5 Things you need to know about taking Uber rides or you will end up crying

Last Updated on 2016-06-23 , 12:28 pm

In the 21st century, almost every country is equipped with the best transportation. Uber is the newest addition in Singapore providing reliable transport services for everyone and anyone. It is slowly taking over the local taxis that have been operating for years but here’s something that stands out:

Extra charges for waiting
Uber recently announced that there will be a change in their policy to promote riders’ punctuality. In favour of keeping their drivers appeased, they are now allowing them to start a surcharge if they have to wait for more than 2 minutes after reaching the customers’ destination.

This is good news to all Uber drivers but bad to all customers. So remember, in order to save your money and not pay unnecessarily, be punctual the next time you book an UberAlthough you shouldn’t need a fine to tell you that it’s wrong.

Surge pricing
Uber price rates are dependent on the demand and supply of Uber rides around your area. This is created to ensure customers who are willing to pay more are provided with reliable and available Uber services.

This also means that if there is a high demand for Uber drivers at your location, you’ll have to pay a price that is more than the normal fare just to get your ride. So the next time you want to get an Uber during the peak hour, think twice.

Tips and Ratings
Singaporeans do not have the habit of tipping but for those of you who do, just know that Uber rides do not include tips. Though not all drivers, a minority of drivers in Singapore would expect their customers to tip them after a drive to the destination.

Although this is 100% voluntary, passengers often feel like this is a silent “tip me or I’ll rate you poorly” threat. This caused incorrect ratings and some riders may end up with a poor record just because they chose not to go an extra step by taking out cash or waiting in the vehicle to make a second credit card transaction for tips.

Cash instead of credit card payments
This one isn’t quite confirmed yet but if it works out, it’s great news for all of us riders! Uber is considering to implement a payment mode of cash instead of the mandatory credit card system. This means that we will be able to spot for any hidden costs or to correct the driver if they ever shortchange us.

Not available 24/7
An advantage to our local taxi drivers is the fact that Uber drivers may not always be available 24 hours. As they are not employees, there is no fixed working schedule where they will be operating.

The next time you want to get a ride home at 3am, it’s probably best if you flag for a cab instead.

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com