numbers and amount to a best guess since uber is a private company. We'll find out more when it ipos in 12 months or so.

Those are old numbers and amount to a best guess since uber is a private company. We'll find out more when it ipos in 12 months or so.

Could be, but why use old numbers when trying to sell bonds?

Could be, but why use old numbers when trying to sell bonds?

"The sheet didn't specify the timeframe of the results, and Uber said the numbers were way out of date."

Uber is doing just fine, rolling out to new cities is expensive and start ups always lose boat loads of cash pre-ipo.

Cant believe Uber is again lowering rates here. I guess $15 from downtown to the airport is too much? Ridiculous. I feel bad for the drivers who have to put up with their shenanigans. I love the concept and use it all the time wherever we go, but it's too bad they could give a rat's behind about their employees, errr, independent contractors.

It's just supply and demand. They probably have too many drivers and not enough riders. Tweak prices to achieve the balance they desire. It's actually pretty cool. And 95% of the Uber drivers I've met are using it as supplemental income or they are between jobs.

It's just supply and demand. They probably have too many drivers and not enough riders. Tweak prices to achieve the balance they desire. It's actually pretty cool. And 95% of the Uber drivers I've met are using it as supplemental income or they are between jobs.

I also know some are ubering, Lyfting, and postmates-ing all at once. Which can help with earning more and earning it more efficiently. And I have no problem with that since they are private contractors.

In most markets, Uber has almost too many drivers now.

Cant believe Uber is again lowering rates here. I guess $15 from downtown to the airport is too much? Ridiculous. I feel bad for the drivers who have to put up with their shenanigans. I love the concept and use it all the time wherever we go, but it's too bad they could give a rat's behind about their employees, errr, independent contractors.
they need to form a union!

It's actually pretty devastating for Uber drivers all over the country.

Uber has learned its far easier to just keep replacing drivers that burn out than to pay a decent rate to keep good drivers.

Its basically a $10/hr job (or less) where you wear out your personal vehicle out. In fact, you can actually lose money driving for Uber right now.

This guy is kinda a goof, but he's been doing it awhile (and drives all the time) and some of his info is decent.

He sums it up with this YouTube video....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwYxCb-vvbs

In OKC, can Uber drop you and pick you up at the airport?

Or do you have to take a taxi?

In OKC, can Uber drop you and pick you up at the airport?

Or do you have to take a taxi?

They can pickup and drop-off at the airport. I use them all the time for it.

It's amazing how many cities don't allow it for various reasons.

In OKC, can Uber drop you and pick you up at the airport?

Or do you have to take a taxi?


Yeah. They've been having problems though with Uber drivers breaking the law and parking in the pickup arrivals area before being hailed.

Uber apparently went to a cue system recently to alleviate this problem before the airport took action.

^

Thanks.

That matter was bitterly debated in Los Angeles and I still don't think they can pick up.

They can pickup and drop-off at the airport. I use them all the time for it.

It's amazing how many cities don't allow it for various reasons.

I think OKC is unique in the fact we have a tiny airport and traffic is not currently an issue.

I think OKC is unique in the fact we have a tiny airport and traffic is not currently an issue.

But I don't think that's why. I've recently been to three airports, two of which were smaller than OKC's and one the same size, and none of them allowed Uber at the airport. Only taxis were allowed to pick up there--and there was virtually no traffic.

I think it has more to do with how much cities make off of airport fees from taxi companies.

They all pay for the right to operate at an airport and it can be expensive. Most cities guard those fees and the taxi companies because they want their money.

I remember seeing the amount OKC charges for taxi service at the airport and it wasn't that much. Uber either pays something similar or the city just lets it slide.

I think it has more to do with how much cities make off of airport fees from taxi companies.

They all pay for the right to operate at an airport and it can be expensive. Most cities guard those fees and the taxi companies because they want their money.

I remember seeing the amount OKC charges for taxi service at the airport and it wasn't that much. Uber either pays something similar or the city just lets it slide.

That sounds like a reasonable explanation also. I'd bet its a combination of the two. If either was a rub then the city would crack down.

^

Thanks.

That matter was bitterly debated in Los Angeles and I still don't think they can pick up.

Yes, they can pick up at LAX. I just took a Lyft (which I prefer because of their less crazy surge pricing) from and to LAX last week.

I know that both DFW and Love Field allow Uber and Lyft. I travel a decent amount and I can't remember an airport recently that did not allow ride-sharing services.

Last time I was in Chicago they definitely did not allow it. There were signs everywhere and anyone wanting to take the taxi vs. the rail queued in one line.

Yeah, in any city with a good metro I pretty much always take it so I don't think I tried in Chicago or DC recently. Another city I did use Uber recently is New Orleans.

Last time I was in Chicago they definitely did not allow it. There were signs everywhere and anyone wanting to take the taxi vs. the rail queued in one line.

Really? That must be recent. I picked up an Uber from O'Hare in 2014 and took an Uber to Midway last year.

Really? That must be recent. I picked up an Uber from O'Hare in 2014 and took an Uber to Midway last year.

This was in September of 2015 at Midway. It looks like it is now available, but you have to be in a staging area before you can accept a ride and it's the same FIFO line as the taxis .

http://www.uberpartnerschicago.com/airports/

PHX allows Uber.

The current taxi services like Airport Limousine, Thunder Cab, Yellow Cab etc., at WWRA are struggling because of the newly constructed parking garages; when the garages opened, more passenger now drive to the airport and park.

I've only used Uber once so far, but I ponder how on earth anyone at the airport would know if I was stepping out of an Uber driver's vehicle or one belonging to a friend or relative or my own with someone else driving.

Now, if a Lyft driver is using those silly pink 'staches on the front, yeah, that would be a giveaway.

I've only used Uber once so far, but I ponder how on earth anyone at the airport would know if I was stepping out of an Uber driver's vehicle or one belonging to a friend or relative or my own with someone else driving.

Now, if a Lyft driver is using those silly pink 'staches on the front, yeah, that would be a giveaway.

Ubers do have a big "U" sticker on the front windshield.

^

Thanks.

That matter was bitterly debated in Los Angeles and I still don't think they can pick up.

They can now.

I've only used Uber once so far, but I ponder how on earth anyone at the airport would know if I was stepping out of an Uber driver's vehicle or one belonging to a friend or relative or my own with someone else driving.

Now, if a Lyft driver is using those silly pink 'staches on the front, yeah, that would be a giveaway.

They can't. That's why when you login it finds your location, and denies the request. Happened to me in la before they allowed uber.

Ubers do have a big "U" sticker on the front windshield.

Dinna notice a sticker. But then, I wasn't looking for one. My one experience was a gather me up at the house and drop me in OKC. As no one else was expected that morning, a different car in the drive at the appointed time was enough of an ID.

Nice driver, very clean small car. Didn't have a clue that a little PT cruiser came so well appointed or rode as smoothly as that ride turned out.

Not all Uber drivers put the "U" on their windshield. That's entirely optional AFAIK.

Chicago just recently started allowing Uber pickups. Until recently the workaround was that you move the pin outside the airport, request, call driver, and have him/her pick you up at the airport, or take the airport train to the remote parking lot. Not speaking from experience or anything! Has never been an issue taking an Uber TO the Chicago airports, it's just that airport pickups were prohibited until recently.

The airport police found ways to nail Uber drivers - the phone on the windshield and the passenger either getting into (or out of) the backseat when there were no other passengers were giveaways. So of course drivers and pax wised up. Thankfully becoming less of an issue.

SEA allows it, so I guess we must also be a small town like OKC.

SEA allows it, so I guess we must also be a small town like OKC.

Like I said, Los Angeles allows it as well.

Not all Uber drivers put the "U" on their windshield. That's entirely optional AFAIK.

Chicago just recently started allowing Uber pickups. Until recently the workaround was that you move the pin outside the airport, request, call driver, and have him/her pick you up at the airport, or take the airport train to the remote parking lot. Not speaking from experience or anything! Has never been an issue taking an Uber TO the Chicago airports, it's just that airport pickups were prohibited until recently.

The airport police found ways to nail Uber drivers - the phone on the windshield and the passenger either getting into (or out of) the backseat when there were no other passengers were giveaways. So of course drivers and pax wised up. Thankfully becoming less of an issue.

Having trade dress (the Uber logo) on the windshield is required in some states or cities, but not everywhere. Oklahoma law, AFAIK, does not require it, and I think the rideshare companies encourage it but don't require it. For what it's worth, the few times I've used Uber/Lyft here, none of the drivers had it posted on their vehicles. Here's Lyft's help page on State & City regulations (https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/sections/203021527-State-City-Driver-Requirements), for reference.

In general, the regulations for rideshare companies here are much more lax than places like Chicago or elsewhere. I mean, compare Lyft's help page for WRWA (https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/217443317-Will-Rogers-World-OKC-Airport-Regulations) vs Chicago O'Hare (https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/214037068-Chicago-O-Hare-ORD-Airport-Regulations).

Has anyone else had this happen recently, its looking like its some sort of shady-ness going on....

Recently called a ride, with uber, with a **6** minute arrival time, then right after I clicked it, the arrival time changed to 16 minutes...what the hell. seems like they are underestimating the arrival times to make it seem like its ubiquitous, when it really isn.t. ugh

Has anyone else had this happen recently, its looking like its some sort of shady-ness going on....

Recently called a ride, with uber, with a **6** minute arrival time, then right after I clicked it, the arrival time changed to 16 minutes...what the hell. seems like they are underestimating the arrival times to make it seem like its ubiquitous, when it really isn.t. ugh

Wouldn't surprise me. They've had issues in the past with 'ghost ubers' that would appear on the map but in reality did not exist. Makes it appear that their coverage is better than it really is - so, I doubt it was a 'mistake' and instead on purpose.

When you request a ride, it shows the nearest active driver.

But a Uber drive can refuse a ride request. Sometimes people forget to go inactive and then get a ride request, refuse it, and go to inactive.

That may be what is happening here.

Uber CEO explains why arrival time on the app is never accurate (http://bgr.com/2016/01/04/uber-arrival-time-late/)

From the article....
it’s worth mentioning that all of the vehicle icons users typically see when they open up the Uber app aren’t necessarily there. Rather, they’re intended to provided a simulated portrait of available Uber drivers in real-time. In other words, the cars on your Uber app may not actually exist.

We Ubered for the first time this weekend. With all three rides the drivers showed up within literally a minute of making the pickup request. Our experience may be skewed, however, as we were downtown where maybe more drivers were likely to be stationed.

Question for those of you more familiar with the system--are we *really* not supposed to be tipping the drivers? Or do we need to bring cash and tip them off the books?

We Ubered for the first time this weekend. With all three rides the drivers showed up within literally a minute of making the pickup request. Our experience may be skewed, however, as we were downtown where maybe more drivers were likely to be stationed.

Question for those of you more familiar with the system--are we *really* not supposed to be tipping the drivers? Or do we need to bring cash and tip them off the books?

I definitely wouldn't say you're 'not supposed to.' It's just that Uber doesn't encourage it as part of their business model.

Uber driver's don't nearly make what they used to in our market - so, tips are certainly appreciated.

I Uber some and if the car is clean, I can't smell the driver and the service is pleasant, then I tip in cash.

I figure if I'n gonna tip the lass who makes/brings my beverage, I'm gonna tip the driver who gets me from point A to point B.

Great, thanks for the feedback guys. We're very good tippers elsewhere, but these guys who drove us Friday night seemed like they were adamantly not wanting to be tipped. That's why we wanted to find out, so as to not short someone. Appreciate it!

Great, thanks for the feedback guys. We're very good tippers elsewhere, but these guys who drove us Friday night seemed like they were adamantly not wanting to be tipped. That's why we wanted to find out, so as to not short someone. Appreciate it!

Every driver is different, but I've found it very common to see driver made signs hanging in the cars reminding passengers to tip. Even saw a headrest cover that had been customized with a message about tipping.

Uber has gone from a side job where someone could make a pretty decent amount of money to a minimum wage side gig with the ever present 'carrot' that maybe you'll make more 'tomorrow.'

Very interesting! None of our drivers had anything posted at all. In fact, when the first driver let us out, I asked him how to tip and he told us that we couldn't, that it was against company policy. Now I feel really guilty. At least they were all three very nearby, and we only rode short distances, never even breaking past the minimum charge. It was one of those situations where we'd have walked or ridden bicycles, save for the fact that it was a dress-up event and I had on uncomfortable shoes. Next time we'll make sure we tip.

On a recent trip to Houston I had to Uber everywhere. Not only were there handwritten signs in most cars, but one driver literally asked for a tip. He said, "I've got change if you want to tip."

I find newer drivers tend to not reference tips because of the 'corporate policy' - but it's definitely not a situation where the drivers are paid so well you don't need to at least consider it.

Is it now possible to tip through the Uber app?

I would report any driver that asks for a tip.

Uber and Lyft have the advantage over cab companies because of that. You know exactly what you're going to pay before you even step into the car. No awkwardness over tips and tips adding onto what you were already quoted.

Find a different profession if you work for a company that advertises that tipping is not only not necessary but is not allowed.

Want to throw a $20 on your luggage, I want a tip next time I deliver your bag to its connecting flight?

Uber recently changed their policy where drivers can ask for tips and even have signs in their cars about tipping.

However, if you feel pressured to tip you can always rate the driver unfavorably.

Uber recently changed their policy where drivers can ask for tips and even have signs in their cars about tipping.

However, if you feel pressured to tip you can always rate the driver unfavorably.

Interesting. That really cheapens the experience.