We don't have Uber here in my country.<p>But I find it interesting that almost everything I read about Uber's customer experience is positive. People seem to like Uber rides. Meanwhile, every other news about the company itself implies that it's a tasteless company with shitty tactics. I wonder if it's the ultimate capitalist success path.<p>Just a complete outsiders observation. I don't personally have a single experience with them.
I've used Uber much more than Lyft, but I've had almost entirely positive experiences with both. Only one time did a Lyft driver cancel a trip on me after I waited 15mins and almost missed a flight. I reported the incident through the app and a $10 USD credit showed up instantly in my account with a friendly note from the rep.<p>At an airport, an Uber driver picked up my fare and then immediately canceled it which caused a $5 USD charge on my account. A quick report through the app rectified the situation in < 24hrs.<p>The Uber experience is so seamless across time-zones, countries, etc and directly integrates with Expensify. If Lyft expands more into Europe, I will definitely use them as well. I tend to use Lyft more in big US cities. Hailo is also quite popular in Europe. When traveling, I never take a regular taxi if I can help it. The one exception to this is Dublin, Ireland. Taxis are so ubiquitous and cheap that you can get one 24/7 from almost anywhere in city by just walking outside and putting your hand out.<p>For the ultimate in customer service and luxury, Blacklane is better than both. You pay a huge surcharge for it, but sometimes you need a pre-scheduled ride that is 100% reliable.
Lyft user here. I always ask the question "What do you like about Lyft compared to driving for Uber"? The answer is that Lyft takes better care of them with better pay incentives and less rigorous scheduling demands. If you want more of your money to go to the driver instead of a central command, use Lyft. I've never noticed a lack of drivers in most medium-to-large sized cities that I'm.
To me, the need to resort to such tactics indicates that Uber doesn't have a very big advantage over its competitors.<p>The usual reason passengers seem to prefer Uber is their easier availability and greater reliability. Others will catch on to this soon enough.<p>It is also notable that in places with a better reputation for taxi services, such as in London, Uber's inroads have not been as great as they have been in SF or NY.
Tons of people here on HN use Uber - yet most of them know about those shady tactics used by Uber against Lyft.<p>Genuine question: Why would you want to support such a company by being a customer?
Uber just came to my town. I won't be using it.<p>We have had a thriving taxi ecosystem here forever, and the money stays locally. I don't want the new worldwide taxi monopoly moving, thanks.
I try to use Lyft as often as I can, they seem to genuinely care for their employees(drivers). Uber is quite ruthless when it comes to pricing. Simple features such as tipping is not present.<p>It is my part-time hobby of sorts to interview drivers who drive for both and inevitably (27 - 1) they prefer driving for Lyft. The one case where the driver said she prefers Uber was that the #rides were more (Bay area).<p>I think voting with your wallet is a powerful concept and in some cases, it is the only thing we can do.
Original discussion: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8229081" rel="nofollow">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8229081</a>