Since it launched in 2009, uber has cultivated tremendous growth across the world. It has created plenty of employment opportunities for drivers, in disadvantaged communities and has allowed for traveling convenience for its customers. Four years after it broke into the limelight in the United States, Uber increased its African market share with operations in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Egypt. Officials state that to date, the car service is worth $43.26B and is responsible for more than a million trips across the world daily. According to uber policies, there is no monetary limit to the app, however, there is a time limit of 8 hours on a trip. This restricts trip destinations hence it is not possible for customers to take an uber trip beyond the time restriction or to a different country. However, customers can travel from one city to another in the United States within 8 hours.
How does a customer request a long-distance uber?
If you would like to go on a road trip from one town to another in the United States, it is advisable to request the trip 30 days before departure.
This is a beneficial measure for both the driver and customer, as it allows the customer to financially plan for the trip and the driver to plan for the trip in terms of their schedule. Considering that long-distance trips are not frequent in the United States, requesting 30 days in advance increases the chances of getting a driver, as more drivers will see the proposed trip on the app.
Preparing for the trip well ahead is also a safety measure for both the customer and the driver as it will allow for communication leading up to the departure.
Below are important aspects to include when communicating with an uber driver for a long-distance trip:
What is a suitable time to begin the trip for both of you? What type of travel person is each party dealing with, will there be food/bathroom stops on the trip? For entertainment – what kind of music/ podcasts does each party prefer?
How much does a long-distance uber trip cost?
The total amount of a trip from one town to another is dependent on the distance. For example, an uber trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco would cost approximately $1000 because it is a 5-hour trip, and the distance is 383 miles. Whereas a trip from Chicago to Toronto would cost $2300 because it is an 8-hour drive with 512 miles.
Thus, uber officials encourage customers to plan for long-distance rides and to include the necessary funds for the trip in their budget.
Why opt to travel with uber rather than any other mode of transport?
Over the past years, uber has cultivated a positive reputation for consumers globally due to fast trips to any destination, safety, and availability at any given time.
In addition to the above, uber officials also welcome customers to make long-distance trips for the following reasons:
It is affordable – long-distance trips with uber are reasonable in comparison to taking a plane or renting a car. The prices vary according to the vehicle that the customer chooses which means that they have financial control in terms of their budget. Moreover, customers can split the trip fare if they are traveling with companions/family.
It is comfortable – in comparison to other modes of public transport, uber prioritizes giving their customers a soothing experience as fewer people are occupying the car.
It is convenient – public transport such as the bus or airplane leaves customers at a public drop-off spot. With uber, customers are driven to their destination and do not have to worry about additional transport coordination and expenses.
What are the benefits of long-distance trips for uber drivers?
They get the opportunity to embark on a trip. After completing the long-distance drive, they generate a fortune. If they have family members and friends in the city that they are traveling to, they get the opportunity to visit their loved ones.
What are the disadvantages of long-distance trips for uber drivers?
If a driver does not receive a long-distance trip back to their city, they operate at a loss because they did not make money for a return trip.
To amend the above disadvantage, Uber drivers would have to request a return trip fee from their customers to suffice for the trip back to their respective cities.
Conclusion
Uber has become a significant mode of transportation in everyday lives as it benefits the customer and the driver. When planning to embark on a long-distance trip, it is important to consider the budget and begin communicating with the Uber driver before departure for safety, but most importantly to make the long-distance ride worthwhile.
