UBER DRIVER FOR A DAY
Igot the chance to experience what it’s like to be an Uber driver for two afternoons — and was luckier still that among my passengers were three accomplished millennials who were patient enough to answer my nonstop questions. The drive to their destinations became very enjoyable as they shared personal stories from their lives.
My Uber experience began with a briefing on how to become a driver, such as the various documentary requirements, and how to use the app. This included a video presentation of the steps that one has to complete in order to become Uber-ready, and a step-by-step procedure on how to use the app.
“Uber is a smartphone application that connects riders with drivers like you,” the video begins.
When an Uber driver is ready to go online for the day, the process is pretty easy: 1) Sign in; 2) Select the vehicle that you will use; 3) Go online (once online, the driver becomes eligible to take requests).
A driver only has 25 seconds to accept a request. The nearest driver is the only one who receives the request. There is no bidding for requests; to accept, just press the screen once, the request is accepted and the location of the rider appears on the map. You will only know the destination of the rider/s after you pick them up and start the trip. Ask for their preferred route if they have one; if none, use Waze. Easy, I thought to myself. I asked about the recent suspension of Uber and how it affected the entire Uber community. I was told that the people most affected by the suspension were those whose livelihoods relied on it. As Uber bounces back from the suspension, I was informed that they introduced new features in the driver app, which are more favorable to their drivers and aim to make driving simpler, easier, and more convenient than ever before.
These new features reflect the comments and suggestions from Uber drivers throughout the years. Uber has built a reputation for being very responsive to rider comments, and those that come from their own drivers are no different.
The new features include:
• Increased driver tokens. The current driver app enables drivers to set their destination twice a day, so that for those two trips, it will be certain that they can get a trip on the way to their desired place. Now, drivers can set it up to four times a day, so they have more control over their drives.
• Friendlier Ratings. Drivers take pride in their ratings, and with ratings protection, they will be protected from instances that are beyond their control, such as surge pricing and other app-related issues.
• Not Right Now Button. Whenever a request comes in, drivers hear a constant beeping until he clicks on his screen to accept the request. With the Not Right Now Button, drivers will no longer have to wait for the request to time out before declining; they can just click this button if, for example, they need to take a break from driving.
• Cancellation Timer. With this, drivers are now equipped with a countdown that lets them know when they have been waiting for a rider for too long. This lets them know when it’s okay to cancel a trip.
As part of my orientation, I was given a rundown of the various Uber options:
UberX — The most popular service that Uber has to offer. It’s commonly referred to as the “lowcost option” for riders.
UberXL — If you need a more spacious ride, such as when going to the airport or out with a group of friends, UberXL is the most practical choice.
Uber Pool — Share the ride, split the cost. It matches you with riders headed your way, so you get the convenience and comfort of Uber at a price that fits the every day.
Uber Black — It is essentially the luxury version of today’s UberX. With this ride option, you can arrive at your destination in style with a black-onblack luxury sedan (or SUV, if you’re lucky).
Uber Hop — This is a new product that enables riders heading in the same direction to share a ride during rush hour for a flat fare. By sharing your journey to and from work, you can help reduce congestion and pollution in Metro Manila. Time to get driving. Disclaimer: I did not accept any payment for these trips.