Many people may not be aware of this new development but a few others are actually making use of the service.
Uber operates using a downloaded application (app) to request a ride. The application helps the user to locate a nearby driver to make a request.
When the nearby driver accepts the request, the app shows an estimated time of arrival for the driver heading to your pickup location. The Uber app then notifies you when the driver is about to arrive.
The app also provides information about the driver, including the first name, vehicle type, and license plate number. This information helps the driver and the client to connect at the pickup location.
However, the driver, upon reaching the pickup location, calls to notify his arrival.
Uber allows the user to enter the preferred destination anytime before or during the ride. If you have a preferred route, you can talk through the directions together.
When you arrive at your destination and exit the vehicle, your trip ends. The fare is automatically calculated and charged to the payment method you have linked to your Uber account.
Payment can be made in cash or debit card payment.
Immediately after a trip ends, the app will ask you to rate your driver from one to five stars. Drivers are also asked to rate riders to foster a community of respect and accountability for everyone.
Uber service will actually offer stiff competition for taxi drivers who charge outrageously for their trips.
Having an experience with their service, the fare charged was surprisingly cheap as compared to what our local taxi drivers will charge for a trip.
I boarded a taxi from Osu, Accra, to East-Legon last week and I was charged GH¢30.00 .Compare that to paying just GH¢ 17.00 for the same trip with Uber.
To those who complain bitterly about the outrageous fares taxi drivers charge us for trips, Uber is in town so make use of it .
According to one Uber driver, Jeffery, Uber is only active in Accra but hopefully it will be extended to the other cities.
You can download the application on PlayStore, AppStore or Store if you have an android operating system, IOS or Windows operating system respectively and ‘Voila!’, your plight of paying higher rates to taxi drivers will be resolved; for as long as Uber stays in Ghana.
