In recent years, technology, innovation, and access to the internet have all modernized the transport industry. This has brought both advantages and disadvantages to customers and drivers. Uber, for example, has provoked dramatic changes to the old taxi industry, enabling a person to get a taxi within the shortest time possible.
Furthermore, E-Hail, also known as electronic hailing, allows passengers to use TLC-licensed apps to call taxis using metered rates. This can be done quickly through your smartphone from any location. However, the emergence of this technology has drastically reduced the market share of traditional taxi services and minimized the overall profits of drivers.
Experts cite that Uber and other electronic hailing apps will improve human mobility and boost the economy of many countries around the world. According to one survey, about 60% of Americans have heard of Uber and other e-hailing apps, such as Yellow Cab and Lyft. In addition, records show that more than 2.5 billion e-hailing trips were made in 2017, which is an increase of 37% from 1.90 billion trips in 2016. Nonetheless, due to lack of reliable internet, many people in rural and suburban areas prefer using traditional taxis.
The technology embraced by Uber and other e-hail apps has numerous benefits over traditional taxis. Some of the significant advantages include;
Unlike conventional taxis, where you have to call and wait for ages or chase down a taxi on the street, electronic hail apps allow you to hail a cab easily from wherever you are.
Moreover, the taxi will arrive within minutes, thus saving you time. Apart from that, the E-Hail account will be connected to your credit card, and when the service is offered and deductions made, the receipt is then sent to your email. This makes the service cashless and secure.
Cheaper Transport Costs
According to relevant studies, Uber is less expensive than traditional taxis. This is because, unlike traditional taxis where the fare is estimated based on distance, E-Hailing apps use metered rates to generate fares.
Professional Services
In many cities, the taxi industry is regulated. Cars operating as taxis are well maintained and operated by professional drivers who have good commercial insurance coverage. Once a driver accepts a task, you can track and monitor the driver’s location and route. This has been made possible thanks to devices such as those available onEyeRide Online. Passengers are provided with the driver’s performance and ratings, which enables them to select their favorite driver. Professional services also guarantee safety on the road.
Safer and Flexible for Drivers
Uber and E-Hail apps guarantee safety to taxi drivers. This is because transactions are cashless, hence drivers are not faced with unpaid fares from clients. Additionally, the driver does not have to carry huge amounts of money, which may make him/her a target for robbers.
In addition, rude, violent and troublesome passengers will have a harder time getting away with their behavior, because the driver is also given the opportunity to rate his/her client. Frequent low ratings or reports of dangerous behavior towards drivers can lead to deactivation of account.
Uber and other e-hail drivers enjoy their freedom since they can log in and out of the system anytime and select their own hours.
Creation of Employment Opportunities
The arrival of E-Hailing apps has made the taxi business more profitable, convenient and secure. This has challenged more people to venture into this industry instead of seeking employment elsewhere.
Disadvantages of Uber and E-Hailing Apps
Uber and E-Hailing apps aren’t perfect, they have limitations to both drivers and clients. Most of these disadvantages affect the driver, though. Common restrictions include;
Trip Cancellations and Poor Pay
Despite being cheaper, one of the significant setbacks of Uber is trip cancellations. Trip cancellations by drivers result in disruption to clients’ plans, which may include missed flights or being late for meetings and appointments.
In many cases, low fares have resulted in strikes among Uber drivers. Since driver’s bear thecosts linked with repairs and fuel, low rates generate losses because most Uber taxis are either purchased through loans or rented.
Surge Pricing
Surge pricing is a technique of pricing in the free market whereby fare prices increase or decrease depending on supply and demand. During peak hours, Uber fares can either double or triple depending on need. In most cases, surge pricing catches customers off-guard, leaving them annoyed.
How to Use Uber and Other E-Hail Apps
For newbies, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use your Uber or other E-Hail apps. That is, after downloading the app from Google Play Store or Apple Store
Create an Account
To create an account, all you need to have is an active email address and phone number. After creating your account, you can request a taxi from wherever you are.
Enter Your Destination
Open the app then enter the destination you intend to go to and confirm your pick-up location to be paired to a driver nearby.
Meet Your Driver
You can monitor the arrival of your taxi on the digital map. In case they are far from your pick-up location, you can wait just a few extra minutes.
Check Your Taxi
Ensure that you get in the right car by matching the license plate, model of the car and driver’s photo with what is provided in your app. It is important to note that Uber trips can only be requested via the app, so never board a car where the vehicle and driver identity don’t match with what is given in your app.
Sit Back and Make Yourself Comfortable
When you arrive at your destination, confirm the fare then make the payment. In most cases, the fare is automatically deducted from your credit card.
Rate Your Trip and Driver
You can rate your driver by commenting. Complaints, complements and suggestions are meant to improve the service offered.
