Have you heard the local radio commercials, or seen local job postings for Uber yet?
“Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009, to our launches in hundreds of cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding, global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer.” Uber
Many Columbusites have longed for Uber, and other driving services, after traveling to various cities and experiencing their incredible convenience.
For instance, this kind of service eliminates the inconvenient process of looking up a cab company, peaking outside continuously for the cab’s arrival, and in many cases, waiting in an unsafe area. The Uber app (available on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone) connects riders with drivers, using their phone’s GPS capabilities. This allows both parties to see one another’s location. Your payment is on file with the tech company, which means no more fights about cash or plastic. You also have the amenity of sending a driver to pick up a drunk friend, or deliver flu medicine, for example, with no interaction!
Of course, there is always opposing perspectives, like, “surge” pricing in high demand times, lack of accountability, diminishing local taxi companies’ profits, etc. However, the lack of adequate public transportation combined with the DUI Less Safe law (a police officer can arrest you for DUI if you show signs of impairment, even if you’re not over the legal limit for drunk-driving), and other factors, causes a substantial void for driving services in Columbus, GA.
Uber is known to test market demand by advertising jobs and observing how many responses they receive in an area. If they gain enough interest, they will usually go forward with their plans to infiltrate that city. They did the exact same thing in Savannah and Augusta, GA, before Uber came to those cities.
Columbus, GA: Uber is looking at us.
*Cover photo by laweekly.com
Great article Jacy. Hopefully they do infiltrate Columbus. I’m in the camp that would view diminishing local taxi companies’ profits as a pro. Clean vehicles, lower fees, high standards on drivers who are accountable to customers, professionals who speak English and no need to exchange currency are all reasons we could benefit from Uber.
What Mike said….
I agree 100% with you Mike. I’ve used uber during my time staying in Dayton, OH and it beats calling a taxi any day.
Hey … Mike if Uber really wanna do business the right way over here in Columbus Ft benning area it’s simply UBER need to buy out the Taxi Cab company because Taxi company’s have been keeping its real for decade don’t just put lots of family out of business because uber is big , cab companies can also be cheaper and clean even more than uber but the Stupid rules law taxi have to follow before they can operate is too much cost and a lot more than uber.
I’d love to know if you’re going to Columbus, Georgia. I’m planning a trip there in October and will need transportation.
If not I know a private driver that transport to and from Atlanta airport as well as to Columbus and other neighboring cities. Nice, clean white Chevy Tahoe. Email me if you are interested in his services. He is professional, reliable and safe. Very nice man.
Hello, I saw your comment in response to the possibility of Uber coming to Columbus and I’m interested in the person you mentioned. I live in North Columbus at Maple Ridge and I frequent midtown where my friends live. Since I don’t want to risk a DUI after a night of drinking, I’m considering a driver that is perhaps less expensive than a taxi. My trips would be scheduled several days out and I would require round trip with mostly late night returns to my home. What would you consider a fair donation to go from Maple Ridge to 17th ave off Talbotton rd. and back? I have several friends in that area that are also looking for something similar to Uber in Columbus. Thanks
I’m a HUGE fan of Uber for all the reasons stated, and I don’t mind a little competition driving the costs for affordable transportation alternatives down while A. Increasing services and options for locals to choose NOT to drive B. Give anyone with a good record an opportunity to make money, and C. Make it harder for organizations to gouge visitors and the unsuspecting modern travveler in our town.
I would like to talk concerning Uber experience in Columbus ga.
I can be reach at 706-888-3748.
I am currently a Uber Driver and I live in columbus, Ga, I’m trying to contact Uber to find out how can I get started. Can someone help?
chicagohome2012@gmail.com
2549964436
I heard through the grapevine that Uber made an appearance at he Denim and Diamonds event this past weekend. Any insight on what that means for Uber coming here full time?
What Mike T said minus one of his slightly bigoted comment even though he is right. Love you Mike you big ol teddy bear
I am in need of a good ride with uber
I have not used Uber before and am not familiar with how it works. In the near future I will need to get to Rockmart, GA to pick up a vehicle. Would this be something Uber would do? A one way ride that far? And about how much would that cost. Thanks for any responses.