[Greater-baltimore] New transportation option in Baltimore

Mon Apr 1 15:41:02 UTC 2013

Dear Friends:

Since many of us are constantly seeking timely and effective transportation, I thought I would let you know about a transportation option that has recently become available in the Baltimore area. Uber (http://www.uber.com) is a sedan dispatch service that works through text messages, an iPhone app, and/or a mobile Web site. All of the essential features of the iPhone app appear to be quite accessible, although some other gee-whiz features like the ability to see all nearby Uber cars on a map are not yet accessible. For those of you who have used Taxi Magic, the Uber technology is similar but the service is somewhat different. It offers some advantages over cab service, but can be from slightly to significantly more expensive. Uber says that its minimum fare for a dispatched black car is $15. Basically, you are charged a $7 base fare, and then $0.75 per minute at speeds under 11 miles per hour and/or $3.75 a mile for speeds over 11 miles per hour. In my opinion, however, this additional expense is worth it, at least in some circumstances, because of the following advantages:

1.       Reliability: A Uber driver told me yesterday that no fare will be refused. I have found this to be the case. Again, however, the minimum is $15. When you request a vehicle, Uber will tell you when a driver has been confirmed and is on route, and will provide you with an estimated time of arrival. The arrival times are very accurate, and you'll also get a text message when the car arrives. Sighted users can watch their vehicle approach on a map; unfortunately this is not accessible to blind riders, but the ETA is accessible and will update as the vehicle gets closer. You can cancel your ride with no charge up to five minutes from the time of dispatch, although I'm not sure what happens if the ETA is less than five minutes.

2.       Interactivity: When a driver is confirmed, the Uber app allows you to contact the vehicle driver directly via phone or text message. Your call or message goes directly to the driver's mobile phone, not through a dispatcher. This means you can talk to the driver and provide more specific directions or details about your location, confirm the ETA, etc. (The driver's number will then appear in your outgoing calls.) Sighted users will see the driver's picture on the screen, and the driver's name and information about the vehicle, including its model and license plate number, is accessible to all users. If desired, you can upload a picture of yourself when you set up your Uber account; if you do, the drivers will see this picture so that they can spot you.

3.       Convenience: This involves both advantages and, depending on your point of view, drawbacks. Uber drivers do not accept cash under any circumstances-or at least are not supposed to. (They don't have bullet-proof glass in their cars, so among other things this no-cash policy probably keeps them safe.) To use the service, you must set up an account and provide a payment method for Uber's system to store. If you object to doing this, I'm afraid you're out of luck. I can say that I have never seen strange or unanticipated charges on my account. Your ride will be charged to the payment method you supplied, and your fare will include a gratuity for the driver, so no cash should change hands. You can view the receipt for your trip on your phone, and Uber will also e-mail an electronic receipt to you. I have never used it, but there is a mechanism to dispute fares on the Uber site. Uber also allows you to rate your driver and provide specific feedback. You can also enter your drop-off location and get an estimated fare when you're setting up your ride.

I have found Uber extremely useful when other options, such as a preferred taxi driver, are unavailable and time is of the essence. All of the vehicles I have been in are very clean, and the drivers are friendly and courteous. Because the service is new to Baltimore, a couple of the drivers have seemed a little lost, but they have GPS and accept direction from the passenger. Most, however, seem experienced at driving around the city, since many are simply established sedan drivers who are using Uber's dispatch system for extra fares.

Disclosure: As a Uber user I have a promotion code which, if you use it, will give both of us ride credits. I have already sent it to some friends and colleagues. If you don't have it but want it, please let me know. It gets you $10 off your first ride and I believe gives me a $10 credit.

Unfortunately, I do not believe Uber accepts Taxi Access. Also the service appears to be limited to sedans in Baltimore at this time. In D.C. it is possible to order a black car or an SUV, and also to order a D.C. cab using Uber's dispatch service. If this expanded service becomes available in Baltimore, perhaps taxis dispatched through Uber will accept Taxi Access, but I do not know if this will be the case.

I hope some of you find this information useful. Let me know if you want my promotion code or have any other questions.

Sincerely:

Chris Danielsen

The National Federation of the Blind needs your support to ensure that blind children get an equal education, to connect blind veterans with the training and services they need, and to help seniors who are losing vision continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>.

Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Office: (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
Mobile: (410) 262-1281
E-mail: cdanielsen at nfb.org<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>
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