I don't remember but to they send out warning of surge prices so you don't get blindsided?

They notify you before you make the final step in requesting a ride.

Used Uber for the first time last week in another city. Very handy!

Very good news here! Getting Uber drivers on commercial auto policies keeps the rates lower (relatively speaking) for everyone, and passengers will no longer be riding in what was essentially an uninsured vehicle.

This is definitely something that needs to be regulated after all Uber and other companies are charging for a service. When a person or company charges for a service, they should be properly licensed/trained and insured to reasonably protect the customer from any risk that may occur as result of providing a service. Especially when that service puts the customers safety at risk. It sounds like Uber is doing everything they should do to protect the customer. However, Jethro Bodine's Car Service could buy retired cop cars or run down church vans and charge half the price. We all know we American's are suckers for cheap even if it means we may be putting our safety at risk.

It just maybe time for OKC to establish a Taxi and Limousine Commission like NYC. I think car services fall under them in NYC.

http://mashable.com/2014/03/14/uber-lyft-insurance/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

Just received this... As a reminder, I am a part of Uber Los Angeles, not the group in OKC, but I'm sure this applies to their entire U.S. network.




******************


Safety for riders, drivers, and our community is the single most important priority at Uber. This is why we have always offered protection that far exceeds rideshare and taxi industry standards. To further show our commitment to safety, we are expanding our insurance offerings to cover rideshare driver liability both during trips AND anytime a driver is logged in and available for a trip.

Starting today, we now have more insurance coverage to keep you protected:
Liability on an Uber trip - same as before up to $1M
Contingent liability while available but not on a trip - NEW!
Contingent comprehensive and collision when on an Uber trip - NEW!


INDUSTRY LEADING INSURANCE COVERAGE!


How does this new liability coverage work?

This policy is a contingent third party liability policy that covers drivers during times when you are logged in and available but between trips. It is contingent upon your personal insurance policy, meaning it will only pay if your personal auto insurance completely declines or pays zero because of an accident while you were between trips. Most personal auto insurance policies cover this already. The purpose of this new policy is to provide drivers with peace of mind and clarity that there is coverage for a driver’s liability in all circumstances.

The additional insurance coverage limits are 50/100/25. That means that for bodily injury, it covers $50,000/individual/claim with a total of $100,000/incident. Property damage is covered up to $25,000/incident. If it is ever needed, this policy meets or exceeds the requirements for 3rd party liability insurance in every state in the US.


How does the comprehensive and collision coverage work?

The new comprehensive and collision coverage covers physical damage to your vehicle during trips only and replaces our prior reimbursement program for collision costs. In the event your car is damaged during a trip, this coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle if you purchased collision and/or comprehensive coverage on your personal auto policy and your insurer declines to pay. The deductible is $1,000 and the maximum payment is $50,000 per vehicle.


Do I still need to carry my own personal insurance?

Yes. Valid personal auto insurance is required at all times by state law and we require it too. Our insurance policy does not apply when you are not using Uber's driver app. In the event of an accident while you are online and available in the driver app but not on a trip, we expect that most personal insurance policies would provide coverage. But to eliminate any ambiguity, our new coverage for when you are available in the Uber driver app backs this up and pays in the event your personal policy completely declines or pays zero.

Had my first Uber experience today.

I had dropped one of my cars off to be worked on (Volvo, Swedish Motors in Edmond) and needed to pick it up today and didn't want to wait for the wife to get home or trouble a friend or family member to take me. So, I decided to give this Uber thing a try.

Gotta say, it was a pretty painless and worthwhile experience. Not saying I don't have a few 'issues' with the service, but overall I liked it and would do it again.

Here's how it went;
1.) I downloaded the app and set up an account.
2.) I confirmed my credit card, mobile phone number and email address.
3.) I entered a new user promo code and received a $20 credit.
4.) I requested a fare quote and was told that from my home (near East 15th and I-35 area) to 201 West 15th in Edmond would be between $9-$12.
5.) I requested a driver.
6.) Unfortunately I had to do this a few times, as the app indicated that no drivers were available and to try again in a few minutes.
7.) A few minutes later the app indicated a driver was about 22 minutes away and en route.
8.) The driver called me almost immediately to get my location and where I was going to be going.
9.) I was able to track the driver's progress to me on a map in the Uber app.
10.) The app notified me when the driver had arrived at my home (he was on time).
11.) The driver asked where I was going and we were off.
12.) Arrived at my location - no money to change hands and the total was $9.67 (which actually didn't cost me anything because of the $20 credit).

Pro;
1.) Really easy app to use that has a pretty geeky coolness about it.
2.) Didn't feel 20 minutes was too long to wait (mainly because I was waiting at home.)
3.) Driver was on time.
4.) Car was clean inside.
5.) Driver was pleasant enough.
6.) Didn't have to deal with any cash, tip, etc.
7.) Price was on the low end of the estimate.

Cons;
1.) Not getting a car to respond immediately was a tiny bit concerning. Especially since I had no guarantee one would be available 'soon.'
2.) Would have been nicer to have had an Uber car closer - as-in already in the Edmond area. This one came from the Quail Springs area.
3.) Don't understand why the driver would call to get my location and then ask where I was going - I had already entered this information into the app.
4.) Keep in mind I utilized UberX - The car that arrived appeared to be an older Sonata with several dents and dings to the body. It was dark brown with heavily tinted windows. One of my neighbor's was actually suspicious of it when she saw it pull slowly into my driveway - she texted me to make sure I knew some 'ghetto car' was in front of my house. I guess that's just an Edmond thing, as I noticed the condition of the car but wasn't overly concerned as I only needed to get from point A to B.
5.) While the car was clean inside. I would have preferred customer service that is more closely aligned to a traditional professional car service; You don't have to open my door (he didn't), but you could ask if the temperature is okay, front seat is up far enough for my legs, and most importantly it would be good if they asked if you're okay with the radio station and volume. It was quite loud and on something link KJ103.
6.) The driver had no idea where I was going and I had to direct him turn-by-turn. He said Uber does not tell him where he is supposed to be taking his passenger(s). He said that is one thing he doesn't like about the service - he drove 22 minutes to take me 3.5 miles.

Will I use it again? Absolutely. It was perfect for my need right then and there. I could see using it again for the same purpose or for leaving a group function early if I rode with others. I could also see using it if I or someone I know had been drinking and needed to get home.

Uber released maps of the routes people took using the app.

https://www.uber.com/100/

Had my first Uber experience today.

I had dropped one of my cars off to be worked on (Volvo, Swedish Motors in Edmond) and needed to pick it up today and didn't want to wait for the wife to get home or trouble a friend or family member to take me. So, I decided to give this Uber thing a try.

Gotta say, it was a pretty painless and worthwhile experience. Not saying I don't have a few 'issues' with the service, but overall I liked it and would do it again.

Here's how it went;
1.) I downloaded the app and set up an account.
2.) I confirmed my credit card, mobile phone number and email address.
3.) I entered a new user promo code and received a $20 credit.
4.) I requested a fare quote and was told that from my home (near East 15th and I-35 area) to 201 West 15th in Edmond would be between $9-$12.
5.) I requested a driver.
6.) Unfortunately I had to do this a few times, as the app indicated that no drivers were available and to try again in a few minutes.
7.) A few minutes later the app indicated a driver was about 22 minutes away and en route.
8.) The driver called me almost immediately to get my location and where I was going to be going.
9.) I was able to track the driver's progress to me on a map in the Uber app.
10.) The app notified me when the driver had arrived at my home (he was on time).
11.) The driver asked where I was going and we were off.
12.) Arrived at my location - no money to change hands and the total was $9.67 (which actually didn't cost me anything because of the $20 credit).

Pro;
1.) Really easy app to use that has a pretty geeky coolness about it.
2.) Didn't feel 20 minutes was too long to wait (mainly because I was waiting at home.)
3.) Driver was on time.
4.) Car was clean inside.
5.) Driver was pleasant enough.
6.) Didn't have to deal with any cash, tip, etc.
7.) Price was on the low end of the estimate.

Cons;
1.) Not getting a car to respond immediately was a tiny bit concerning. Especially since I had no guarantee one would be available 'soon.'
2.) Would have been nicer to have had an Uber car closer - as-in already in the Edmond area. This one came from the Quail Springs area.
3.) Don't understand why the driver would call to get my location and then ask where I was going - I had already entered this information into the app.
4.) Keep in mind I utilized UberX - The car that arrived appeared to be an older Sonata with several dents and dings to the body. It was dark brown with heavily tinted windows. One of my neighbor's was actually suspicious of it when she saw it pull slowly into my driveway - she texted me to make sure I knew some 'ghetto car' was in front of my house. I guess that's just an Edmond thing, as I noticed the condition of the car but wasn't overly concerned as I only needed to get from point A to B.
5.) While the car was clean inside. I would have preferred customer service that is more closely aligned to a traditional professional car service; You don't have to open my door (he didn't), but you could ask if the temperature is okay, front seat is up far enough for my legs, and most importantly it would be good if they asked if you're okay with the radio station and volume. It was quite loud and on something link KJ103.
6.) The driver had no idea where I was going and I had to direct him turn-by-turn. He said Uber does not tell him where he is supposed to be taking his passenger(s). He said that is one thing he doesn't like about the service - he drove 22 minutes to take me 3.5 miles.

Will I use it again? Absolutely. It was perfect for my need right then and there. I could see using it again for the same purpose or for leaving a group function early if I rode with others. I could also see using it if I or someone I know had been drinking and needed to get home.

Interesting. Have to say I'm surprised about the "ghetto car" - haha only in Edmond. Most of the cars I've been picked up in were spotless - I'm sure because drivers know the cleaner their car, the higher their rating. It's not surprising that he didn't know where you were going - the app only shows where the ride requester is - at no point do you tell your destination in the app. Not sure why he called and asked where you were going - would he have turned you down? Or maybe he has received odd requests. Sounds like you did receive sub-standard service, even compared to what I've gotten in OKC. Best way to remedy this is to give your driver a less than stellar rating - supposedly Uber fires drivers who are less than **** - is that correct, Pete and others? Also not surprising how long you had to wait. I rarely have to wait more than 5-10 min, but then again I live in downtown where there's a much higher concentration of cars and riders.

I rode in my first less-than-spotless uber car the other night. It wasn't filthy; just had floor mats that needed to be vacuumed, dusty dash, some odd straw wrapper debris, etc. I was shocked, based on many rides prior in cars that looked like they just came from the detailer.

Interesting. Have to say I'm surprised about the "ghetto car" - haha only in Edmond. Most of the cars I've been picked up in were spotless - I'm sure because drivers know the cleaner their car, the higher their rating. It's not surprising that he didn't know where you were going - the app only shows where the ride requester is - at no point do you tell your destination in the app. Not sure why he called and asked where you were going - would he have turned you down? Or maybe he has received odd requests. Sounds like you did receive sub-standard service, even compared to what I've gotten in OKC. Best way to remedy this is to give your driver a less than stellar rating - supposedly Uber fires drivers who are less than **** - is that correct, Pete and others? Also not surprising how long you had to wait. I rarely have to wait more than 5-10 min, but then again I live in downtown where there's a much higher concentration of cars and riders.

Yeah, I know several people (females) that would not have gotten in the car and certainly would not have let it take their kids anywhere - simply because it did look 'suspicious.'

Actually, when I requested the car I did tell the app exactly where I was going. That's how I got a price estimate.

He only asked where I was going after first calling to ask where I was - which I'd have thought he would have already known. Maybe that's just his way of communicating when he calls to confirm he's in route. I'd prefer if he called and simply repeated my location's address and that he'd be there shortly.

I didn't see an obvious way to rate the driver. When I went to the website and clicked on the driver profile link it showed 4-5 drivers, but none was the guy I had.

I plan on using it again if needed, but it wasn't the stellar experience I was hoping for. Also, I don't know I'd pay more for an Uber ride then I would for a cab.

I plan on using it again if needed, but it wasn't the stellar experience I was hoping for. Also, I don't know I'd pay more for an Uber ride then I would for a cab.

"Next time, call for MY cab . . ."
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_96uP6vDZMT8/Suxj1DtHnrI/AAAAAAAADro/WfaAia0wCTM/s400/TAXI+DRIVER8.jpg
". . . It's spotless."

Oklahoma City:

http://img42.com/KyRLx+

Tulsa:

http://img42.com/xTxWK+

Given the demographics of people who use uber, this map could basically be a primer on where the young, rich, and fabulous people in OKC live or are going. Downtown, Bricktown, and Midtown are well represented. Looks like it is also used pretty heavily along the Western Avenue corridor as well. What surprised me was how much use it gets in Mesta Park/Heritage Hills stretching up into the Paseo area, some of the historical neighborhoods west of Classen, and the area roughly around May and NWX.

Outside of these areas, the airport (for obvious reasons) and a smattering of neighborhood streets in NWOKC and Edmond, most of the city is dark.

Oklahoma City:

https://www.uber.com/100/images/maps/184.png

Tulsa:

https://www.uber.com/100/images/maps/183.png

The previous images are no longer working for some reason.

Well, my Uber career didn't last long. I got an email today that said they were only rolling out the BlackCar service here in Jax which requires me to own a large black car and be a licensed chauffer, so that counts me out. Oh well, at least I got 1 cent from the test direct deposit.

It looks like UberX has finally made its way to Jax. I took the on-line training, passed the test, and submitted my documentation. Now I just have to wait up to 7 days for them to review it and give me my phone app. My only concern is that my exact car wasn't listed as an option. The Fiat 500 was there but not the 500L. I hope they don't think I have the 2-door version and reject me for that reason.

Okay, I got all my paper work for Uber submitted and went down this afternoon to pick up my phone. On the way home I decided to go on-line for the first time and after about 15 minutes I got my first fare. Pretty easy stuff and it was kind of fun. I took 6 people from their hotel to St Johns Town Center. The best part is it was all on my way home anyhow. I love that the app is on a dedicated phone so I don't have to junk mine up with yet another app - and I can still use my own phone while waiting for a fare. This is going to be a good way for me to kill a couple of hours per week.

Pete, you mentioned there was a way to set a tip amount but I don't see that option anywhere unless I sign up as UberTAXI. I have never used the service myself but can the rider add a tip?

https://clients.uber.com/#!/billing is where you set up your gratuity amount.

Sid - so that is for the rider (client) to set up their tip amount correct? Since I am the driver there is no place for me to do it unless I am setup as a taxi driver - which of course I am not.

Also, from what I have been able to read on-line, the tip amount the client sets up is only for taxi drivers. UberX drivers don't get any tip at all through the app so the only way to tip an UberX driver is to give them cash - which doesn't fit the business model and philosophy of Uber.

Coming soon to an "Uber" town near you?
London Taxis Plan 10,000-Car Protest Against Uber App Use - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-08/london-taxis-plan-10-000-car-protest-over-uber-ride-sharing-app.html)

Good luck with their protest. I can see why the taxi companies hate uber - it is because they can't compete.

I picked up a couple last night at their home and drove them to another house about 5 miles away. They told me they first called a cab and after 30 minutes they gave up and callef another cab company. After another 30 minutes the second cab still had not come. So they installed the Uber app, set up an account, and requested a ride. They told me from 'download' to me in their driveway was 12 minutes. Their trip cost $8 and change. They said they normally pay about $30 for the same trip in a cab.

So cabbies - protest away and piss even more people off.

Good luck with their protest. I can see why the taxi companies hate uber - it is because they can't compete.

I picked up a couple last night at their home and drove them to another house about 5 miles away. They told me they first called a cab and after 30 minutes they gave up and callef another cab company. After another 30 minutes the second cab still had not come. So they installed the Uber app, set up an account, and requested a ride. They told me from 'download' to me in their driveway was 12 minutes. Their trip cost $8 and change. They said they normally pay about $30 for the same trip in a cab.

So cabbies - protest away and piss even more people off.

All depends on when/where you travel. There are certainly times that Uber is more expensive than a traditional cab.

All depends on when/where you travel. There are certainly times that Uber is more expensive than a traditional cab.

I guess that is possible with congestion pricing in effect. All I know is the people who have ridden with me and who have also used cabs said Uber has been cheaper.

Thunder Cab now uses the Flywheel app. It's great. I get cabs within 10 minutes or so wherever I am and whatever time of day. I never have to talk to a dispatcher. Like Uber, you can see where your cab is and contact the driver en route.

It's a great alternative for those who don't want to use Uber and I've used it very successfully multiple times, so I vouch for it.

I used Flywheel quite a bit before uber got here, but abandoned it due to the better price and availability of uber cars. I tried to use it again the other night when uber was maxed and I couldn't get a car, but also was unable to get one on Flywheel. Glad to hear Thunder Cab is on it. Hopefully that will improve availability.

I used Flywheel quite a bit before uber got here, but abandoned it due to the better price and availability of uber cars. I tried to use it again the other night when uber was maxed and I couldn't get a car, but also was unable to get one on Flywheel. Glad to hear Thunder Cab is on it. Hopefully that will improve availability.

The few times it has said, "Driver not Available" I just try again and instantly get a driver. It is fast.

Okay, I have been driving for Uber for about 10 days now (now counting the 7 days I was out of town). It has been amazing and I love doing it. It is the perfect part-time job for me. On the money side I am averaging about $30/hr. Yesterday brought that average down a bit because I went on-line for about 3 hours and didn't get a single ping. The time wasn't wasted though because I just sat in the car and read a book. I got my first deposit for $253 and already have $72 in the next check. They do a direct deposit every Thursday for the rides from the previous week. I also got $15 in tips even though I tell people tipping is not necessary (I tell them 2 times and if they insist on the 3rd time I take the money).

Uber sends me a text letting me know where the hot-spots are and they even offer guaranteed income. For example, I just got a text that said guaranteed $12/hr from 2PM to 10PM tonight - so I will be driving for 4 hours this evening. Even if I don't get a single rider they will pay me $48 to read my book.

Most of the people I have given rides to are either going to dinner or coming home from dinner. I have a personal cut-off time of 10PM so I don't have to deal with drunks. It helps that my car seems tailor-made for being an Uber car. When the phone pings that I have a rider it gives me the address to go to. My car's navigation system is voice activated so I just say where I am going and the GPS plots my route.

Since every rider gets the same contact phone number I just programmed that number into my phone's address book as "Uber Rider" and I can talk to the person just by pushing an icon on my phone (and my car is Bluetooth enabled so I don't even have to hold the phone). When the person gets in I just ask where they are going. If I don't know where their destination is I just push the voice activated navigation button and they tell my car where they want to go (which everyone thinks is the coolest thing ever). When the route is plotted I ask them if that route is okay or if they have a preferred route – then I hit 'begin trip' and off we go.

Easiest money I have ever made and my newest problem is what to spend the extra money on. I am thinking ping pong table.

On a side note, I had mixed feelings about Uber operating in urban sprawl place like Jacksonville, but after seeing it in action, I think it is a good thing. Since the cost is based on distance those who chose to live a long ways from where they want to go pay the full cost of doing so. People who live in the higher density areas of Jax only run a bill between $8 and $10. People who live in subdivisions on the fringe are in the $25 to $35 range per trip.

An update on what is happening in other states.

Rules for Uber, Lyft to become law in Colorado | News OK (http://newsok.com/rules-for-uber-lyft-to-become-law-in-colorado/article/feed/689410)

... my newest problem is what to spend the extra money on. I am thinking [next trip back to OK].

JTF, seems like your post had an obvious glitch. I fixed it for you. :)

Last night Uber paid me $24 to sit in my car and read my book for 2 hours. Since they are still new to Jax they are trying to build demand by creating an over-supply. I made $36 on Monday night doing the same thing. It is not a fortune but it is enough to go buy stuff I want without going into the primary checking account to get it. I even worked out a deal with my kids to keep my car clean everyday in exchange for 10% of my Uber money. It is a win-win.

An update on what is happening in other states.

Rules for Uber, Lyft to become law in Colorado | News OK (http://newsok.com/rules-for-uber-lyft-to-become-law-in-colorado/article/feed/689410)

Not sure what the previous laws in Colorado were but I already had to do this in Florida.


To obtain permits, the companies must have drivers pass criminal-background and driving-history checks. The driver's cars must pass vehicle inspections, and be clearly marked as TNC cars.

The drivers must also carry personal car insurance, in addition to the commercial insurance Uber and Lyft provide.


Uber gave me a small sign that sits in the front window that shows I am an Uber driver. At night it is illuminated in blue light.

Oklahoma City Uber passenger sues after scuffle with driver (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-uber-passenger-sues-after-scuffle-with-driver/article/4879999)

Phillip Mazaheri is suing former Uber driver Tyler McEuin in excess of $75,000 after the two had an altercation in December 2013.

Tyler should have simply asked which route his passengers preferred if they didn't like the one he was taking.

Taking I235 to I44 to I35 is not a strange route to get to edmond if the couple lived anywhere near I-35 as opposed to Broadway...

Sounds like the driver should have offered an alternate route, and sounds like the (probably intoxicated) passengers should have shown more respect. If the claims are true, you don't slap and grab someone - especially if they are driving the car you are in...

We sang 80s songs with our driver on Saturday night. Pretty terrific ride.

Taking I235 to I44 to I35 is not a strange route to get to edmond if the couple lived anywhere near I-35 as opposed to Broadway...

Sounds like the driver should have offered an alternate route, and sounds like the (probably intoxicated) passengers should have shown more respect. If the claims are true, you don't slap and grab someone - especially if they are driving the car you are in...

I have taken a few drunk people (which is my least favorite part of the job) and some of them have asked me to take some screwy routes to get where they want to go, only to change their mind about the destination when we get there. I don't care. If they are in my car and the tab is running I'll take them where ever they want to go and take any route they suggest.

Taking I235 to I44 to I35 is not a strange route to get to edmond if the couple lived anywhere near I-35 as opposed to Broadway...

Sounds like the driver should have offered an alternate route, and sounds like the (probably intoxicated) passengers should have shown more respect. If the claims are true, you don't slap and grab someone - especially if they are driving the car you are in...

Um I-44 and 23rd is no where close to I-235. very weird route to get to Edmond from the colcord. guessing the driver was lost.

Ah, did not catch and process that information of where they stopped @ 23rd. I assumed the driver took 235 from downtown to 44. Yea sounds like the driver went all the way from 40 to 44. Yea that is an inefficient route.

Ah, did not catch and process that information of where they stopped @ 23rd. I assumed the driver took 235 from downtown to 44. Yea sounds like the driver went all the way from 40 to 44. Yea that is an inefficient route.

Not if you are trying to jack up the bill on some drunk people. Taxi drivers do this all the time. I had a friend who was on his first trip to Oakland, CA and mentioned that to the taxi driver - huge mistake! Not only did he get stuck with a huge bill (thanks to the scenic route) but the taxi driver also told him the meter was broken and the bill was really 2X what the meter said. Being naïve and non-confrontational my friend paid the bill. Maybe if he had been drinking the taxi driver would need dental work.

I have friends who live in Rose Creek area and from downtown take 40-44-hefner parkway-then eventually Portland to get home.

The taxi and limo industry will happily utilize this to further their anti-uber agenda, even though it'll prove nothing about uber

Where are all the Oklahoman articles on the scores of incidents that happen with taxis?

They seem to have an agenda when reporting on Uber, or at the very least completely fail to provide prospective.

I have friends who live in Rose Creek area and from downtown take 40-44-hefner parkway-then eventually Portland to get home.

It should be pointed out a lot of people who live in that area consider themselves to be in Edmond even though its OKC limits, which is a MAJOR pet peeve of mine BTW.

^

Yes, most people consider anything north of Memorial to be Edmond.

Primarily because it is the Edmond school district and even some of the zip codes are listed as Edmond.

Where are all the Oklahoman articles on the scores of incidents that happen with taxis?

They seem to have an agenda when reporting on Uber, or at the very least completely fail to provide prospective.

Agenda? Who knows. More than likely just typical lazy reporting. Some reporter was either called and told about the lawsuit or someone saw it while sifting through civil actions filed.

I have taken a few drunk people (which is my least favorite part of the job) and some of them have asked me to take some screwy routes to get where they want to go, only to change their mind about the destination when we get there. I don't care. If they are in my car and the tab is running I'll take them where ever they want to go and take any route they suggest.

Only used Uber once, but doesn't Uber pretty much decide the route to take? How else could they give the patron the cost up front?

And, if they change the destination - how does Uber handle that? Wouldn't the patron have to go back into their app and pick another destination so Uber could charge them?


Not if you are trying to jack up the bill on some drunk people.

Can you do that with Uber? Again, I'm fairly naive about the service, but don't they pick a point A and a point B and the price is pretty much set?

Also, I inclined to think that if I drove for Uber on a regular basis I'd spend a couple hundred bucks on a dash cam that videos both the outside and inside of the car.

Just an extra bit on insurance.

Agenda? Who knows. More than likely just typical lazy reporting. Some reporter was either called and told about the lawsuit or someone saw it while sifting through civil actions filed.

Comments by reporters on Twitter over the last 6 months or makes me think it's more than that.

yeah I live just nw of 150th and western, Edmond address and schools but OKC utilities.

Where are all the Oklahoman articles on the scores of incidents that happen with taxis?

They seem to have an agenda when reporting on Uber, or at the very least completely fail to provide prospective.

From the article.


Ridesharing services lack adequate insurance coverage and other safeguards to protect passengers, said David Sutton, spokesman for the Who’s Driving You? campaign, launched by the industry group the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association. The campaign claims that ridesharing services are unsafe and unregulated.

“These services are under invested in their public safety costs, and it results in this type of thing— it’s not that much of a surprise,” Sutton said.


If taxis are the result of regulation and safety give me unregulated Uber any day. Just google "killed by taxi". I rode in a taxi in NYC that didn't even have seatbelts.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/riding-new-york-city-taxi-seat-belt-danger-health-article-1.1036853


“If the partitions in taxis on the road now were subject to federal safety standards and crash tests, they would all flunk,” said another taxi official.

I'm not even sure why a comment from a party not even involved in the situation was even included, unless....

Just do a search for 'Uber' on Newsok.com and follow the tweets of Oklahoma reporters and you'll see a consistent pattern of putting the service in a negative light with absolutely zero context or comparison to traditional taxi and limo services.

I noticed this approach from the outset and it's been very consistent. I merely think the people reporting and commenting on this for the Oklahoman have absolutely zero experience with Uber outside the very recent start-up of the OKC service.

Given that limitation, you'd think there would be some attempt to put things in a broader perspective, such as taking a look at how this has been working very successfully in the many cities that have had the system up and running for quite some time now.

Absolutely nothing about the issues presented are unique to Oklahoma City and Uber & Lyft are incredibly popular and valued services in the cities they serve.

Only used Uber once, but doesn't Uber pretty much decide the route to take? How else could they give the patron the cost up front?

And, if they change the destination - how does Uber handle that? Wouldn't the patron have to go back into their app and pick another destination so Uber could charge them?


Not if you are trying to jack up the bill on some drunk people.

Can you do that with Uber? Again, I'm fairly naive about the service, but don't they pick a point A and a point B and the price is pretty much set?

The 'price' you are given up front by the app is an estimated range. The actual cost is calculated by the phone in my car which records the time and distance. At the end of the ride a total is calculated and sent to the rider. On my side I have a price adjustment option if something went wrong on the trip but the one thing I can't do is adjust the price up. I am sure on the riders side there is the same option. I have never had anyone complain about the price but have had 2 people tell me the total trip cost was lower than the low-end of the range they were provided pre-trip.

If you got in my car drunk and I took you on the scenic route to your house I am sure there is a path somewhere for you to dispute the price, at which point Uber would review my route (I can review every trip I made) and respond accordingly.

As for the destination - the app tells you the price to the destination you enter, but as a driver I don't see your destination - you have to tell me. I assume this is so drivers won't pick and choose which rides to accept. If you change your mind mid-ride I'll take you to where ever you want to go. I have even had a group of 6 who needed to be split across 2 trips. We were discussing the best way to do it because only one person had an Uber account. We decided it was just easier to keep the ride open while I drove back and got the second group. It cost them a few dollars more but it solved the problem. I have even picked up a group of 3 people at a restaurant who all went to different homes. Like I said, as long as the meter is running I don't care where we go. I am still waiting for someone who wants to go Daytona or Orlando - a trip I would be more than happy to provide.

The Oklahoman just posted this story from the LA Times:

Uber driver accused of kidnapping LA clubgoer, taking her to motel | News OK (http://newsok.com/uber-driver-accused-of-kidnapping-la-clubgoer-taking-her-to-motel/article/4880184)

The Oklahoman just posted this story from the LA Times:

Uber driver accused of kidnapping LA clubgoer, taking her to motel | News OK (http://newsok.com/uber-driver-accused-of-kidnapping-la-clubgoer-taking-her-to-motel/article/4880184)

This is what is darn frustrating. She was NOT an Uber customer at the time and he was not an Uber provider at the time - yet the headline is Uber driver accused of kidnapping...


She told police she had been bar-hopping the night before and may have used Uber to get home. The woman reportedly has an account with the service.

But Vernon said police discovered that her phone was dead and that she did not call Uber. She led police to the hotel room, where they found Dencer. He talked to officers, but Vernon said his story did not make sense.

Soon after, officers reviewed surveillance video showing Dencer helping the woman get out of his car, holding her hand as she struggled to walk and then eventually carrying her into the hotel room, Vernon said.

The woman was reportedly too drunk to tell Dencer where she lived, so he never collected a fare from her and drove to the motel, Vernon said.


He never collected a fare from her because she DIDN'T call Uber. Anyhow, if you don't try to have sex with drunk women you don't get put in this kind of situation.

Uber Driver With Felony Conviction Charged With Battery For Allegedly Hitting Passenger (San Francisco)

I have used both lyft and uber multiple times. Other than the drivers switching to hip hop music when I get in(lol) i have have o problems and have become a raving fan. It is shameful that a member of the limo&taxi lobby was chosen to be the expert interview for the article.

To keep it fair and balanced...

Santa Cruz taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting customer - Santa Cruz Sentinel (http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_25477081/santa-cruz-taxi-driver-accused-sexually-assaulting-customer)

Uber Driver With Felony Conviction Charged With Battery For Allegedly Hitting Passenger (San Francisco)

Really, prosecuting for a misdemeanor after police on the scene had already determine no action was warranted? It seems the DA in San Francisco has run of things to prosecute or has an agenda.


Daveea Whitmire, a 28-year-old San Francisco resident, was charged Tuesday with two misdemeanor battery counts, one of which stems from a fight with a passenger he picked up through Uber’s low-cost UberX platform, said San Francisco district attorney George Gascon.


Yep - here is the agenda


Prosecutors hope to make this case an example of a need for stronger safety regulations among car service apps

^

Yes, most people consider anything north of Memorial to be Edmond.

Primarily because it is the Edmond school district and even some of the zip codes are listed as Edmond.

Yes, this. Our zip code is 73013, but we live in OKC city limits. I always make it clear to people that even though we have an Edmond address, we do *not* live in Edmond, we live in OKC. :-D The PO on 33rd/Kelly extends all the way out to us (164th/May) because there was little-to-nothing where we live when the PO was built, so its boundaries encompassed a huge area, but not very many houses. Hate that PO, worst one I've ever had, folds magazines "because they were built as a rural PO with standing-up square slots for magazines, not flat ones like city POs have" (straight from the PO's mouth), lost more mail in 5 years than I've had lost in the previous 40 years all over the US.