Taking a cab is so 2009. These days, Uber is the only way to get around – whether it’s after a long night of barhopping or across town to that job interview that not easily accessible via public transportation. While the company has been criticized for its surge pricing during peak times, it continues to dominate the transportation market – and, let’s be honest, there are totally times when paying three times more for a readily available ride is WAY more appealing than waiting 45 minutes for a cab.
You know you’re at the top of the game when people are actually getting rid of their own cars in favor of using your service. And if you thought that Uber had swagger before … look out. This month, the ridesharing company announced that it bought mapping startup deCarta. While it’s unclear what Uber intends to do with its new company – Figure out the best magic carpet routes? Find ways to hack traffic signals to avoid every red light in town? – you can rest assured knowing that whatever its plan, it’ll probably be great.
As Uber continues to grow, they are constantly adding to the 150,000 drivers in its system. The requirements to drive for Uber are pretty straight-forward: You need to have a driver’s license and insurance, boast a clean driving record, and own a car less than 10 years old. Drivers make decent money – in bigger cities, those working 40-hour weeks can make as much as $90,000 – on their own schedules, adding to the appeal. And now they get a nifty magazine along with their membership cards.
If you’re in the mood to be entertained and learn more about what it’s like to be an Uber driver, check out this piece in GQ. Driving around (often drunk) strangers is every bit as weird as you’d expect it to be.