The first time I heard of Uber I called it Hoover. Like the vacuum sweeper. I knew nothing of the company let alone the concept. My kids and their spouses taught me about it. Ruth and I were taking Brady to Chicago via the train to watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball. It was the next in a series of several summers when we took Brady to a baseball game for his birthday. I knew how I was getting to Chicago but didn’t have a clue about getting around town. The kids suggested taking Ubers.
My computer whiz daughter-in-law, Kate, downloaded the app to my phone, registered my credit card information, and said I was “good to go”. When you open the app, it looks for Uber drivers in your area. The app knows where you are. All you have to do is enter your destination. The app quotes ride options and pricing before you choose your vehicle. Once you’re connected, you receive a notice with the make and model of the car you’ve chosen and a picture of the driver. It’s a high-tech hitchhiking app. No thumbs required.
Chicago was my first experience with Uber. We got a ride to the game and the aquarium the next morning. It worked out well enough that I used it when the three of us went to Houston to see the Astros the following year. It works in Texas too.
I’ve always been a car rental guy. I’ve rented them throughout the country, but mostly out west. Earlier this year we had a four-day trip planned for Vegas over the fourth of July weekend. I planned to rent a car, but the price was over a hundred dollars a day, so I opted for Uber again. We rode up and down the strip and even ventured downtown. Our total bill came to less than $100 for the entire weekend. We did take a cab ride from the airport for $28.00. The return trip via Uber was $13.00. I decided Uber was a no-brainer.
Our recent five-day trip to the rodeo in Vegas, and the following three days with our California kids, was filled with several Uber rides. My bill for the entire eight-day trip was less than $150.00.
Once you get over the “don’t ride with strangers” and “beware of people wearing masks” advice you were taught as a child, this high-tech hitch hiking works out well.
The first time we used Uber was also in Chicago. However, when I loaded the app I inadvertently called Uber. The lady who answered the phone said she would cancel my ride request and told me in downtown Chicago your never more than 10 minutes from an Uber. By the way, if you’re in downtown Chicago and heading to Wrigley Field the elevated “Red” train will take you right to the field.
Glad you are happy with it. I’m obviously retired now but have been an Uber driver for over 61/2 years. I love it!! Good money and some great people!!! Happy travels!!!