Cab Drivers, Beware! App Offers Stylish, Affordable Car Service
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Cab drivers, beware! A hot new cost-cutting car service is taking Los Angeles and other major cities by storm—one download at a time.
The Uber app is the latest mobile technology that offers a safe, affordable, stylish way to get around town.
"It's been the greatest thing in the sense that I can hit a button and there's a driver I can call to pick me up," said Uber user, Christopher.
All a user has to do is sign up at Uber's website, store their credit card number and download the app onto an iPhone or Android phone.
With one click, the phone will tell Uber where the person is located.
A professional licensed driver in a private town car will arrive to pick the passenger up within minutes.
Driver Marcus Raymond said, "If I have any customer around that requires a driver and a car, and I'm the closest one, my phone is going to beep."
No cash ever exchanges hands at the end of the journey and the tip is included.
"Uber is a technology company," said William Barnes from Uber Los Angeles. "We provide a platform to put riders and drivers together, much like Expedia does with airlines."
Uber also doesn't cost much more than a cab ride.
For example, Uber's bill for a trip from LA Live to Hollywood is $44.
Cab fare for the same distance runs $35 and town car service costs $60/hour.
Although the program has been a hit among passengers, city officials in some states aren't exactly fans.
Uber reportedly pulled the app in New York City.
