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lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:05 PM Jun 2022

Anyone 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!

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AllaN01Bear

(17,383 posts)
1. used uber / lyft once. left stranded , high and dry. never use them again and they arnt availble
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:08 PM
Jun 2022

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)
3. Before I donate it, I need to get my own self squared away
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:12 PM
Jun 2022

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)
2. I've used Lyft and Uber when I go to concerts out of town.
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:11 PM
Jun 2022

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.

Lochloosa

(16,019 posts)
6. Also, if you have never used them and worried about safety.
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:22 PM
Jun 2022

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)
5. Ask at your local library.
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:20 PM
Jun 2022

They might be able to recommend a driver by name.

Then you can make a good relationship.

Lochloosa

(16,019 posts)
7. I've never asked them to drive me to the dumpster before..lol. I have a feeling they may balk..
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:25 PM
Jun 2022

at that one.

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
11. No, I wouldn't use them for that
Sat Jun 25, 2022, 12:33 AM
Jun 2022

I live in an apartment, I'm hoping I can pay one of the maintenance guys to do it.

Phoenix61

(16,954 posts)
8. It all depends on where you live. Some areas have lots
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 07:51 PM
Jun 2022

of drivers, some not so many. You’ll 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)
9. I used both Lyft and Uber exclusively when I lived in NYC for a year and never a problem.
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 08:00 PM
Jun 2022

The wait time in NYC was usually between 5 and 10 minutes. Now I’m 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 don’t 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.

captain queeg

(10,036 posts)
10. Mostly have used Lyft
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 08:18 PM
Jun 2022

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)
13. I don't drive much either, but I hated the loss of freedom
Sat Jun 25, 2022, 02:02 AM
Jun 2022

I was laid up with a broken shoulder for a couple of months and those Uber bills really add up.

lillypaddle

(9,580 posts)
16. I definitely get that
Sat Jun 25, 2022, 06:06 PM
Jun 2022

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)
14. My youngest son and his partner don't drive
Sat Jun 25, 2022, 10:07 AM
Jun 2022

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.

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