Hey y’all,
Sorry for not writing after so long as I’ve been swarmed with work, training, and trip to Melbourne (Will post some of the interesting places I’ve been later). So now I have time to complete this blog and post this up. Have a good read and laugh about it if it tickles you.
Just 5 weeks ago, I took up the offer to drive with Uber and was given 10 free hours + free petrol to try Smove car rentals. When I announced under my Instagram account, many friends thought I was already driving for Uber for good. Well it was a day of trial and I love driving, so I was so looking forward to it. But before I start, this blog post is totally out of my own accord and I’m not paid in anyway by Uber or its partners, nor any of their close competitors. What I write is totally what I’ve experienced which may not be experienced by others.
My Feelings
So before I actually started, many things were already running on my mind many days before on how it would be like driving around. Would it be like playing the Crazy Taxi game on Playstation? Would I feel stress driving in the already congested roads and would I be meeting weirdos or unreasonable passengers? What if there’s one who is just so irritating that I might just slap him/her on the face? Haha! Don’t worry all under control.
Cars
Smove cars are predominantly catered for Uber Partners (Drivers) only and to be honest, I love their high tech tracking systems as well as locking and unlocking the cars just by using your registered EZLink Cards. Not to mention the widespread locations where the cars are available… Although none are within walking distance from me. So I had to Uber to these locations in order to be an Uber Partner. Ironical right? Oh well, story of my life.
Riders aka Passengers
To be honest, throughout all the 14 riders I met during my trial day, most of them are nice, some preferred to remain quiet, some would tell you where have the best foods around where they live, some will try to fish my details about me about what I do. But overall I gave all of them 5 stars rating for not being difficult. Hehe.
My Verdict
I love driving and most of my closer friends know that. Of course stuck in a jam is not a joyous matter but it trains my patience though. So the big question is, can anyone make a living out of this? Definitely can. But after some calculations, the driver probably has to clock a minimum of 10 hours per day in order to cover rental, petrol and earn a bit. If you’re fine with that, then join the team of Uber drivers!
Inspiring Stories
As a hardcore Uber user myself, I’ve had my fair share of stories from the other drivers. Some would complain a lot (then why continue driving leh?) just to make sure lesser people sign up with Uber as drivers to have lesser competition perhaps? Some would show me their record earnings per week, I witnessed one driver who screenshot his record earning of $2700+ a week with incentives. But I believe her worked like hell lah, 14 hours per day maybe? Then there are a few occasions where I would be informed that the driver is deaf and/or mute. My recent encounter with a Roland was pretty inspiring cos he was previously paid below $1500 for hi jobs due to his disability despite putting in hard work. Via a lot of hand signs, Roland told me now he is fetching at least $3k a month, a much more comfy pay for a family of 5 with 3 growing children. I am glad to meet these drivers because at least there are some positivity for being an Uber Partner. One very thoughtful thing is, the Uber Partners’ app has the function to flash when there’s incoming rider request for the deaf and mute. That is something I have to give it to Uber. Their system is very well thought of, and perhaps one of the more advance ones around out there. In the US, Uber has started working with Hotels where you can even check in via your Uber app and arrange Uber pick up at the airport. Any flight delays would be updated for the drivers to plan their drives as well. We should see this happening in Singapore soon perhaps.
Progression
I have since signed up with Uber and rented a car of my choice with them. I will be driving during my free time and tell more people about BLACK&INK! Ok and maybe Uber… But I’m not their ambassador so won’t try too hard. Hahaha! I may also be open for the following:
1. Corporate bookings
2. Shuttles
3. Foodtrails
4. City tours
As for friends who also wanna drive for Uber and not sure about it, feel free to ask me about it before committing. Loads of incentives and cashback! PM me for details or sign up at http://partners.uber.com/i/t753epcvue.
Yours sincerely,
Big Roy