Got My Uber On!

If you've tried an app that calls you taxis, you'll get be more impressed by one that calls you a private driver. I discovered Uber online late last month. I immediately registered then but I was only able to try it yesterday.

With Uber, you'll get picked up by a private car. No sticker affiliations, absolutely no signs of being a cab. We got a Ford Focus and were immediately greeted by Abel who introduced himself as our personal chauffeur for the night. Music was elegant inside our private car and the ride was really smooth. Abel was pleasant to talk to, answering a few questions of curiosity regarding Uber. As per Abel, it has only been weeks since Uber started. I mentioned that in my app, availability is limited and he replied that more cars will be available soon. This is good news as I am looking forward to using Uber again soon. As we got down, I received an Uber Ride Receipt via email, detailing the ride and amount that would be charged on my card. It was only a short drive from Makati Sports Club to Icon. The email receipt states that the distance was 1.84 km. It even shows that the ride was only 6 min, 25 sec and the average speed was 17.23 km/h. I was highly satisfied and immediately gave Abel 5 stars with the comment "Great first experience!"

It was to my surprise that it was Doug Ma, International Launch at Uber Technologies, who replied to my comment. Another great thing going Manila's way because of Uber is their party this Thursday at Rocket Room. Ask a friend that's registered with Uber to go with you or better yet, register for Uber yourself. Just download their app or go to Uber.com to sign up. And the good news still flows! Register with promo code rw2j0 and get P1,000 worth of credits. Got a code during my registration and got my first ride free. You may also just go here to make things faster: https://www.uber.com/invite/uberFreeRideManila

Still not convinced? Go to Uber.com and see in how many cities Uber is available in.

Just register and enjoy the best ride around the metro!

Skip Long Taxi Lines With GrabTaxi and Globe!

After watching a movie last night at Glorietta, I was set to head home via a shuttle. Lines were long and slow-moving. Seeing a friend also in line made it more bearable but it was still a hassle to wait. My patience was running low when I thought of using an app that was the best way to get out of it, GrabTaxi. In a matter of minutes, I was able to get a ride home. I called Joseph to confirm my location and we were off to the South just a few more minutes after. 

GrabTaxi is a taxi booking service that I first used last September 28 on a rainy night where the nearest taxi line had at least 15 people waiting. Since then, I have used it for four more times, including my trip last night. My travels were as short as 4 kilometers and as far as 24 kilometers and each time was convenient, and more importantly, safe.

After entering your pick-up location and your destination, GrabTaxi's system sends your request to taxis nearby. You see the process on your device as each driver is sent a message and the first one who agrees to your booking is shown. The plate number, name, contact number, and even a picture of your driver is sent to you upon successful booking. Estimates of the taxis arrival are given and you are notified if the driver is already there.

I have initially used this with my iPad during my first few trips but using in on a smartphone would make it more convenient when you need to contact your driver.

Being from the South, this is great as most drivers do not accept passengers from my location. Either that or they ask for an additional fee. GrabTaxi does have a fee of P70 but that cost is much better than an unsafe driver. Currently, Globe subscribers have a discount of P20, lowering the price to P50. There is better news still. Starting December 1, Globe subscribers get the privilege of having a waived service fee of P70! This would go until December 15. 

You may view the press release here: http://beta.globe.com.ph/press-room/grab-a-cab-share-some-love

Grab Taxi's booking fee of P70 is free for Globe subscribers from December 1-15, 2013.

 

Just saw their site and it's available on Android, iOS, and even Windows Phone. It definitely is a wonderful Christmas time thanks to Globe and GrabTaxi!