Originally Posted by
CodeAdam10
Yeah that was the idea which Uber worked hard to promote. Then they started cutting rates...and they did it multiple times. Then they increased their base commission to drivers from 20% to 25%, as well as the introduction of the 'Safe Ride Fee' all of which goes to Uber (aka Uber's built-in "tip" for themselves on every fare)
Now the case in most Uber markets is that uberX drivers are working for half of what a local taxi would cost, in a cleaner / newer car (usually), and not getting any tips either.
The culture Uber started 4 years of 'there's no need to tip' sounded awesome all around but then drivers rates got cut more than half while the riders still believe there's no need to tip or that the tip is included.
I just wish they would spell that out, then. I am happy to do the right thing, I just want to clearly know what the right thing is. I hate those 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink' kind of policies. If a tip is customary, then just say so. Don't tell me no tip required and then I find out it really is and I feel like a jerk after the fact. I agree with the previous poster that Uber is heavily marketed as a 'one charge' cashless system and even their own website says the same but the reality is, you are expected to tip. That was one of the draws for me as I never carry cash with me, or at least very little.
And the sample quotes I just got for three different cities on routes I normally use taxis for were higher than cab rides in two of the places and about the same in the third. So if I'm adding another 20% on top, it's no bargain. Without a tip, it's definitely a better deal but factor in the tip and there is no advantage that I can see.