Uber is often my ride of choice to the airport. Readers have asked, “is it cheaper to book Uber in advance?” For specific departure times, I prefer to schedule the Uber to arrive when I need it, but it rarely goes as planned and often costs more.
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Updated April 28th, 2022
Scheduling a Window
Uber offers a scheduled rides feature in advance to ensure riders are able to snag transportation when and where they need it. That’s especially helpful for me as I live outside of the city and sometimes leave very early in the morning or at peak travel times where finding an Uber on the open market would be difficult.
Uber preschedule features allow me to better manage my time. You are able to use the clock icon to schedule an uber ride and confirm your ride for an upcoming trip within 15 minutes.
“How do I schedule a trip with Uber?” It’s simple to get started.
- Open the Uber app then tap the clock icon.
- Enter the details of your upcoming trip origin and destination.
- Scroll through the date and time then tap “set”
- Confirm by Booking a Ride
Here’s an example of a requested ride to the airport made from the Uber app.
Uber allows scheduled pickup times from minutes to 30 days in advance with a pick up scheduled within a ten-minute window. This is an alternative to its ride-on-demand option which most Uber rides are. When choosing this option, start the reservation as you normally would, then in the bottom right corner of the screen an image of a car and clock are present. Clicking that will open up time tables and guests just tap schedule to secure their ride.
What’s difficult about a ten-minute window is really two-fold. The first is that once a rider is matched with a driver, they can start the rides once at the pickup location but before the time of departure (more on that below) and second, that wait time charges begin two minutes after the beginning of the window. A driver can show up at the tenth minute of the window without penalty, but if they show up at the start of the window, they can charge standby from the second minute they wait.
In my specific case, I live close to the airport and I am not a morning person. It takes exactly 14 minutes from my front door to the terminal, 11 minutes later I will be sitting in my seat on the aircraft.
It’s a precise operation. Adding 10 minutes more cushion to a 5:30 AM flight is a major disruption.
Showing Up Early
Drivers often show up significantly early. Imagine you just got out of the shower 12 minutes before leaving the house and have already missed text messages from the driver. In the last week, I’ve had two scheduled rides where the driver was at least 10 minutes earlier than the earliest part of the window, which is really more than 20 minutes earlier than I plan for them to be there.
But if they want to show up early, that’s up to them, right? There’s no harm in being ready.
The first time this happened, I hadn’t realized that they started the ride when they arrived, well before my scheduled departure. That added significant cost to my journey.
The second time the driver arrived well before the start window, I was fairly upset. I was preparing to leave for a longer period of time, had more luggage to load, and still had to take the trash out. It’s awkward to tell the driver you’ve got to run to the dumpster first.
Extra Costs/Bad User Experience
When the driver shows up early, depending on how the system has analyzed your trip, you may start paying from two minutes after they arrive. They showed up 20 minutes earlier than the set pickup time and you’re not ready to leave yet? Sorry, Charlie, you’re paying for 18 minutes or losing the ride as the driver chooses to cancel a scheduled ride.
The experience is poor for both the rider and the driver. I don’t want to be a rude rider, my driver doesn’t want to start off the ride negatively either. But when drivers miss out on other rides because they are waiting for riders to finish breakfast – they are justifiably angry.
If drivers choose to arrive earlier than they are required why should riders pay for it? On a $24 fare, waiting time increased my costs by 33%. I entered the car, with my bag and we were rolling before the ten-minute window had expired, why do I owe the driver another 33% for showing up as agreed? One driver also indicated that scheduling rides in advance trigger higher pricing.
You could also face cancellation fees if they do not show up within the target time but have left to meet you.
Conclusion
I reached out to Uber customer service and despite being a Gold elite member and having access to “priority customer service” I was essentially told to pound sand in a polite way. It’s bad business in a terribly competitive environment and if users like me decide that they will no longer schedule rides with Uber, how long before we just jump ship altogether?
What do you think? Have you scheduled rides before with Uber or another rideshare service? How was your experience? Were you charged more than quoted?
Scheduling a ride is meaningless unless it comes with a guarantee. If the driver doesnt show up uber will reimburse all the costs you incur plus a hefty penalty.
It’s all bunk…
Pass water in your clothing on his seat when he finally turns up.
You can also pass gas that offends the nostrils..
Bro! simple fix, if you flight that early chances are that what ever driver you get might live close by. Just reach out to one of them (they all speak ) and schedule you future airport trips with him/her directly. They’ll be more then happy to have your business. Win win for everyone.
Why is the driver being blamed?
Most drivers aren’t even aware it’s scheduled ride until they get to your pick up spot. They simply just drive from dropping off to picking up.
Pass your frustration to Uber not the driver.
If Uber informed drivers of scheduled rides significantly in advance this would solve this problem. Uber could easily offset the cost with no extra to the passenger. And drivers could could show up closer to the scheduled time.
Call a taxi. Here in Queensland Australia , one can book a taxi the day befor for a specified time. No extra charges . The Driver can , and often doesn’t. , charge waiting time from the booked time.
The computor wont let the driver start the meter be for the booked time.
Much better service.
RD
You guys are missing the point here. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SCHEDULED RIDE. Uber did away with that several months ago. That they haven’t told the riders is telling. What happens is that you go on the app and request a scheduled ride. It will be put in the system. But when its close to your pickup time, your trip will be placed in the que right along with the Joe Schlmo who requested his trip 2 seconds ago. If they don’t have a driver neat or they can’t get anyone to accept, you’re going to be SOL. If the driver accepts, they may be close or they may be far. Most won’t try to time it just right. They are primed to come when called.
You are correct about what you was saying at the end, But they know how many driver on the roads in every city…. They have 10000 driver more because its a tri state to cover there 24 services in my area…. So technically it’s really is a schedule trip… Here a example you scheduled for a repair guy to show up they have a choice to come just like the driver have a choice to accept the trip.
Well 1st off ur just stupid. If we (drivers) got another job ur fat a$$ would not have uber or lyft
As currently operated, scheduling a ride early is worthless on Uber. For a driver, it’s not a “scheduled ride,” it is a basic request that happens 10 minutes before your pickup time. I’ve tried to mitigate this by setting the request for 10 minutes later than I really want it, but it isn’t the best solution. If you truly want scheduled pickup, go old school and call a traditional black car service.
In general, it is pretty pointless to complain about Uber customer service. It isn’t a customer facing organization in the traditional sense. Use them when they are the cheapest, readily available and convenient, and when they aren’t, don’t use them.
A trip from Newark Airport to NYC the driver makes for that trip $20 maybe on or two dollars up or down, or the driver makes a few dimes more on waiting time moor so where is the big expense, Uber is so (fricken) chip, the driver has to make a leaving to,
Those those fricken people,
Oh the misery. Yes scheduling is useless as others said. Find a local driver pay cash. Win win.
Now go focus on issues that are meaningful, not millenial first world whingeing
Amazing how people can’t understand the point of the article. Must be an educational problem.
Uber is a hundred billion dollar company. This is not about the author’s attitude, or the exploitation of drivers, or the ride being cheap.
The issue here is a billionaire company lying to customers. Is this hard to understand?
So if you use a black car are you paying more. Drivers get paid about $5.00 per hour while waiting trust me they don’t want to be waiting. Uber is a ride service not a private car service. Thank your driver for waiting and tip him because he did you a service.
Not if they show up early. If they wait while I am late, I will pay the fee and tip even more than normal. If they just show up whenever regardless of when I set the appointment, that’s not a benefit for me.
I just started driving Uber again 2 days ago. I stopped when the pandemic hit and everyone stopped using ride share. I have gotten 3 scheduled rides in the last 2 days. What you need to understand is that a scheduled ride for a driver is like any other on demand ride. I’m going about my business and a ride request pops up on my screen. I accept and start to head towards the location. Once I arrive at the pickup location (about 10 minutes early for all of them) it says scheduled ride 6:00-6:10 am. I had no idea it was scheduled until I got there and I have no choice but to wait. I didn’t message the customer and waited there patiently. In all cases I waited 10+ minutes to depart and got paid nothing for it. The rides were short 10 minutes or less rides and I made under $10 for all of them (I drive in NH). So let’s say that it took me 10 minutes to drive there 10 minutes to wait there and 10 minutes to complete the trip. With those conservative numbers that’s $20 per hour minus gas and expenses. It’s not very much!!! So in a scenario where you schedule a ride and it’s a possibility that no one accepts your ride or there are no drivers available. You should be happy that they showed up 10 minutes early and understand if they show up late. Why? Like I said it is all out of the drivers control and if you have an issue take it up with Uber. I’d like to hope that they would give priority to a scheduled ride instead of someone who requested 2 minutes before your scheduled window. Why punish the driver for something that is out of their control? And yes tip the driver regardless of what happened. We all deserve a tip and a good rating unless we do something so terrible that we deserve the bad rating. You know like flirting with your wife right in front of you or making a racist comments. Because like the guy said in a another comment said the price is nothing compared to options that existed before Uber. How much more does it cost to get a crazy cab driver in the city? Who you are expected to tip no matter what. Long term parking at the airport or black car? As drivers we are basically working for peanuts and the only thing that makes it worth it is the little bit of extra money in tips. Would you be surprised to know that about 1 out of every 15 riders tips their driver? So given that information if you were a Uber driver. Would you start the ride early if you showed up 10 minutes early for a scheduled ride? Knowing that there are dickheads like you out there. That won’t tip a driver for showing up early because if the driver “wanted” to show up late they wouldn’t be penalized. I put wanted in quotes because you’re implying that it’s their fault if they do show up late. So moral of the story tip your driver and stop be so critical of people. If you want something more reliable than get a business card from a driver and schedule with them directly. You can pay them with Venmo, cash app, or what’s that thing we used to use all the time back in the day? Oh yeah cash!!! Cut out the middle man and pay your drivers directly. Especially for airport runs and if you are someone who makes them often. Your welcome for giving you enough information for your next article. I expect you to send me a copy to proof read for you when you are ready to publish.
Always happy to meet a fan.
18 cents per min.
Im a diamond pro driver. Scheduled trips DO show in my app when the request comes up. I just refused one that was 18 minutes away. 4 minute trip.
Incorrect about the extra cost. Uber time in North Carolina is 0.11 per minute. A twenty minute wait is 2 20.
It was $7.80 for six minutes in Pittsburgh.
Typical useless spoiled millenial whoever wrote this article. 4 am and this self entitled prick is pissed that the driver is there a little early. How many people do YOU THINK are out driving at 4-5 am???? You don’t like it??? Call a cab that you don’t even know will show up because you won’t be able to track where he is. Then don’t forget your 20-25 ride with Uber will be 75 with a yellow cab. This idiot is a spoiled little baby. It is not rocket science to schedule a ride ONLY AFTER you are ready to go. This is not a dinner reservation. Someone is COMING to you dude at 415 am and you bitch about them being a few minutes early and you have to pay extra. Keep in mind there are VERY few people out driving at that hour. I fly constantly for business at early hours and I find Uber to be the best thing since sliced bread
First of all, wow, calm down.
Second, if they don’t want to offer scheduling, they don’t have to, but if they offer it why am I the fool for wanting it to work properly?
Third, scheduling a ride only when I’m ready defeats the purpose entirely. I want to know when I go to bed that someone will be there early in the morning when I’m ready. If I have to wait for someone to later pick up the ride and then let me wait five to ten minutes before they cancel without explanation, that doesn’t work at all for riders.
Fourth, the second ride I discussed (and included an image of) was at 2:50 in the afternoon in Florida. There were plenty of Uber’s driving around that I couldn’t have gotten on demand but I knew when. Be ready. If I called a professional service, I’m sure they be there when requested.
Fifth, I’m not a millennial but I’m not really sure what that would have to do with anything at all?
Unfortunately some of these other commentors are right, all scheduling does is hit the request button for you 10 minutes before your scheduled time. If there is no one on the road, it’ll just keep searching. There is no true scheduling
Most of you forget entirely how costly transportation is, it’s funny people are okay with paying more every year after another for everything else, but transportation uber and lyft think this would have worked for them that’s why they are out extorting drivers now because they realized they can’t make profit.
I think we all know about inflation, well let’s be more direct the as the gas price goes higher so does everything else that uses gas, funny but people are still okay using services uber and lyft and then on top of it they complain and treat those drivers like a personal chauffeur ♂️♂️.
From the cost of it, I already know what to expect, it’s a huge difference between Mc Donald’s n Del Frisco’s right
Kyle – if you want someone waiting for you to pick you up in the morning, call a corporate black car service. They have been doing those types of pickups for decades, and I’m sure many are available in your area. It will cost more than an Uber right, but it will be worth it
I may do that. I am just surprised Uber can’t deliver on this, especially when they elude to being able to do so.
As a part time uber driver… I can testify that all the scheduled rides that I was responsible for, I was notified about them just like a normal ride. So after we received the notification where ever we are at will determine our arrival time. For me, early in the morning, it may have been 20 minutes, it may have been 3 minutes…If i would be 20 minutes away, I would get there late…and i will not speed, and with the little allowance u leave time wise u might end up missing ur flight….
Sounds like Uber’s software is to blame.
You should also realize that it’s not your driver’s fault for being early. Be ready regardless. Under pins is when it’s ready. It doesn’t care about you, your tone or us as drivers. We have absolutely no control over that and you need to make sure when you write an article bashing uber you throw uber under the bus and don’t lop the driver in with the way the app performs. If you have a bad experience with the driver then that’s a different story. Also, we don’t like waiting as in Orlando we get paid a whopping. 08 a minute. So if i wait 10 minutes for you to come out i just made a whopping dollar!
Just be ready at the beginning of the ten minute window
Maybe catch a cab or pay for a hire car. You get what you pay for. Pointless article
If you were born in the mid 1980’s-2003 than you are a millennial. You must be confusing millennials with centennials like most people do. And yes you are spoiled for complaining about a driver showing up early. For your trip to the airport. Would you prefer to be late and miss your flight?
No, I’d prefer that Uber better managed their “scheduled rides” than putting drivers at odds with customers.
As Uber Pro platinum rated driver I have to question what you are saying about the drivers arriving 20 minutes early. I have received a number of requests and I have never received a request that early most of the time I have arrived within the ten minute window. Also the driver has nothing to gain by starting the trip early because he gets paid for the wait time.
@Jerry – I can vouch for Chris, I have included a screenshot that shows a 20-minute early arrival. You’ll have to trust me on the first experience that mirrored this, at the time I didn’t know I’d need to save it as evidence. We agree, the driver has nothing to gain by being early.
Kyle as an uber driver I hate all scheduled rides. You sound ridiculous. Schedule the ride when you need it. A day in advance fine but remember when its 30 minutes In advance I cant except any rides. 30 minutes is a lot of rides. When usually is a 4 dollar ride and zero tip. I lose 30 dollars for 4. Stop it. I hate that I cant see it’s a scheduled ride before it pops up. Other wise I would rather add it to my acceptance rate. Which is at a 98 percent and cancelation rate at 3 but it was 2 before I cancled 2 riders who I didnt want to pick up and wait. And if there is not a lot riders why you so selfish to have the only rider up wait just for you. Its beyond selfish uber during this pandemic should have stopped that service. And tip if you gonna do that 20 spot
@James – Thanks for your response. I had scheduled my ride the night before, so that fits your requirements of what’s acceptable. All of my scheduled rides were airport runs (as I stated in the post) so those wouldn’t fall under $4 rides and I also tip, so that doesn’t apply either. You also mention the pandemic and I am sure that things have changed during the current crisis but the post was published December 1st, 2019 – long before the pandemic had taken hold in the United States. I’m not sure you read the post because many of these items where we align were addressed.
Based on feedback from Uber drivers, I also address some of the issues you have raised with the Uber process from the driver perspective in this post published on December 29th, 2019. (https://bitly.com/2XBoRzp)
@ Chris Your comments on this thread are rude and defensive of Uber. If you are a driver and don’t like the system, call Uber and complain. As a consumer, the app tells me a time range and I expect drivers to arrive around that time. 20 mins early is not acceptable.
But Chris, if you don’t want to work for Uber anymore and would like to look for a new job, I would recommend you check your attitude and spend some time improving your reading comprehension, as several of the points you made in your rant are based on an incorrect understanding of statements made in the post.
I am an Uber driver. When I receive a scheduled ride request, the app tells me it’s a scheduled request but not what the scheduled time is. I don’t find that out until I arrive. It’s an Uber problem, not a driver problem. Drivers should not and will not sit idle for free when they could be receiving other ride requests. Also keep in mind that Uber keeps a large percentage of what you are charged, and drivers do not start the clock. Uber does automatically.
Sounds like Uber and its software is to blame.
You seem confused.
Scheduling a ride is just like a dinner reservation. You pick a date and time, Uber confirms they will have a ride for you at that date and time. Same as a dinner reservation.
No one gets dressed and calls the restaurant at 6:55 to try and get a 7:00 reservation.
Why? Because they might not have one available. Same goes for Uber. Hence the purpose for scheduling a ride.
Less anger more thinking would be good for you. It’s just a comment section about Uber scheduling. No one threatened your family.
Just request it when you need it? Why are you complaining about anything at all? It’s an APP at your finger tips; accommodate for the early arrival.
It basically sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it too.
As stated in the post, I live outside of the city and leaving early is a challenge. Why is it hard to just meet at a point in time and place?
As a driver that drives for uber I have “regulars” to the airport. They just let me know a day or two in advance by phone. It IS a
simple fix (reply to ‘they all talk:’ lmao) if a uber ride is what you are seeking in the general sense. May I add that I dont think theres a problem with agreeing for a time with someone and then expecting them to arrive at that time. again I do it all the time. but that is just one way of doing customer service it seems that is particular to this so called uber partner like myself and/or others. If I were from philly I would more than glad offer you my cell number and then I would only simply need to turn on the app once you’re in my car. I dont think theres that many drivers that close to you at that time even if the app seems to show it, but that’s another issue altogether. I like the uber ideal but I must also agree with you that some of my call experiences with the call centre of uber have been depressing. We’re all very enthusiastic/intense about our ride sharing apps eh? Keep calm and keep ubering with me of course lol. Maybe they should start giving the option to schedule a particular driver like you do on an airbnb is that what Lyft does I dont know. Come on people let’s be kindER. FROM CANADA.
Show proof.
You’re 35 years old Kyle quit acting like a boomer
Ok, boomer.
And you know how much goes to the driver of those 7.80…..? Maybe 50 cents
Maybe Uber drivers should switch to a better paying service until they get paid properly. If you asked me if I could work as an Uber driver for those rates, the answer would be “no.” I wouldn’t drive for them for $.50/ten minutes and also be upset about it.
Kyle you make a great point here. But it also contradicts the many other points you’ve made in this thread. Its foolish for a driver to complain about the low pay that they agreed to. But you know what’s also foolish? Complaining about the service on an undervalued product. Do you complain when your Dollar store shaver breaks? Or do you accept responsibility for buying a cheap product? Its foolish to use Uber and expect anything more than sufficiently mediocre service.
Yea ah you are a worry wort who has to shedual a ride than your finishing up your co co puffs, we are not shedualed the person who picked you up just happened to be in your area basically and if you want a ride what do you want the local driver to do? We can’t turn off the app for 10 mins we live by the minute so unless you buy a car and park it yourself suck it up.
I have a car and often park for short trips, but maybe I should stop giving my business to Uber if it means they can’t keep appointments set.
Did they fail to show up to the appt? Or were they just early by 10 mins, to your outside-the-city pick-up location?
Millennials include those 23-38 yo.
How old are you?
They were also 20 minutes early to an in-city location in Florida as you will have seen also mentioned in the post. I don’t mind them being early, but I don’t want to pay for their elective early arrival, is that not fair?
I’m 35 (also already stated) but I struggle to imagine peers that are nearly 40 falling into the same category as a Millenial and also that somehow an 18-year old today isn’t a Millenial.
Sorry, but what you are claiming is easily verifiable. I just went to the UBER app and put in MONROEVILLE PA to the Pittsburgh Airport.
UberX
In 5 mins. 07:33 pm dropoff
4 Seats. Affordable, everyday rides
$45.09
$47.46
Base fare
$1.43
Minimum fare
$8
Cancellation fee
$5
Per mile
$0.87
+Per minute
$0.32
Estimated tolls
$0.00
Estimated surcharges
$3.35
Additional wait time charges may apply to your trip if the driver has waited 5 minutes: $0.32 per minute.
Your fare will be the price presented before the trip or based on the rates below and other applicable surcharges and adjustments.
So even during a time with SURGE pricing it is not $7.80 for 6 minutes. It would literally be $3.20 for TEN minutes of waiting. It is ok to say you are unhappy woith paying more, but lying doesnt prove your point,. It means every thing you say is suspect. Of course YOU claim it is a competitive environment,. USE THE COMPETITORS if paying a few cents more makes you unhappy.
Uber does not and CAN NOT demand drivers work a specific time. To compensate for those who live in rural areas, during a time when fewer drivers are on the road in your area (5 am is one of those times) they send somebody early to make sure you get a ride.
That sounds good but do some math who is going to wait 20 minutes to make $2.50 also from there Uber going to take 50%
I gave up on Uber too. I now use Wingz for my airport rides.
I scheduled a ride twice. The first time, the driver arrived early. I was blow drying my hair, so I didn’t hear the text. Three minutes later the ride was canceled, and I was given a negative rating. Then I had to request another ride, but that early in the morning there were no other drivers available. So I wound up calling a cab and barely made it to the airport fit my flight. Fortunately I have precheck.
The second time I scheduled a ride the driver showed up early. I heard the text thar time. But I wasn’t ready to go. I threw on my shoes and finished getting ready in the car.
If I was your boss you would be fired …you should be ready to go 20 minutes b4 every appt. Lazy …worthless …whiners.
Lol, glad I don’t work for you. To be ready ahead of an appointment when you’re the vendor is different than when you’re the customer. I don’t show up 20 minutes early to a dinner reservation, why would I? Why would anyone?
You sound extremely high maintenance and a tight wad or your exaggerating to make a story. Give us an idea of how much that 10 min costs you because where I live and drive its 12¢ a minute. You act like 10 min is earth shattering. Your trip your [redacted by admin] about, to the airport, the driver probably makes $5 – $7. Go ahead and schedule a taxi or like others have said arrange for an executive car service because both of those options will be significantly more costly. Dah! Be thankful for the gift of Uber and Lyft.
When you get the message from the driver he arrived, you should be ready . If he waits while you get your coat on thank him for waiting. If you don’t like the service than call a cab lol
Okay okay.
When a ride is scheudled, often no driver will accept it. If it is out of major ride paths / wait locations in city, even if you’re in city. If the travel time is distant, uber schedules the schedule ride not using Time to Location, but TTL + 5-10m depending on distance FROM pickup of the driver when it is given to him. Uber cannot judge traffic, or other elements which are common. So they add some leeway for being ON time, which means sometimes we are early. It can’t possibly cost what you suggest for the wait time, as it is simply not within any of the uber pricing in the US for that period of time per minute charges in the US even at the highest rates found. Is it perfect no. No software can make a judgement on Time to location + pad time to ensure on time window arrival. It can ensure they arrive on time or early though. Are you one of those people who makes the drive wait until that last minute of the window also or to 4m 30s when you request a ride from an normal request ride? I bet you are. Sounds like it.
I drive for uber. I don’t like uber as a company. But your view of this is off, nonetheless. You’re paying less than most cabs, and other services, lyft, etc. do exactly the same with their scheduled rides, because it is the only way to ensure on-time or early versus on-time or late the outcome. It’s dynamically requested. Consider a driver heading in your direction at 70mph on interstate. Driver’s GPS may be background updating because they have their radio app and not uber app in the foreground. They can move a fair distance before the last gps update, so you may have an extra minutes even with a tight scheduled time. It is not an exact science, and such an exact science does not exist. Period.
Deal with it. It is what it is. If you want to pay more for drivers who only arrive 30s before you’re ready to leave or maybe a bit late, call a cab or black car.
You said a driver began the trip as he arrived. So what? It pays the driver wait time either way. He gains nothing by beginning the trip prior to you coming out, if they did it, it really changes nothing as is irrelevant.
I am done with Uber. I will gladly get an airport taxi. Uber did a great service in making airport taxi a desirable service again. Here in my hometown airport taxis used to be disgusting, old cars, dirty, smelly with the worst drivers and very expensive. Since Uber started the airport taxis had to change or die. Brand new cars, clean, cheaper and with good drivers. Last time I tried to use Uber was last week. I arrived at the airport and wanted to get home. Prices were ridiculous because of rush hour. Ordered a Uber and app told me 17 minutes to arrive. After 20 minutes driver hadn’t moved on the app. Then I get a call from a very rude Uber driver saying he is waiting outside for me. I am there and not a single car with his description is out there. Then he start to scream on the phone that he has his arms up and waiving to me. Not a single person outside had his arms waiving, he was clearly on the wrong place. I told him the app was showing he was not there and I could not see him and he starts screaming again that I should not try to tell him how to do his job since he knows it….. He then told me to find another driver and hanged up. That was the last time I used Uber. Airport taxis are readily available and prices won’t spike depending on the demand. I get a registered driver and not a stupid with a Prius. No more Uber for me.
You will be using Uber again before your next plane ride to the airport or leaving the next bar. You aren’t fooling anyone
No need to be a dismissive jerk in your replies. I’ve been successfully avoiding Uber for two years now because of similar experiences. They don’t have a monopoly, thankfully.
I am an Uber driver. I decided to work the late night hours because the later it gets the busier it gets. I finally figured out that it gets busier partly because there are a lot less drivers. I don’t normally accept scheduled rides in advance but I get them regularly because I’m out there in the early morning hours. Uber sends me the request before it’s time to pick up the customer. Do I’m there before the 10 minute window. I’m assuming it’s because there are so few drivers that time of morning that they are trying to make sure that you get your ride especially because you have already scheduled for it. I think that they are trying to make sure you get taken care of not gouge your pocket book but they also have to take care of the driver so he/she will want to be there waiting for you!! It’s not perfect and you are the one with a scheduled flight when most people are still asleep or just getting up!! It’s a two way street so please try and consider the other side and not be the kind of person that thinks it’s all about them.
Excellent reply, Mike.
You might like to think so, Chris, but I no longer take Uber to the airport. I drive myself.
I’m not alone among people who are basically done with Uber.
So what is your point? You can do whatever the hell you want. I am sure Uber is devastated to lose your $25. The revenue stream shows otherwise.
“Revenue of $3.8 billion, with growth accelerating to 30% year-over-year, or 31% on a constant currency basis”
They are cheaper ride than a cab so deal with the cost, drivers who drive for Uber or Lyft are the ones who really lose out. We spend more fore a coffee at Starbucks than an Uber or Lyft ride.
The wages at Uber and Lyft are not great, but it is completely optional. I’m not forcing anyone to be on the app and give me a ride. If enough drivers leave due to costs, the rates will go up. If they go up too high and riders go down, then drivers will adjust too. But if you’re not making enough from these services (despite tips too, I hope) then let them know how you feel as you leave the service.
I use the Riide and curb apps for cabs, licensed, bonded drivers. I can schedule days in advance and track and call the drivers.
I use the Riide and curb apps for cabs, licensed, bonded drivers. I can schedule days in advance and track and call the drivers.
You are a whining wimp.
Always good to meet a fan.
I dare you to drive for Uber for one year. It’s time riders know what exploitation feels like. Uber abuses drivers enough. No driver should be further abused by a rider at any price! Drivers are giving charity rides most days to a very ungrateful community of riders who really need to get informed about driver rights. Read your own TOS contract with Uber before you start complaining on social media about anything. Their car… their rules.
But why not just stop driving for them? It’s not indentured servitude if you don’t want to drive for them, don’t accept the rides, don’t turn on the app.
If you spend more for a coffee at Starbucks (and not even an expresso drink) than you do for an Uber ride, you might want to consider walking. That way, you would also be helping the poor drivers by not occupying their time when they could be out getting better paid fares?!
I use scheduled rides. I set the beginning of the 10 minute window when I’ll think I’ll be ready. That way, I’m teadybwhen he shows up. To the rider, it’s just another ride, he shows up when he’s sent. No different than any othe ride.
This is an issue with Uber NOT THE DRIVERS. I am a casual VERY part time Uber (only) driver and the drivers like me are stuck in the middle. If we are late we get a bad rating, if we are early Uber starts the wait time without it permission and we get a bad rating. What I don’t understand is why my time as a driver shouldn’t be compensated? Look at the old can system . . . They started the meter as soon as they pulled up. What makes us any less needing of compensation for or time. Lastly, this really cones into play when we, drivers, are made to go across town 20 or more minutes for that 10 minute ride mentioned in the article. Do you really think it’s fair compensation to wait 10 minutes for the rider to not even make enough money in the trip to be profitable. Think about it . . . That’s a total of 30 minutes of drive time, not to mention the wait time or possible tolls and we are only compensated for the actual 10 minute trip. I described it above but to be clear if it is early morning or late night going 20 minutes or more with possible tolls to get a 10 minute ride is not unusual. Be careful what you complain about it you could be stuck with the expensive can system again or better yet self regulate and call a cab and see what know’kind of service you get. You’ll pay more but will you get more?
i think we agree more than we disagree. Software is the cause of both of our issues. It doesn’t tell drivers when riders have scheduled and mostly disregards riders requests. But as much as your time is worth money, so is mine. Uber shouldn’t be charging me if they can’t communicate when you should arrive and you shouldn’t be told to arrive promptly only to not receive payment for a period of waiting.
I’m a Uber driver, and most of my scheduled pickups are not ready at the pickup time. so sometimes I’m waiting just because I’m being nice. plus you get a request and the pickup pin has no one around. So you drive a little further and owe I’m sorry we forgot we walked down the street a little bit. Not my job to hunt you down. So I’m early I call you and say I’m out here but take your time. communication is a must bettween driver and passenger
Agree 100%.
I used it twice – though this was back in 2015/2016 when they were trialling it in SF – and both instances fell on opposite ends of the fuck-up spectrum for Uber. The first time the driver was incredibly early, like in your case, and kept pestering my partner and I for updates on when we’d be ready. We’d scheduled it for 4:30 am and expected an arrival within 5 minutes either way. The driver arrived at 4:10 am. A full 20 minutes earlier than request. We didn’t get charged extra as we’d already been given a fare when we scheduled it. But it was inappropriate to feel rushed as we were still showering and getting dressed.
The second time, the driver never showed though the app continued to indicate that a ride had been scheduled and they were searching for a driver. Eventually I was able to cancel it, though I don’t recall how. We ultimately just called a Lyft on the spot as we were starting to get tight on time. I wasn’t charged anything, so that’s good. Still, though, seems Uber hasn’t quite figured things out in the intervening 3-4 years.
Maybe only schedule a ride WHEN YOU ARE ready. Ever think of that GENUIS??
Then what would be the point of scheduling?
One thing you may not know ..
Uber doesn’t schedule your ride with a driver in advance. The pre-booking basically sets an alarm in the system when it’s time for your pick up they system searches out for a driver that can arrive at the appropriate time, surprise if there are no drivers available you don’t get a car until one becomes open!
However, Lyft actually books a driver when you make your reservation..
I may switch to Lyft for this as a result.
Yea, i had customer cancel 70 mile ride that was a scheduled one a little over 10 minutes from arrival. No money. So, maybe you need yo get a real jib that write an unprofessional rant.
Not sure I have anything to do with you choosing to drive 70 minutes for a job, nor with Uber allowing them to cancel penalty-free. As a rider, if I cancel it costs me money. Nothing better than sitting at the airport waiting for my Uber for eight of nine minutes only for the driver to cancel scotfree while all the taxis leave while I was waiting.
I Agree, but as a driver I always do a little extra for my passengers but sometimes they expect a whole lot. And go on and get a taxi, but I can be there anytime taxis in my town are nasty and look like a garbage can inside. I’m just saying but my reviews speak for themselves
I did, GENIUS. I scheduled it for what I knew I would be ready to head to the airport. Ergo, the whole point of scheduling in advance. Dipshit.
Ahhh remember the day’s when when you scheduled a taxi the night before and most of the time it would show up with a courteous driver who would load your luggage while you finished getting ready and when you got in the taxi the meter was infact not on because the driver believed in earning the tip” not expecting it because he or she is entitled”
And how many times did the taxi safely get you home from the bar year after year
But then along comes Uber and lyft criminal syndicates operating illegally around the World making riders part of the conspiracy and now the chickens have come home to roost they both have never made a profit and never will they were hoping to get away with their b.s. all they needed was those autonomous car’s both driver’s and passengers were paying for oh well better luck next time
Being an experienced Uber driver I equally use uber service around the city, to and from the airports I had never had any issue with any of my scheduled rides to the airport simply because I learned how to use the app properly what I noticed is that a lot of riders does not know how to use the app good enough, I suggest a rider send a message to inform the driver the real ETA the moment the driver is on the way in that case he might use the extra minutes as a break to use the restroom or coffee break it’s that simple, just communication!
Similar experience here, Kyle. I also run a precarious pre-flight timing operation and minutes count. The first time, I pre-scheduled an Uber ride and the driver arrived 13 minutes early, blowing up my phone upon arrival while I was finishing packing and in a towel. I got dinged with wait time. I tried a second time for my visiting parents, who like to arrive 2-3 hours prior to domestic flights – don’t get me started. The app activated in the morning, 2 drivers accepted then cancelled, with the final one arriving 25 minutes after the scheduled time.
I agree with the others that it’s a software issue, not a driver issue. The current platform configuration allows drivers to operate in a consequence free environment, arriving well outside of the pre-selected time, with riders being subjected to additional fees for wait time regardless of when a driver arrives. There’s a better way. Perhaps add a function whereas drivers can view and accept pre-scheduled pickups when requested (such as the night before) so that everyone can plan, but must arrive within a window or face normal Uber driver cancellation penalties. Perhaps issue a credit to the rider when the service level agreement is not met. But I know customer service is not currently Uber’s jam.
Lyft has exactly what you’re describing, showing drivers available scheduled pickups, which we can then claim ahead of time, and commit to being there at the beginning of the pickup time.
It works nothing like they intent. You have to be online 20 minutes before the ride, but their system doesn’t take into account that you have a scheduled pickup, and could commit you to a ride so far away that you could never get to the pickup on time, or that even overlaps with that pickup time. When that happened to me, I called Lyft while on the ride, and they said to just let the other one go by, and another driver would be assigned. In that case, what’s the point of committing to it? And one ride that I showed up for turned out to be a scheduled pickup, and when I arrived, the pickup time was 45 minutes later! Uber’s system usually gets me there closer to the requested time, but it’s still not great.
Also, the vast majority of scheduled pickups that I see available ahead of time show an estimated pay amount of $3-$6. There’s no way I’m going to commit to being at a specific place 2 hours in advance for it is essentially a minimum fare ride.
Hi Kyle, Forgive me for asking a dumb question, but… don’t you know anybody who could give you a ride to the airport, like maybe one of your friends or your wife?
Hahahhahaaaa. Best comment all day abbie✌️. Kyle is a spoiled useless millennial who can’t go to the bathroom without his phone
Usually when I’ve scheduled a ride it’s because the flight is very early in the morning which necessitates getting to the airport earlier than I’d care to ask someone to drive me. Plus, a 4:30 am trip to the airport falls into this weird grey area where Ubers/Lyfts are scarce because it’s after the bars have let out and folks are heading home but before the “morning shift” of drivers start to appear for those needing rides to work or to the airport for later morning flights. So scheduling it the night before seemed the perfect solution. Furthermore, if my partner is on the trip, too, they’re unable to drive me/us. Still other times my trip to the airport would put my friend/relative in the middle of rushhour traffic so it’d be a super inconvenience for them to drive me, possibly making them late for work or their own appointments.
I’ll try to make this as less confusing as possible, here goes. So both the driver and the rider are deliberately misinformed by Uber/Lyft and this is how. When you schedule a ride, you’re under the impression that, that scheduled ride is assigned to a driver letting them know When where and what time to show up. Unfortunately for both drivers and riders, Uber and lyft don’t schedule rides in the traditional way of scheduling anything. The apps begin to look for a driver closer to the pick up time and if you’re in a suburb, chances are there won’t be as many drivers at 4:00 a.m therefor the app will get the closest driver who can be there in the window you selected. Lyft does however show drivers what scheduled rides are available, the driver is then able to snag that ride and is told what time to be online to accept that ride when the lyft app starts to look for a driver closer to the pick up time. So now that you know that the scheduled ride isn’t scheduled like your appointment or interview, be ready to head out 10-15mins before your scheduled ride arrives.
Kyle…… The problem is that you need to wake up earlier! Most of your issues would be gone if you did. That, you need to work on.
Perhaps but why not just show up when they are supposed to? If they want the clock to start at a specific time in the window, then just make that one point in time the scheduled pickup and no window at all.
I’m 35, if I’m not a morning person by now, it’s not going to happen.
I Agree, but as a driver I always do a little extra for my passengers but sometimes they expect a whole lot. And go on and get a taxi, but I can be there anytime taxis in my town are nasty and look like a garbage can inside. I’m just saying but my reviews speak for themselves
Problem is the driver sits there, not earning a penny for the 10-15 minute allowable waiting period. You Can Note it in a message to your driver… “I’ll be ready for pick up at exactly blank o’clock.” Problem Solved!
I can add that to my procedure. I didn’t blame drivers entirely, though. Uber is creating a poor customer experience – that’s a whole section of the post.
You are funny…. “If not by now….”
The 10 minute windows exist because the drivers can’t predict issues that arise. A passenger’s responsibility is to be ready at the initial time. I’ve done many and it’s rare they are ready on time.
Nice chatting with you Sir!
Im a driver. And I too hate scheduled rides so when I realize a ride is scheduled…I now cancel the ride immediately. Bc usually its not worth the time spent an missing other rides that are ready to go when I arrive.
Im a 5 star driver with UBER and scheduled trips are not profitable for us. We have to stop taking rides prior to your scheduled ride to be at your precise location on time, we usually arrive, as instructed, to a nearby area to begin the app on time. We finally get the request, drive up only to find the rider failed to provide gate code instructions… more wasted time! Now, if rider doesn’t accept messages, a call is needed to enter gate code. I’ve tried doing everything right and timely, Grant you this happens at 4:30am for early airport rides. People, you’re intelligent, provide good, clear instructions when you request the trips! If you’re at a mall, name the store! If you’re in a gated community, Grant the code! If you’re scheduling a trip, specify, No earlier than ___AM. Speak up! Your time is just as valuable as ours! We also like to feel appreciated for doing a great job. I keep water, newspaper and even protein shakes in car for my clients. In a world where you can be anything… be nice and generous.
I believe that you’re under the assumption that drivers are choosing to arrive early. I drive part time for Uber and I can tell you that it’s not as optional as you put it. The call for scheduled rides come in similarly to standard fares; I get an address, and I drive there asap.
The fault lies solely with Uber for being extraordinarily early with their call times. I have received rides 20 minutes before their scheduled departure. As a driver, what would you suggest I do?
-If I see I don’t wish to wait the 20 minutes, I get penalized for cancelling before the 5 minutes waiting window is up.
-Cancelling after that window charges you for not being ready much sooner than you anticipated.
-Waiting away from the pick-up spot so you don’t get charged a waiting fee leaves me with no compensation while wasting my time.
-Wait at the designated spot as I was instructed by the Uber app, letting the burden fall on the person who ordered the ride.
As a rider, I see a few options you can consider.
-take a chance on ordering the Uber once you’re ready. Not ideal, but you forego the extra cost.
-order a black car service or text. Costs more.
-be less precise with your time. I understand your time is money, so you’ll have to weigh the “$7.60 for six minutes” vs preparing to be at the airport up to 10 minutes earlier.
Overall I agree with you calling out Uber for how they handle scheduled rides. There’s a lot they can improve. As I only get paid a measly $0.26 per minute (after the first two minutes, for which I get paid nothing) waiting for passengers, I can assure you I despise the waiting game too. I just have to disagree with your framing of drivers “choosing” to arrive early, as if they are being inconsiderate for doing the job Uber presented them.
Haven’t encountered this problem myself with Lyft (which I use for scheduled rides because they lock in the fare when I schedule the ride, not in the morning of). They’ve always arrived within the specified 15 minute window (though usually on the earlier end of it). I also live in the suburbs and take early morning departures, though I do so in the SF Bay Area.
Agree 100%..
Also a driver here in Tulsa and wait time price is .08/minute!!! Thats why I always cancel scheduled rides…so not worth it!!!
Hello,
It looks like you complain because the service doesn’t work the way you think it should do. You think Uber asks for a driver to be at your house at a specific time, but that’s not true. This is just a convenience for the rider to not forget to call the ride as they have their mind busy with leaving the house, nothing more. For us driver, this is a request like any other, and maybe Uber requests a lot in advance for you to be sure to have a driver in time. And if there is no driver available at that time, you have no backup plan.
To the contrary, Lyft is not working that way: when there is a scheduled pickup, it appears in our app as soon as it’s planned, and any driver can take/reserve it, and in that case you have more chance to have a driver on time. But use it when it’s really needed, such as early morning in a remote area, not during the day downtown. Personally, it take the rides for them to be the first in the morning, so I don’t have to waste my time waiting before the ride to be sure to be there on time.
Nothing new: Uber got market share by opening on a loss-leader basis; like every other business going that route, they now try to claw back money using these creepy strategies, believing they have a captive audience. They don’t: I find the difference in fares to be narrowing…and if it’s only 10-15%, I’ll revert to cabs ( although my preference is public transport, where available). Consumers are not as silly as UBER might believe.
you just have to play the system and know when to schedule vs just request its simple blackjack
I’ve scheduled Lyft rides a couple of times for early morning airport runs. Both times it’s actually worked the way it was supposed to; the driver showed up within the selected window. Though after reading through all these comments, I’m not sure if this was blind luck, or a better system that Lyft uses.
FWIW, I do have to take issue with one thing you said:
“I’ve had two scheduled rides where the driver was at least 10 minutes earlier than the earliest part of the window, which is really more than 20 minutes earlier than I plan for them to be there.”
I agree a driver showing up earlier than the requested window is problematic. But if you select a pick-up window, then it’s on you to be ready at the beginning of that window. It’s not fair to expect a driver to eat the cost of waiting until the end of the 10-minute window, just because you don’t “plan for them to be there” until then.
Uber should just include a fee for scheduled service — something to compensate the driver should he arrive early, but not giving the driver a “blank check” to run the clock. In my experience, Taxis DO NOT start the meter when they arrive early – meter starts when I enter the cab at the per-arranged time.
It seems that a lot of Uber drivers on here are upset. My advice would be to find another job if you are not satisfied with Uber.
Kyle, You’re going about this all wrong, man. Here’s what you need to do…..
Start a GoFundMe campaign and let everybody know that you’re a victim of Uber’s blatant corporate greed. I’m sure you’ll get enough donations to cover those extra charges.
Oh, and Debit, my brother – you forgot to tell us how this is obviously all the fault of the Republicans and the bad orange man.
Peace out.
What’s the problem with expecting someone to be there when you ask, not 20 minutes before and not wanting to pay for their earlier than requested arrival?
Amazing how people just can’t understand what you are saying.
They discuss everything but the valid points you are making.
Again I see you placing the blame on the driver for arriving 20 minutes before you asked. In reality, the driver is arriving as soon as UBER requests them to arrive, no sooner.
Uber is the middleman here. I understand your frustration with this, you want a precise pick-up time while Uber chooses to play it unnecessarily safe with the 20 minute window. Blaming drivers for doing what they are requested to do (head towards the pickup as soon as they get the call) is counterproductive.
Sorry Kyle, but you’ve “jumped the shark” with this blog entry. I can’t take your opinions seriously anymore, and as a result I won’t be reading any future blog entries from you.
Note to Matthew: less clicks on your site = less revenue ( and relevance) for you.
Wow this post really hit a nerve with people. Unfortunately Kyle I have to disagree with you. A driver showing up early is a blessing, not a curse. If you’re embarrassed to tell them that you ordered a scheduled ride for x and that you need more time as you’re not ready that’s on you. Even if the driver dings you a point because they have to wait, you ride so much it won’t matter. I think you should just view this as a premium for a driver showing up in the boonies at 4:30am. Or maybe you could order the car for 10 minutes later than you need it if drivers consistently show up early…like what’s the definition of madness, right?
Why not taxi? Is because you are very cheap or you try to be hype?
Anyway…. Your logic is amazing, dude….
Uber has completely destroyed the ride sharing experience. Even in this part of world, Pakistan, they have taken control of one of their competitors whilst downgrading their services as well. They dont penalise their drivers for the bad ride experience, rather they have initiated programs to penalise riders if the drivers give them bad ratings. Uber i guess is a classic example of its pathetic management.
Talk about entitlement. No, I’m speaking of the Uber drivers. It’s called if you don’t want to accept the “meager” wages then don’t drive uber. Better yet, maybe you should have studied harder so you wouldn’t have to drive for uber? That’s on you and only you. No one owes you anything.
I typically enjoy reposting some of the content and reviews etc. from precovid, but this article (as highlighted by previous comments) is just factually incorrect..
There is no such thing as scheduling an uber. All you are doing is scheduling the push of the request button (and paying a premium to do so). You don’t get any sort of priority, and the drivers have no concept on an arrival window or planned time, it’s a regular ride to them.
It’s even more dangerous right now because there aren’t enough cars on the road and most requests will just spin and time out. Scheduling gives a false sense of security that doesn’t exist
@380Flyer – It’s not factually incorrect. They market it as a scheduled ride. (https://help.uber.com/riders/article/scheduling-a-ride-in-advance?nodeId=63165ec1-0910-409e-972f-0b8d8df1a605) I guess it’s like “farm fresh eggs” from IHOP. They were probably grown on a farm, but they were probably “fresh” from Sysco a few weeks after picking them up from the farm itself. But to be factually incorrect would suggest that they do not offer, do not market, do not sell “scheduled” rides – but they do. The article isn’t factually incorrect, Uber is.
This is easy. First, don’t schedule a ride with Uber. It is not dependable. Second, don’t cut it too close. Wake up a little earlier, get ready, call an Uber, watch the app, sip coffee, be ready to go when it shows up.
I used to cut everything close like Kyle, but then I got tired of things not working out to the second, running through airports and the like – or like your Uber/taxi to have an issue – and I just stopped it. It is not worth the stress. Now I travel peacefully. If only the lounges would improve so I had a better experience when I get to the airport a little earlier…
Perhaps we have all forgotten the stressor that calling a regular taxi was years ago. Call the dispatcher and then never have any idea when the taxi would show up – or if it was going to show up at all. Then make a second call when it is late. The great innovation with Uber was not utilizing and monetizing private cars and drivers on a part-time basis, it was having an app where you could call the car and actually see where it was, that it was coming in your direction, and when it would arrive. It made a service dependable rather than undependable at a lower cost and with greater convenience. That is why people flocked to it. I’m still glad to use Uber over a taxi almost all of the time. (I tend to use car services for airport to hotel to airport on international travel.)
You get what you pay for. If you want to book a service to be precise to the minute, pay for one that offers a pickup time precise to the minute. If the waiting time fee was really a tangible amount of money, markets say that you probably would find another service.
@JBM – I did. I drive myself and park now.
In the Chicago area, there are pre-scheduled airport taxi services that charge a set fee, based on the location (city) of your home/hotel/office and which airport you’re using. This fee is not dependent on time of day – it’s based on relative distance from the airport. The cost is quite competitive with Uber/Lyft and they don’t hit you with extra charges for showing up early. I’ve used them a lot and yes, they’ll usually show up early (sometimes quite early) and they just patiently wait for you to come out. No muss, no fuss.
If such services exist in your area, they’re worth looking into.
@stogieguy7 Are the services cashless, are the cars clean, and are the drivers respectful?
I’d be genuinely curious to hear of a taxi company actually trying to compete with Uber.
I’ve noticed the same thing with Lyft
Uber sucks as of late. In Chicago many of my friends have deleted the app for the time being as 1) it costs 3-4x more than it used to a few months ago, $25 to go 1 mile… (yes I walk usually) 2) you sometimes have to wait anywhere from 10-15 mins for a uber to get to you let alone 5+ mins for them to accept – and sometimes cancel so you’re out 15-20 mins, 3) their customer service is now terrible if you complain. I’ve been walking, taking public transportation or even renting divvy bike to get around instead of giving them business. They claim the higher pricing / less availability is due to vaccinations, however this is typically after vaccination sites are closed in the city so it doesn’t add up.
You obviously have struck a nerve here. A few key points from a driver’s perspective. We have no control on how early we arrive. A scheduled Uber ride hits our app just like a non scheduled ride does. There is a notification that you have about 10 seconds to look at and choose to accept or decline. There will be a small tag that says “scheduled” but we don’t see anything pertaining to your scheduled time frame. So, the driver is not arriving early, the app is pushing the driver. Second, you are paying Uber, not the driver. We only get a portion of what you are paying as a rider.(driver’s are supposed to receive 100% of a tip) As far as scheduling rides, Lyft’s method should prove to work better for you. Lyft posts a list to the drivers showing available scheduled pick ups. Drivers are able to select your trip and take it down from the list. You could potentially still have a driver show up early, but that would then be the fault of the driver, not the platform. If your ride is not selected from the list, it is sent to the closest available driver, like an unscheduled ride. On either platform you will find if you upgrade to a higher ride type, you are less likely to have to put up with driver antics. The higher the ride type, the more the driver makes, and for me at least, I have more patience when I know I making my top tier rate.
In Los Angeles, if I use Uber Reserve to schedule a ride in advance, all destinations–strangely–show up with the same fee for the ride. Example: If I schedule via Reserve for tomorrow to LAX (50-60 minute ride), UberX is $50.85. If I schedule via Reserve for tomorrow to a friend’s house a quarter mile away (a five-minute ride), UberX is $50.85. This has been going for the past week, which is as long as I’ve been comparing Reserve to scheduling at time of departure.
So of course the ethically appropriate thing to do is game the system. For the short ride, I wait until I’m ready to leave, and I’m quoted a price of $14.85. For LAX, if I wait until I leave, I know I’ll be quoted a price > $50.85, so I schedule via Reserve.
You do realize they only pay us .09 cents per minute to wait.
10 minutes equals .90 cents
I don’t care much for the scheduled trips or confirmed stops I have asked on many occasion for them to change this policy. Riders, not all take advantage.
If we aren’t moving we aren’t making money.