Uber Select - outrageous rip off
 

Why did you choose select over X? (Just curious, in no way excusing anything)

Did they not deliver what they promised with Uber Select?

The picture even shows you the type of car. Why do they have to speak English? Why are you outraged?

The OP's experiences are reminding me of "Everything Happens To Aaron."

OP chose Select and knew the rate and the vehicle. Drivers do not need to be English-speaking.

Not sure what the outrage is about other than spending $75 for something he could have had for $35 had OP simply pressed another button.

I never understand why people choose Select when basically the same service is available for cheaper as X

???
"Select" vs "X" refers to the car type. I don' think I've ever seen any marketing that suggests it also refers to the "service" or type of driver.
I think Uber's "premium" service is called "Black" (tho the marketing names do vary by market).

Even in NYC the Taxi and Limousine Commission no longer requires you to speak English to get a TLC license that you need for rideshare as well as Taxi's/Limos since 2016.

Then you've gotten very lucky. Those vehicles are usually in the Uber Black category, and they're unusual for Black in my experience (more typically higher-end SUVs or Lincoln MKZ).

Also, what on earth are "higher society types of conversation"? Were you distressed that your Uber driver didn't have an opinion on the most interesting pieces in Sotheby's upcoming auction of Regency silver?

Uber never had a good definition of "Premium," or at least it was diluted years ago. In fact, over 4 years ago, I ordered a Black for a special occasion, and 4 of us could barely squeeze in an older small-ish MBZ. But my sometimes-humble self just reverted to the usual X, and now mostly Pool, and sometimes even Express Pool. You'd sometimes be amazed at the level of stimulating advanced chats I've had with some of the lowly Express Pool drivers. It is almost as if I'm being picked up in the hills in a town car instead of in the flats in a Prius.

But you know, Everything Happens To Aaron. Good thing that's not my name.

I drive on a freeway everyday by the airport into the city. Traffic is crazy and people are all on cell phones and distracted. I pass uber cars where there are two people crammed in the back of a Nissan Versa or Kia Rio while the driver is trying to get Waze to tell him which way to go. Sudden lane changes, semis squealing brakes, etc.

Most standard Uber/Lyfts around here are tiny cars. I wouldn't have much of a problem in city traffic, but I am willing to pay more to ride in a nicer and usually more substantial car on the interstate.

As much as someone tries to convince you that small cars are safer, the rules of physics still apply. If the back of your head is 3 inches from the rear window of a tiny hatch back, a rear end accident will not end well.

Your mileage may vary, but that is why I choose Select. I am not looking for the cheapest at the expense of my health.

That would be about 10 MPH around here, on average, if you're talking about commute times.

If you want "premium", you're better off booking thru some company other than Uber. Groundlink always has discounts, not my favorite but is consistent.