By Aja Cooper, Staff Writer

Published in print Oct.22, 2014

Uber is a transportation app launched in 2009 that is now present all over the globe. Its simplicity has made its name known to customers in over 45 countries and 200 cities around the world. The traveling app makes it easy to travel from point A to point B at a fare rate while eliminating the use of a taxi.

With the Uber app, patrons are able to request a ride by typing in their location and an Uber driver will then accept the pick-up request. Customers then enter the address of their destination which is then sent to the driver. A route and an estimated time of arrival are then sent to the customer.

Taxis, however, never provide this type of reassurance.

Being that Uber drivers are considered everyday people outside of the public transportation workforce, it is essential that they provide the correct documentation used to determine their qualifications for the job. Their driving record plays an essential role in this process.

Uber needs to know that their customers are in safe hands. After completing this process and being hired as a driver, drivers are then able to set their own schedules and begin pick-ups.

Drivers also have the option of using their own cars to pick up customers. With the ability to set their own schedules, drivers can accept pick-up requests whenever they want to. When they are unavailable they simply go offline.

It’s essential to the company that riders rate their drivers so that future customers are aware that Uber drivers do not only meet the standards of Uber but also the public they serve.

Riders are able to rate their drivers and leave comments about them after their ride is over.

Paying for Uber is easy and efficient, once arriving to the destination, customers are automatically charged via the credit card held on file. Receipts are e-mailed to customers and leaving a tip for drivers is unnecessary. If looking to split the fare, customers are able to invite their friends to split to do so through the Uber app. If it is agreed amongst customers to share the fare, each credit card is charged equally.

Uber has made its presence known in cities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe as well as numerous cities in North America.

Cities such as Wilmington, Asheville, Fayetville and Raleigh-Durham are a few of the locations in North Carolina that house Uber.

The Piedmont Triad has also made the list of Uber locations within North Carolina.

With the Piedmont being known for it’s a universities, Uber is an outlet that many college students may find beneficial.

The base fare for an Uber ride in the Piedmont is $1.95. Fees of 20 cents per minute and $1.50 per mile are also added into the cost of a ride. There is a minimum far of $4.00, which equates to the base fare for most taxi cabs.

With almost all college students owning a smart phone and living on a budget, Uber has made themselves available to provide reasonable prices when it comes to transportation.

Jeb Burchenal, an Operations and Logistics Manger of Regional Expansion for Uber, reached out to partner with UNCG this summer, looking to provide students with safe, reliable and cost-effective rides.

In July, Burchenal shared that Uber was excited to be in Greensboro and ready to give free rides to first time riders. If interested in receiving an estimated Uber fare quote, information on how to become an Uber driver or discover other cities Uber can be found, visit their site at Uber.com.