(This is my response in another thread that I copy+pasted here)

My husband and I are weird. We researched Uber because we wanted to invest in the company; and possibly try to get in if/when they go public. Part of that research entailed experiencing Uber from the passenger and driver side.

As someone who was a passenger (about ten times) and a driver (I gave about 75 rides), I can tell you that what you wrote here is absolutely false.

I have plenty of gripes about the way they treat drivers. However, both my husband and I went through the approval process. It is rigorous. You have to submit documentation of a clean driving record, which means you haul your butt to the DMV and obtain your driving record. Mine went back ten years. You also must go through a criminal background check. You are not allowed to drive without this documentation.

You must also submit pics of your car. Inside and out. You are required to send updated photos quarterly, or your driver privilidges are revoked.

You must also submit proof of insurance on a regular basis. They keep track of documents sent and when your insurance expires, and they remind you that if you don't submit proof of current insurance, you are booted as a driver.

Furthermore, passengers rate you. If you're weird, unsafe, moronic or a terrible driver--passengers will rate you low. Rating are from 1-5 (1 lowest). You must maintain over 4.75 or you are in jeapordy. It's not easy! Drivers have been deactivated for falling below a 4.75. It's very hard to maintain that. Try dealing with very drunk people who are angry that you won't drive ten of their closest friends. They punish you (for their stupidity) with the rating system.

I have plenty of gripes about Uber! From a business perspective, I don't believe that the way the treat drivers is a sustainable business model. They slowly lower the rates in cities--which lowers the pay for drivers. When Uber initially begins in a city, drivers can make some decent money. However, the rates are often cut in half--slowly. You can still make money, but you have to drive at the right times and be smart about your strategy. Otherwise, you end up screwed. It shouldn't be like that.

My husband made $650 a month ago, one weekend. It was a busy weekend because of concerts/events. He only worked 16 hours. He rarely drives, but every once in while will do it--if he thinks he can make some money. If you know what you're doing you can make $50 an hour.

I hope the company innovates when it comes to its treatment of the drivers.