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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsAnyone use a taxi service (Lyft/Uber?) regularly?
My poor old 1994 Toyota Tercel was vandalized last night. I really can't afford to replace it - someone else's junker will most likely have problems. I had less than 100,000 miles on it. So, I'm considering having it hauled away, and going to a system of using taxi services. My insurance for the car is about $300 a year because I only drive less than 5 miles a week. Yes, you heard me right. I've already been having groceries delivered, and alcohol.
I will have to find someone to drive my garbage to the dumpster once a week, at a minimum, but otherwise, I need some means to get me to doctor's appointments and that sort of thing.
I'd definitely like any feedback on how much I can expect to have to pay, and also how reliable the service is. My doctors' appointments are all within 5 miles of where I live, and right now I have about 6 visits a year. I don't expect anyone to cost this out for me, but your feedback would be VERY much appreciated.
Thanks!
AllaN01Bear
(17,383 posts)where i am. isnt there a program to where say like donate it to lyons and or such?
too bad about the car.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)I was thinking more along the lines of someone hauling it off free. I'm 74 and on social security only. But thanks for the feedback.
Lochloosa
(16,019 posts)The trick is to pick your times wisely. Avoid rush traffic, events etc. And don't accept the first price. If you are not in a hurry wait 10 minutes and see if it drops.
Never had an issue with either one.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)Lochloosa
(16,019 posts)When you book the ride, they will send you a lot of info on the driver. Photo, name, car, license plate and their rating. When they pull up the driver will ask you by name if it's you and you do the same. Like this: Driver "James?" Me: "Susan?" Then you know you have the right car. Easy peazy.
If anything makes you uncomfortable, just cancel the ride on your phone.
Tetrachloride
(7,728 posts)They might be able to recommend a driver by name.
Then you can make a good relationship.
Lochloosa
(16,019 posts)at that one.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)I live in an apartment, I'm hoping I can pay one of the maintenance guys to do it.
Phoenix61
(16,954 posts)of drivers, some not so many. Youll need a credit card to set everything up. The easiest way to find out about your area is to create both a Lyft and an Uber account and check for a ride at different times of the day.
MLAA
(17,165 posts)The wait time in NYC was usually between 5 and 10 minutes. Now Im in a city with a population of 1 million spread over a large geography and while I drive most places I had to used Lyft for 3 months when my foot was broken and I still use it to go to the airport or a concert at the University or convention center so I dont have to bother with parking. I have never had a problem in this circumstance either. Here most taxis are also part of Lyft and Uber. Here the wait is usually 10 to 15 minutes.
So it depends on the size of your city / town. You could download the Uber and Lyft apps to your phone and throughout the day and week check various routes to see how many cars are typically in your area and what the wait time would be. You can also schedule important rides in advance which is what I do for trips to the airport.
If you know someone who uses the apps they could help you down load and test them out.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)captain queeg
(10,036 posts)You can now book in advance which I use going to the airport. At least Lyft does, not sure about Uber
TexasBushwhacker
(20,044 posts)I was laid up with a broken shoulder for a couple of months and those Uber bills really add up.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)But I'm 74 and have health issues. In order to get their discount, State Farm has a mileage monitor in my car. So far this month, I made 1 trip that was 1 mile. For me, I think the idea of not having a car is worse than the reality will be.
mnhtnbb
(31,319 posts)They use either Uber or Lyft for all rides when it isn't feasible to use the fare free bus system in their town (Chapel Hill, NC). They also use Uber and Lyft when they travel.
I have used Uber myself, occasionally, mostly for rides to the airport. Never had a problem with it.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)I checked prices today, and it appears that Uber may be slightly cheaper than Lyft.