Uber: Students make and save money.
Uber gets people from point A to point B economically and efficiently, and also offers students the opportunity to earn a little extra cash on the side, but not everyone is thrilled at the idea.
The popular “for hire” car service started in 2009 and has since spread across the country, proving useful in major urban areas, including Tampa Bay. Uber is cash-free and easy to use. By connecting a debit or credit card to the Uber smartphone app, customers are automatically charged after the service and emailed a detailed receipt.
Uber drivers are usually available to arrive within 10 minutes, and rates start at $4 for a minimum fare, which is typically lower than the price of a taxi. For college students, and particularly millennials, quick access to a safe ride, combined with a low price is a win-win.
Eddie Martinez, 21, a recent USF St. Petersburg graduate, said he loves Uber.
“For a typical millennial who doesn’t like talking on the phone and doesn’t normally carry cash, it’s a hassle-free way to get transportation and pay with your card through the app,” Martinez said.
In addition to using Uber to get around town, or return home safely after a night of drinking, students also drive for the company themselves.
Tim Carty, a 24-year-old USFSP senior, has been driving for Uber for about three months. Carty drives for the company mainly on weekends, which he says is great for him because he can make money on the nights when other people are out on the town.
“It helped me when I was in between jobs,” he said. “When I really need extra cash, I just plan out the week to hit Uber hard.”
Carty isn’t the only student who makes extra money driving around town. Jed Collins, 30, began using Uber for rides and recently started driving for the company six months ago.
“I drive for them because it completely works around my schedule,” Collins said. “Lyft, in my opinion, is a better company to work for but Uber is busier; therefore I make more money.”
Despite the benefits and ease Uber brings, cab companies are not pleased.
Last week two taxi companies and an Uber customer sued the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The lawsuit states that ride share apps like Uber and Lyft are not being held to the same insurance requirements as cab and limo companies, and the plaintiffs think this needs to change.
“Cab companies are finding it hard to compete simply because the ease of use for a taxi is nowhere near Uber,” Martinez said.
While Uber customers are enjoying cheap rides and Uber drivers, the extra money, cab companies around the world are fired up, some preparing global lawsuits.
This poses the age-old question to Florida cab drivers: “If you can’t beat em, join ‘em?”
