I had never used Uber until I wrote this post about Uber launching in Dar es Salaam. Since then, it has been a Godsend! With its attractive rates, and the fact that you can call for transportation at any time without necessarily knowing a specific taxi driver, or its great mapping tool which allows you to call for a ride even when you are not too sure how to describe where you are, I know I will be using Uber again and again. With the holiday season — and its many parties — upon us, call or schedule an Uber to drive you home safely when you’ve had (or plan to have) one too many. Don’t worry that you won’t be able to find an Uber because of high demand. Dynamic pricing will aim to ensure that you do. Keep reading to learn more.
Read Also: Uber vs. Bolt: Which Do You Prefer?
As the holiday season kicks off, we are faced with the perennial challenge: how are we going to get home once the celebrations are over?
Although it is much easier to be responsible, many people still drive under the influence. Uber has covered the basics of getting around during the holiday season, so you can always make the safe choice.
READ ALSO: Uber in Pretoria & Johannesburg Usage Schedule
Holiday Season Tip: Plan Ahead
Think your after-work drinks may include a few more glasses than expected? Plan in advance and take an Uber to work. You can even schedule your ride in advance so you don’t have to worry about breaking the festivities until your driver comes. Or, if the party takes you by surprise, rather Uber home, leave your car at the office and pick it up over the weekend. While this may seem like extra work at first, it is a lot less costly than compromising your safety and the safety of others by drinking and driving.
READ ALSO: Conclusion of Experiences with Uber in Uganda & Tanzania
Dynamic Pricing Helps You Know That You’ll Get a Driver Even at Peak Times
Over the holiday season, there is often a fear that there won’t be enough Uber drivers to go around. As an ever-growing and evolving platform, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Uber runs a successful model called dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing allows users to get a ride when they need it most – especially during the busiest nights of year, like New Year’s Eve or after a big sporting event.
READ ALSO: Uber Johannesburg
During times of peak demand, it is important that there are enough Uber driver-partners on the platform to accommodate those looking for rides. For this reason, Uber increases fares to encourage more drivers to come onto the platform.
The dynamic pricing algorithm automatically increases prices to encourage more Uber driver-partners to come onto the platform and cater for the demand. When demand and supply are in line, prices quickly return to normal. You will know when dynamic pricing is in place, because you will be notified from the moment you open the app. You will also be reminded again as you request your trip. Dynamic pricing ensures that there are cars available whenever you open the app.
READ ALSO: Uber and Johannesburg Airports
Safety Features
Uber is committed to safety and wants everyone to feel confident that it is a reliable choice this holiday season. Uber’s technology makes it possible to make safety improvements that were never possible before the platform existed. When an Uber driver-partner accepts your request, you see his or her first name, photo, and license plate number. All rides are tracked using GPS. You can also share your estimated time of arrival (ETA). This will allow loved ones to see your trip in real time even if they don’t have the Uber app themselves.
Cash Is Safe
Don’t have a card? No problem! You can still ride with Uber and pay in cash. Simply choose the CASH option, take a ride and pay the fare directly to your driver at the end of the trip. All trips with Uber are GPS tracked. Your location is known throughout every trip to ensure safety for both sides. Uber has also encouraged their driver-partners to make regular deposits and keep as little cash on them as possible (by using their cash to pay for fuel and supplies). To date, Uber has not seen any increase in targeted crime in any countries running the cash payment option.
Need help? Use the Uber In-App Help Function
Uber knows there may be times when you need to get in touch: a purse left in a car or possibly an incorrect fare. Now, getting in touch is as simple as using the Uber platform. Uber has created a global network of support centers to provide 24/7 support. Their simple, easy to use in-app Help function answers all your questions. Just tap “Help” and all the information you need is right there at your fingertips.
Have Fun Without Worrying About Your Ride
When it comes down to it, the holiday season is all about being carefree. It’s about taking care of the little things so you can have a good time. By taking advantage of ride-sharing options at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about parking, tipping the driver (Uber’s driver-partners keep most of the fare), being ‘over the limit’ or how you’re going to get home. When it is this fun, easy and available, there is no reason not to make the responsible choice.
Uber operates in more than 475 cities in over 75 countries on 6 continents. (Go here to see if Uber operates in your city or a city you will be visiting this holiday season.)
To request a ride from Uber, first download the free app (for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry 7) from your usual app store, or register for Uber at www.Uber.com/go. Visit their website to find out more about Uber.
Until the next time,
Biche
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Photo Credit: guru8.net
Have never been in an UBER, but so far i think this service is great. and its even a great business as it allows people to make extra money just by driving passengers from one point to another.
The best and amazing feature i love about Uber is their security measure. I can say, Uber is safer than normal tax services.
I hope this service will continue to expand to other cities too apart from Dar es salaam.
Hi Ally,
If I am honest, it’s been almost impossible for me to get Uber to work in Dar es Salaam, though I am hopeful next time will be the charm. I use it in Kampala all the time though and it’s simply a Godsend. Finally, something has made me stop using boda-bodas. 🙂
Biche
Boda Boda is my ride.. and i use them on a daily basis..!! I can say it’s the fastest means of transportation every where in Tanzania. Though it has a high risk due to it’s low safety measure.. But it’s the common transportation means.
For real. Lakini that high risk is very real when it gets you. I’ve lost friends and family from boda boda accidents. Just yesterday I was with a colleague’s wife who broke a leg in a boda accident and had to be off her feet for quite a while. I love bodas, but something tells me I need to go slow with them.