This is how you get started: Tap that app! Open your Uber app on your smartphone, request a car, and in minutes your driver will show up and get you on your way. No unnecessary waiting. Watch your driver on a live map as they approach and get a notification when they arrive so you can maximize your own precious time. No need for cash. Payment is seamless and cashless – billed to your card on file with no need to tip. Your receipts are emailed to you instantly with a full breakdown of your trip for your convenience. Remember, rides are free during this promotional period. Saddle up, have a great ride, and don't forget to follow us on Twitter @Uber_Houston!For a limited time, Houston will get to experience the ride of the future! uberX - Uber’s ridesharing option - has just rolled into H-Town. Better yet? It’s FREE! Houston basketball legend T. J. Ford, already an authority on balling out, was the first to try the service last night. He opened his iPhone app and within minutes his sleek ride whisked him away to his next appointment. Why are we only here for a limited time? Mayor Parker and the City Council have to update regulations to make sure Uber can be in Houston to stay. So share the love with @anniseparker and @houstontxdotgov on Twitter and tell them why you think #HoustonNeedsUber permanently.
Beat me to it. I've used the service in DC a few times since I moved and I love it. Here's my sign-up code if any of you Houston peeps want to get in on it: https://uber.com/invite/qrglz
Typically no, but the cars are nicer and cleaner, the drivers are very courteous, the service is dependable and more convenient, and the customer service is outstanding. Edit: the UberX service is typically cheaper or on par with cab services, Uber regular (or black/SUV) is typically more expensive. But who cares, it's FREE for now!
Uber X is as cheap as a cab. The only difference being that you can track the driver's distance to you, the cars are nice and there is no exchange of money - your preloaded credit card takes care of it. No more hassle about a driver "not having" the ability to process credit cards.
I use UberX all the time here in Chicago. Usually it's peak rate all through the daytime because it's so popular here, but it's still cheaper than a regular cab. It's very convenient.
that's cute that a popular service available in other big cities is making it's way to Houston for a trial run/limited time. but do they show up with a pink mustache on the front of their car?
I'd hold off on ride sharing until they get their liability kinks covered... http://articles.latimes.com/2014/feb/05/business/la-fi-rideshare-insurance-20140205 ^TL;DR: Some kid died inside an uber car, but Uber didn't want anything to do with it, so the Uber driver, err...his insurance company with it'd piddly coverage, had to pay for damages, which was pretty much nothing. Now it's California law for these services to have 1 million dollar coverage, but everyone's still trying to figure out when the insurance company pays...because it's not all the time like a taxi would. As for Texas? Who knows? You guys like to keep it fast and loose with the laws. Regulations suck right?
The article actually says an uber driver hit and killed a pedestrian (6 year old girl). Uber is claiming no liability as the driver wasn't carrying a passenger at the time, which is BS, because the dude was "on the clock", per say, at the time. Also, the article makes no mention of the drivers personal coverage, lack thereof, or such coverages willingness, unwillingness, ability, or inability to pay for the wrongful death. So, I wouldn't have any reservations about riding in one. My fear would be getting hit by one.
My bad, I first heard about this last year and I hastily ripped that story since I've heard others like it. Regulation and company action has removed some concerns since then. The 1 million dollar policy ostensibly covers customers, but... So there's a lingering possibility some drivers are going under the radar with their cheaper "normal" insurance and don't know what the liability coverage will and will not cover. A similar thing is happening to AirBnB as well, where horror stories of guests trashing and damaging an apartment forced the company to roll out a "1 million insurance guarantee", but when you look at the fine print, it isn't as great and comprehensive (probably due to fraud and crappy people) than it sounds... I use to use those services a lot in SF, but I'm not a big fan until those kinks are hammered out. And while I hate being a downer, a driving accident is a risk people encounter more than other supposed fears like a terrorist incident, airplane malfunction, or other disaster. My annual income is above or at some common insurance policy coverage, so it makes sense I'd be worried about this kind of stuff.
depends on the city, some regulate cabs heavily, force people to get licenses which cost thousands of dollars, limit the number of drivers to artificially drive up the price
I've used Uber in LA/Orange County, Atlanta, and Philly. It's a great service. Totally recommend using it. I know for a fact that it saved me at least $20k. After a night out in Orange County during the holidays, we went through a DWI checkpoint. Had I been driving, I would have been screwed. Might have been a little more than a cab, but it was a much nicer ride.
