Rideshares vs traditional transport?
Posted by: jules4758
8th May 2024 12:10pm
Hey guys, just curious about everyones views on ridesharing (apps like Uber and DiDi) versus traditional methods like taxis.
How do you find they compare in terms of service, cost, and convenience? Which do you prefer to use and why?
How do you find they compare in terms of service, cost, and convenience? Which do you prefer to use and why?
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Comments 21
ab
My experiences with either (cabs and rideshare) are sporadic so I’m maybe not the ideal person to comment. That said, there is very little between them on service. IMO they both provide a good service; it really is in the hands of the individual driver eg I’ve had some cabbies get out and take luggage out of the boot for you and others that just use the boot release so you can get your bags out yourself. As for social engagement, I’m always the one who engages with small talk.
On convenience, it’s still a close race, although the rideshare starts to get a ‘nose in front’ with their app which allows live GPS tracking of the vehicle picking you up (which I appreciate).
On cost, this is where I think rideshare wins; you request the vehicle to take you from point to point, the fee is set, it’s paid, done and done. I had one rideshare driver ask me (on the way to the airport) if I had time to go the scenic route or just go directly. In the same scenario with a cab, the end charge is any man’s guess. If you get stuck in traffic, detoured, or get caught on each traffic light, that meter just keeps ticking over.
Nik3260
I have never seen Uber or other rideshare apps as a good thing or especially safe. It makes some level of sense in rural areas but none in those with a proper taxi service. The reason Ubers are so much cheaper is that the drivers do not require proper training or licencing and do not pay the same insurance costs. They also lack the safety features in a taxi such as a barrier between the driver and the passenger or the requirement to display a unique number on both the inside and the outside. Or haveing a standardized and consistent commitment to maintenance and a uniform safety rating. I am disabled and travel everywhere with an assistance dog. Yes, I have had more than my fair share of troubles with cab drivers not understanding the law. But in Australia, I have found that is a MASSIVE issue in every industry. Cabs MUST conform to the company's standards of cleanliness and not have any other animals in them, This is a VERY important thing for me in terms of the health and safety of my assistance dog. With the danger of travelling for someone who is in a wheelchair or requires specialist equipment of some kind, anyone can SAY they have the training and room for mobility equipment or that they "Know what they are doing" Taxi drivers actually do, and the companies have a vested interest in their employees conforming to safety standards because people with taxi licences and training are far rarer than "Anyone over a certain age with a drivers licence". I have always considered it the difference between buying on Temu or Shien or from a more traditional outlet. Yeah it is less convenient and you pay more, but this is truly a case of "You get what you pay for". I also wish that people would understand that the reason taxi fares are getting so high is the competition that initially drove the industry to modernize in terms of offering apps and options. (Which in most cases are JUST AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN Uber!) is now damaging the industry as a whole and requiring them to charge more for their services. It feels like more and more of the younger generation (That includes me so don't flame me) are unaware that you can now book real taxis via an app or that there is an actual reason to choose them over a side gig like uber. I wish there could be better education on this and a better understanding of this and how parasitic these services currently are. The stage of capitalism we are at seems to think that regulations can only come AFTER a service or product has become a problem and even then only after so many people have been hurt.
Tabitha3261
Uber is usually much cheaper than a taxi - but sometimes you have to game the system to get the better price, e.g. move away from a crowded area (even if it's just a street away) and refresh the app several times until surge pricing disappears / drops. I have found recently that from Melbourne city in particular the prices for a taxi to get home are MUCH higher. And they don't want to use the meter they instead want you to pay up front and demand a huge flat rate. I have refused and gotten out of the last couple of taxi's I've flagged down. It's frustrating as I want taxi's to stay around but not if they're going to price gouge.
As there are times when I prefer to take a taxi - as you don't get rated! I sometimes want to just be a passenger and not have to worry that the Uber driver is judging my chit chat or general drunkenness... :p
mulbs
It seems as if this discussion is for metro residents only as Uber and DiDi ...never heard of that one .... are not available in my regional town.
Jen88
Some uber drivers are ok, didi is also good. I heard drivers get paid more from a job than uber. I never catch a taxi anymore unless it is a very short distance, they are a rip off.
jtmorri
I don't use either services. If I had to I'd prefer a taxi as I have heard terrible stories regarding Uber etc.
musicmum
We don't have them available in our regional town. I never go to a city either so cannot comment. We do have taxis and I like to support local taxis.
Bigbear
I have never had any bad experiences with either Uber or Taxi services so far, however I was concerned at first at taking Uber but now I'm very use to them.
I think that Ridesharing has become a more increasingly popular service due to its accessibility via easy phone booking and it usually involves cheaper fares when compared to some taxi services.
Also there are plenty of Rideshare apps to choose from if you have a mobile with internet capability.
I also think that 'carpooling' for rideshare services is a great way to help the environment and save money if you don’t mind riding with work colleagues or with a stranger or two.
Nettegoddess
Living in the country means I have to have my own car to get around. Riseshare out here means a lift with a mate! There is a taxi service but I don’t think it’s available 24/7.
khushi
Uber is sometimes cheaper then the Taxis but it should be properly regulated? A number of times it happened with me that when I called an Uber., they give me a price for my travel destination and I promptly authorized my bank to charge that amount to my credit card and pay the company. However, they actually charge more than the stated and agreed amount? Recently, I have used Uber numerous times during my visit to Egypt and it never happened there.
MissStrabo
Initially rideshare was heaps cheaper than cabs but they virtually run at the same price now. We have discovered a local taxi service which is reliable and easy to book with and we much prefer them to rideshare. At least we know we have a trained driver that is covered by insurance and they never cancel a ride.
dvdlcs
Never used a rideshare, I don't have a smartphone so no apps here, and only ever used a taxi for airport runs.
I understand that rideshare might be cheaper but for something that I do on a less than annual basis it really doesn't make that much difference to me.
Chrle
Definitely cheaper than taxis and a better service.
Peter32263870
I prefer taxi trips, Uber hasn’t always been a good experience. Not sure how the other providers are in comparison but some drivers are strange.
Sil sil
I prefer a taxi over Uber, for me an Uber doesn't sound safe or reputable.
Ashash
I don't like or want to trust uber. I just a catch which I know
Zanyt
I only use taxis to go to and from the airport and I have found the drivers to be very friendly and cheaper than what my son was quoted on Uber.
adelaidesurfer
I use all Uber, Didi, Ola, Rydo. I open them all and select the cheapest one. Unless im going to the airport, then I select Uber, as they have more drivers and slightly more reliable. Taxis are a rip off, i cant remember the last time I used a taxi. The benefit of a taxi is if you only have cash, only taxis accept cash in Australia, where overseas, rideshares also accept cash.
Floradele
I kind of only take Uber now. It's just so much more convenient, the experience is better quality, and the price tends to be better.
JS77
I can't remember the last time I took a taxi as opposed to an Uber. I think being able to know the cost upfront is what makes me prefer Uber, rather than hope that the Taxi driver doesn't take the extra slow/long route and have it cost me even more $$.
Razorfish
I would definitely prefer ride shares. Traditional taxis drivers always seem to not be very nice or even really rude. I have had much better experiences with ride sharing. I know DiDi is much better than Uber for drivers as Uber takes a massive cut so I would always go with DiDi first off if possible.