Uber Created the Market, But . . .

In developing this site, and thinking about all the driving I have been doing at all hours of the day and night, I want to share some free flowing thoughts and personal observations.

• Uber revolutionized the transportation industry by providing a way for individuals to earn extra money with their personal (or rented) 4 door vehicle. It is a BRILLIANT idea that is working well for many, but not all.
• Rideshare services are the ideal answer for people who don’t have access to a car or MARTA. And you MUST use one or the other to get around Atlanta.  It’s also great for people who don’t want to drive or who refuse to deal with the traffic. And of course, it’s been really beneficial for the people who wisely choose not to drink and drive.
• And because the first rideshare company has promoted itself as a ‘side hustle’, that is exactly how it is treated by drivers and riders alike. Meaning, it’s a part-time gig with unmatched flexibility — work when you want for however long. That freedom cannot be beat!
  For too many drivers, however, driving is their entire ‘hustle’. Uber/Lyft earnings are their sole source of income (for whatever reason). I can speak on this because Uber has been mine since August 2016 and I have been diligently working toward changing that.
• They created an app that everyone loves and uses, but it’s NOT necessarily helping people get anywhere in Atlanta ON TIME, unless you know to schedule your trip. I remember when Uber introduced that feature but don’t recall there being much hoopla or detailed instructions about using it.

They lost an opportunity to help ease some of the stress associated with traveling by car in this city.

The NEW to Atlanta service could make a dent in the rideshare market IF drivers encourage a PRE-BOOKED pick up time that accounts for:

• estimated travel time;
• delays due to traffic (which ought to be a given); and
• time for a driver to reach you from wherever they may be in Atlanta.

I would think most drivers would want to help riders get to their destinations ON TIME with the least amount of stress possible for both of them.

• There are countless people who ride both Uber/Lyft. Those companies apparently listen more to the riders by allowing them to use star rating systems that do nothing more than give an attaboy/girl to diligent, hard working and dedicated drivers.
• On the other hand, if the star rating isn’t a 5 (what drivers strive for) or when riders make false reports, it threatens drivers’ livelihood.
• As drivers, however, we aren’t interested in a pat on the back for driving ourselves and you safely to and from your locations. We would do that if you weren’t in our cars. We like, drive for, and understand $$$$$ better.

ALL the bad press is the reason I really decided to ‘go hard’ for this new way of transporting people around Atlanta. I AM past tired of reading yet another something about the industry giant.

SO . . . because I like helping people, and prefer to function and flow in integrity and honesty, I know I need a backup plan/exit strategy. And I’m betting there are some drivers out there looking for one as well.

Getting excited about what is coming to Atlanta, a real ground floor opportunity available for those people who ‘see and get it’, has been a God-send!

• Atlanta’s traffic and its modes of transportation make for unbelievable stress that really could be avoided if riders would just take a breath and PLAN their trips!
• I started riding MARTA in 1978 — the bus was 15 cents and there was no train. If I wasn’t at the bus stop on Decatur Street (across from my alma mater, Georgia State) by 7:45PM, I was stranded downtown, calling Mom or Dad to come get me.
• I don’t remember when the trains were introduced, but I know Atlanta never prepared for its own exponential growth and it’s evident by the way MARTA runs. You cannot go East to West or North to South without going downtown FIRST.
• MARTA bus travel is time-consuming because not only are you waiting on the bus to arrive, it’s stopping every few minutes. My son and nephew both tell stories of 2 hours on the bus to get to work. That’s after walking 25 minutes TO the bus stop.
• And when the bridge collapsed on I-85N, Atlanta’s traffic was next to unbearable, particularly for the people living along its corridor and to the North. Those people who weren’t already requesting Uber or Lyft, had to ride MARTA.  And I have no doubt the experience was a shock to their system. And of course, the stations that have parking were full EARLY, which basically meant there’s no parking at any of the stations.
• SunTrust (now Truist) Park and Uber . . . I have only done one pick up which was for the Exhibition Game before the season started. I knew then I had no desire to have that experience again, no matter what the surge may be. Opening Day for the Braves was great, but it was NOT for Uber. I heard it was a nightmare.
  I have also heard that there were all of 3 people who decided 14,000 parking spaces would be reserved for VIPs and season ticket holders, and the remaining fans of the 40,000 seat stadium should rely on Uber.
• Apparently stadium personnel were ‘trained’ but it was real obvious drivers were left in the dark. If drivers want to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, on a single lane winding street with no exit, waiting to find your rider . . . YOU ALL Can Have THAT! I understand some riders waited 2 hours for their ride on Opening Day!
• As to how the flow of traffic works now for baseball games . . . I try to avoid the area.  I may get you there, but don’t look for me when it’s over!

Anyway, my goal with this site is to provide information that helps people make an informed decision about how they could use the new service to their own advantage, if they would simply rethink a few things.

The most important being SCHEDULING your morning and/or afternoon commute! Just Imagine . . .