UBER is a venture-funded startup and transportation network company based in San Francisco, California, that makes mobile apps that connect passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire and ridesharing services.
The company arranges pickups in dozens of cities around the world. Cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app—the latter can also be used by customers to track their reserved car's location.
Initially, UBER drivers used cars such as Lincoln Town Cars, Cadillac Escalades, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S550 sedans. After 2012, UBER launched UberX, following the addition of a wider selection of cars to appeal to a broader cross-section of the market.
In 2012, UBER announced a plan to expand its operations to include ridesharing in non-taxi vehicles.
Have you ever used UBER? It is simple and it is pretty awesome.
You sign up for the App, and when you register and put in your information, you also provide information for a credit card.
When you are ready to use UBER, you just tap the App; you see all cars in your area, and you tap to request one. It is dispatched to the GPS location on your phone and you can track the path of the vehicle on its way to you via the driver’s phone GPS.
When it arrives, you tell the driver where you want to go. Upon delivery, you get out of the car and go on your way. No bill. No tip. Approximately 20 minutes after you get an emailed receipt.
A great service, right? Here’s the next suggestion:
This concern is compounded when they are going out with friends.
What will they really be doing?? Have you had the conversation with your teen about drinking and driving? You know, the “call me anytime and I will come get you if needed” conversation?
Are you worried that he/she will need you and won’t call, for fear of the backlash? (Of course you are). Is there a solution?
How about UBER? A click, a car and a ride home without needing a nickel in his/her pocket. Will there be a “discussion” after he/she safely arrives home?
You bet there will be. But, the point is that he/she WILL ARRIVE HOME SAFELY, and that “discussion” will take place.
(A friend suggested this idea at a coffee meeting yesterday. He told me that his teen has already used UBER twice. He has had the “after discussion”, and is thrilled with his and his teen’s decision-making on this subject.)
We will never encourage our teens to get into a situation where they need UBER,but should it occur (we are not so naïve to think it cannot happen), if using UBER is the only alternative to making a dreaded phone call to mom and dad, then we are happy to have it.
