By Emily Koncki
Staff Writer
According to Uber’s official website, Uber originally started because the co-founders, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, wanted to create a method in which people always have a quick and safe transportation option.
Uber, a mobile app, connects with a phone’s GPS to communicate with the nearest driver to arrange a transportation option with no prior planning. With over eight million people using uber, the company’s growth is not expected to stop anytime soon.
According to local Uber driver, Syed Ahmed, the criteria maintains safe rides for passengers and the content drivers have to follow are under DMV rules and regulations. Ahmed also shared that when a driver’s rating on Uber falls below 4.7/5 stars, they are suspended which is a great way to keep the customers happy and safe.
Costa freshman Olivia Van Norman frequently uses Uber whenever her dad is unable to arrange a ride for her. Not living in Manhattan Beach is an inconvenience to her, but Uber makes it easier for her to get around. A lot of students can benefit in situations like Van Norman’s, regardless of their location.
According to Jaclyn Kingsley, Costa freshman, she has never felt unsafe or like she could be potentially harmed while riding in an Uber thanks to good, friendly drivers. In majority of instances with Uber, positive experiences are extremely common because of the drivers.
Not just students benefit from using Uber, however. Holly Winkler, South Bay resident for 20 years, also loves Uber. Winkler believes it provides other options when people need to get around and feels secure knowing there is an electronic record of her pick-up location and drivers information. Giving people, especially teenagers, another way to get home when they are in a difficult situation is another great benefit.
According to Candice Garmoe, working Hermosa Beach residents like her use Uber in their professional day too. Garmoe relies on Uber to bring her to and from airports, hotels and offices because she often travels for work. It is an easy and cash-free way to get around.
In Los Angeles, a five mile Uber ride is on average seven dollars cheaper than a taxi would be for the same distance. A bus ride would be even cheaper than that, but with Uber there is a more personal and exclusive feeling.
Uber is a more private and personal way to get around than public transportation. There is a perception that Uber is very reliable thanks to the safety that riders take comfort in knowing is there.
Some may believe that Uber is not completely reliable when looking for a safe form of transportation, but by taking precautions like traveling in pairs or groups, and understanding that Uber takes specific actions just to make riders feel more comfortable, Uber is a great option when it comes to transportation.
Uber is an excellent, economical and effortless way to get from Point A to Point B. Being safe is always important and with Uber there are actions taken to ensure that your safety and positive experience are a priority.
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