I am not a regular Uber user, not much of taxi user either, but what I hear in the U.S. sounds similar. Now a lot of taxi companies in the U.S., especially in large cities, do app/web based service where you can call taxi on the web just like Uber. With recent changes in Uber app some are saying that Uber is getting more like any other Taxi. When I lived at L.A. and once used taxi, it worked so much like Uber. Asked me when I need ride, I needed immediately and taxi arrived in 5 min. Gave me approximate fare for the ride in advance, once I was inside of taxi I received a text asking if all was fine with taxi pick up. Also, there are other cell phone app based car ride services these days, Uber is not the only one out there anymore in the U.S.

Uber drivers are not happy that now Uber takes bigger portion of fare than before, take home for driver got little less. May not be a problem in Japan, but in the U.S. Uber is not so kind about drivers accepting tips. Because Uber is saying that whole concept of Uber is cashless and no physical credit card ride. Payment is done on Uber app and riders do not have to pay anymore, do not have to carry cash for tips.

Remember reading on the news, a guy in Denver used Uber before and paid $40 fare. On New Year’s Eve evening used Uber on the same exact route and Uber asked for more than $250.