They're ok in a pinch. Kinda pricey in my opinion. I much prefer regular cabs or a corporate car service.

I've used it twice a couple of weekends ago in Rehoboth DE. It was really easy you just request a ride through the app then you get periodic updates as to where your driver is. There is also occasional text messages as to where you would meet them (I was outside of a crowded bar, so I picked a spot across the street). They drive you to your spot and you get an email receipt.

Everything is done through a credit card that you add to your account when you sign up. For us it was quicker, easier and cheaper (about 1/2) than the traditional cab would have been (and was for others in our group).

I know people who use it all the time. I certainly would recommend it to people as a user.

I don't know anything about being a driver. The two drivers I talked to both seemed to enjoy it and liked being able to get some extra money when they needed it or wanted it.

If you are thinking of joining as a driver and/or rider I would read their website its pretty easy to navigate and informative.

I've used it twice a couple of weekends ago in Rehoboth DE.

I grew up down there!

I think you're right in that it's probably better in smaller towns like that versus NYC (where I am now). And their ap and systems are good. Super easy to use.

I travel for work a lot and have found that Uber is superior in markets where the taxi legions are sparce and unpredictable like Miami, Savannah, Asheville, etc. and in the rural areas or suburbs of major markets like Dallas, Chicago, etc.

Quality I've found to be variable, even on similar routes in the same city I think because of how new the service is combined with the amount of new drivers that keep signing up.

Price I've found like the above poster to be generally 50-75% of a taxi.

The one major advantage is time savings. Being able to more accurately schedule a car let's me stay in my meetings or hotel longer over standing on the street trying to hail a taxi. Also, having the tip included and not having to conduct an actual transaction with the driver upon drop-off is a beautiful thing.

[Edited on 8/20/2015 by islalala]

Have used Uber and Lyft in cities large to small. Have found them reliable, quick, cheaper than taxis, cleaner, drivers are a lot more friendly. Easy to pay via the app. I see no reason to ever hail a cab again.

Never have driven for them but the drivers that I asked both said they were making some money and enjoyed what they
were doing. For the right person, it is probably a good gig.

My kids use it and are fans. As I understand it the insurance/liability issue is the biggest uncertainty. If you are using your car as an UBER your regular insurance won't cover you in case of an acc dent. UBER washes their hands; as the drivers are independent contractors. So in case of a bad accident you can be left uncovered. Kind of similar to people who use their houses for AIRBNB - unless you have commercial insurance you are f-d if someone burns your house down

Re: drivers I have heard that the occasional driver does well for spare money; trying to make a living out of it leaves you as an IC - so no bennies

What concerns me is the industry has no safety regulations for the cars or drivers. You have no idea if the car has good brakes and tires or if it's even maintained at all. Plus the drivers have no drug testing or license for livery service.

I don't get how they cannot have to abide by the same regulations taxi or limo services have to keep

I actually used it at Peach Fest to get back to the motel after the show. It worked pretty well although there was a bit of a wait Friday/early sat Morning.

My son lives in DC and uses Uber frequently. I used it while vacationing there very simple. Pickups came quickly.

The app is nice because you can see your ride coming to your location.

Nice too because no cash is needed, no tips are allowed.

There are standards for the type of car. I believe in DC, there are times when a group will buy a car an share it as Uber drivers.

Cheaper than cabs in DC by about 25%, and no tipping.