Philadelphia journalist went undercover as an Uber driver — here's how much she made

[CoffeeCat]

79. Most of what you have written NOT AT ALL what I have experienced as an an Uber driver...

"Shifting risk to labor"---What risk? I set my own hours. I drive when I want to. I drive where I want to and pick up who I want to. I don't have to accept a ping, if I don't feel like it. I develop a strategy to maximize profit--based on my analysis of "busy times" and the best locations in which to be. I have the freedom to craft my own work-day and business strategy. I like the control this job gives me.

"few or no labor protections"-Sure, we don't have a union. We are independent contractors. This is why so many drive for Uber. The flexibility. We're not coming in from 8-5. We are freelancers. That's what we love about it. I am also a freelance writer on the side. Some people do NOT want to be tethered to a job with all of its trappings, even though some of those trappings are perks. I'd rather have my freedom.

"predatory pricing"--I don't get this. Uber is often less than half the price of a cab and Uber offers better service. Surge pricing happens when there aren't enough drivers in an area. The prices increase to encourage more drivers to move to those areas. Most surge pricing ends within ten minutes. It is a device that is used to control supply and demand and it works. However, it is rare.

"disruptive "innovation"--To the competition maybe. The drivers and customers are not disrupted at all.

"no training"-- The job is easy. The ap is even easier. No training required. Uber does provide online videos and there are videos posted on youtube, for those who want to see the ap and how it works.
Basically, you turn on the ap. You get "pinged" when someone needs a ride. You are guided to them via GPS--turn by turn instructions. You click "arrive" and the rider comes out. You hit "start trip" and you follow the GPS instructions to the rider destination. When you're done--rate the rider and hit "END TRIP."
That's it.

"inadequate insurance"--UNTRUE. Uber requires all drivers to provide proof of insurance. You have to have adequate insurance. Uber also insures drivers. The Uber insurance kicks in when the driver is pinged and accepts the ride. The driver and the rider are insured through the entire trip. That's quite adequate.

"No vehicle inspection"--No, Uber doesn't come to my home and check under my hood. However, we are required to send pictures of our car. Both inside and outside shots.

"pits worker against worker"--I've never thought of it this way. There is enough work to go around. The ap automatically pings the drivers nearest to the person requesting the trip. So, there's really no hostility or bad feelings.

"customer "satisfaction" ratings which force workers to lie about their jobs lest they get an unfavorable rating (and fired)," --What are you talking about? Riders rate drivers. Drivers rate riders. Riders rate drivers on the drive and the courtesy of the driver. Period. You must be misunderstanding the ratings. Ratings help to weed out bad drivers--and bad riders. If someone is rude, inefficient or not a nice person--they are rated low. Keeps everyone kind, honest and on track, I think.

"worthless background checks"--Both my husband and I went through a rigorous criminal-background check and a major driving history check. They also did a credit check. I wouldn't call that "worthless."

"price gouging "surge" pricing"--See my comments above. Uber prices are low. However, when demand for cars increases in specific areas, the prices rise. However, these prices are rarely as high as cab prices. Surge pricing usually lasts for ten minutes--and it is designed to get more drivers to the area. Then, the surge ends. My husband made a lot of money driving during a major 3.0 surge. There was a horrible blizzard (2 feet of snow falling and 40 mph winds). Drivers *should* be compensated for taking these additional risks. Different conditions sometimes mean higher prices. That's not nefarious.

I'm not saying that Uber is perfect. It's not. However, it bothers me that misinformation and half truths get spread.