So I drove last saturday, I had like 22 rides combined and only made $160 over 10 hours... Tonight, a Thursday I logged in at 9 and off at 12 and made $65 in 5 rides... plus $7 in cash tips
Ride 1 - Uber - My first ride started at 9:30pm and was the first time I ever felt the need to break some rules... John, an experienced uber rider actually called me while I was on my way to ensure I knew how to get to his very nice Eastlake home - I walked through the directions with him and could tell he had some urgency in his voice... I arrived and he was standing on the curb, his destination Placentia Linda Hospital, His wife had been admitted earlier and he forgot his cell phone at work... It was time to turn and burn - we got there in 11 minutes, we both were pretty stressed - I gave him a card and asked him to update me as well as if he needed a ride home, I'd come get him...He gave me a tip in a handshake, 2 Hours later, he sent me a text, his wife was OK, just dealing with a bit of stress and had an anxiety attack she thought was a heart attack.... Much love and prayers to John and his wife!
Ride 2 - Lyft - a quick pickup at the Nixon Library - Nathan was headed to Newport after attending a wedding - who knew you can get Married at the Nixon Library?!? He was a 27 year old executive, the 20 min ride was very enjoyable, focused mainly on his crush on the Brides sister - he didn't get her number, Nice in app tip of $3 - thanks Nathan!
Ride 3 - Uber - a Pickup from Cassidy's and quick run to La Cave - they were loud and obnoxious but still had fun!
Ride 4 - Uber - a ride from the old Hooters - can't remember the new name but the boat used to be docked there - a very lucrative ride home..... The ladies were gorgeous and the guy was very generous - handshake tip #2
Ride 5 - Lyft - this rider was about 5 minutes before coming out - but she told me she ordered too early, it was pretty late so I waited - she and her BF came out drunk... Waze had me on a good fast track to his home but he wanted me to take a different route - This was 7 miles further - I'm OK with that up until they started fighting evidently he cannot control his "F" bombs around her father.... it started to escalate - at about 1 mile from home I said things need to chill or you're walking home... They chilled and I was happy to drop them off and drive home offline....
Done!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Know when *NOT* to drive...
Uber and Lyft very subtly push you to drive - promises of surges, glowstache, bonus etc. dance like sugarplums or whatever dances... It's in their best interest for you to be on the road... The last two nights I've attended gatherings, and have not had good sleeping patterns for driving (Up early, bed late)...
Tonight I was hell bent on driving in the hopes I'd run into that deep pocket sympathizer would greatly appreciate my devotion to getting them home safe... but I sat down to setup the Keurig my father and Suzanne got for me and I said, I'm freaking worn out!
Yeah, I could double pour a strong coffee and back it up with a 12oz redbull my kids got me, but who am I helping at that point... Placing more in jeopardy than a $50 night? not worth it!
Not one person has utilized the free ride codes I've put up.... If you already have Lyft, I understand but 90% of people I've talked to dont even know about them... I offered up 5 free rides up to $10 and not one person has accepted... I'm not basing my decision on that alone, but combined with the fact on my way home tonight with the kids, we took my "Hot Loop" - not one of the bars were open and I could get a ride in YL within 5 minutes - saturated...
I never condone driving tired or under the influence at all, however tonight I was OK to drive, aside from being a little worn out - that changes quickly once I get in the car, restock the waters, and turn on the lights... I become a different person, I crank the radio and wait for my first fare, I snap back to life and I enjoy every minute...
I enjoy fishing, I compare the first fare like the first tug on the line you just cast out - you have to be quick to set the hook, (accept the fare) and from there it's reading everything - sometimes it's tiny, sometimes it will feed you for a few days... But when it's cold and rainy, you know the fish arent going to bite so you dont waste your time... That was tonight...
I know, very odd comparison, but every time I drive I MUST be at the top of my game, if I dont feel it, I dont drive... I'm not feeling it tonight!
Drivers, pay attention to yourself, if you aren't feeling it, shut it down...
#DriveSober #RideDrunk #UberOn #LyftOn #Rideshare
Merry Christmas!
Jeff
Tonight I was hell bent on driving in the hopes I'd run into that deep pocket sympathizer would greatly appreciate my devotion to getting them home safe... but I sat down to setup the Keurig my father and Suzanne got for me and I said, I'm freaking worn out!
Yeah, I could double pour a strong coffee and back it up with a 12oz redbull my kids got me, but who am I helping at that point... Placing more in jeopardy than a $50 night? not worth it!
Not one person has utilized the free ride codes I've put up.... If you already have Lyft, I understand but 90% of people I've talked to dont even know about them... I offered up 5 free rides up to $10 and not one person has accepted... I'm not basing my decision on that alone, but combined with the fact on my way home tonight with the kids, we took my "Hot Loop" - not one of the bars were open and I could get a ride in YL within 5 minutes - saturated...
I never condone driving tired or under the influence at all, however tonight I was OK to drive, aside from being a little worn out - that changes quickly once I get in the car, restock the waters, and turn on the lights... I become a different person, I crank the radio and wait for my first fare, I snap back to life and I enjoy every minute...
I enjoy fishing, I compare the first fare like the first tug on the line you just cast out - you have to be quick to set the hook, (accept the fare) and from there it's reading everything - sometimes it's tiny, sometimes it will feed you for a few days... But when it's cold and rainy, you know the fish arent going to bite so you dont waste your time... That was tonight...
I know, very odd comparison, but every time I drive I MUST be at the top of my game, if I dont feel it, I dont drive... I'm not feeling it tonight!
Drivers, pay attention to yourself, if you aren't feeling it, shut it down...
#DriveSober #RideDrunk #UberOn #LyftOn #Rideshare
Merry Christmas!
Jeff
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Did I possibly out Lyft Uber tonight?
Depends on how you look at it but I definitely gave Lyft a bigger hand up today, yeah yeah yeah, not a thumb joke!
I had 7 Lyft pings and only 3 Uber, 3 of the 7 cancelled leaving me with 4 Lyft fares and 3 Uber, the comparison stops there unfortunately...
Fare 1 - Lyft - 3 guys, literally within walking distance, like 1/8th of a mile pull me from 4 miles away to take them to Kelly's - I very much dislike what I call #blockriders, if it's only 8:30 and you're a healthy 20 something, walk... After getting in first they joked about going to Havasu and I said "Havasu it is, it's going to be a pretty big fare just so you're aware" he said dude I'm joking, were going to Kelly's.. Mean kelly's bar, next to the Royal, on the other side of that house?!? He said yes and I said, on our way... The dude in the back said are the waters free?!? I said no, they're $2 each... Really?!? You're that freaking parched from walking to my car you need a water, hell no! end Rant! Ok, maybe not - "so how do we get a hold of you when we want to move on to the next spot?" I said Like The Royal (Next Door) or TJ's (Across the street) he said yea! I said just order up another Lyft, I'll be nearby... Truth be told I went offline and drove to East YL and I rated him 1* meaning I'll never be paired with him again... Ok Now end rant... ok maybe not, Folks realize, while yes we do get paid, I'll see only about $2 and I drove well over 10x's as far to get there...If someone wasnt physically capable I'd have no problem driving them next door, but these were (3) 20 somethings that could have walked there faster than even ordering the ride... enough rant...
I almost went home, but glad I didn't, I did really go offline however to get over to East YL, I saw a surge and figured I'd roll by CB's house (a really good friend) - unfortunately his garage was closed so I went online on both Lyft and Uber - boom, Uber ping!
Fare 2 - Uber - Surge was on as I got pulled from 5 miles away to a nice gated community in AH, upon arrival I see 6 people - my heart sunk, another cancel - got out and chatted with Anthony, he said we know, another uber is on their way... sweet! up rolls a nice MBZ c class, Anthony his GF and his buddy James all hopped in, I offered the water, candy and gum, they were stoked - I said you got the bummer of the two cars however.... What Anthony said next made every bit of tonight worth it... "Your car is freaking immaculate, you offered amenities I've never been offered in the hundreds of Uber rides Ive taken and you seem like the coolest guy..." I thanked him and asked where we were headed - Newport Beach... I was kind of excited, my first trip into what I've read is drivers hell... About 5 minutes into the trip he starts laughing uncontrollably... Shows his phone to his GF then shows his phone to James... They are cracking up - evidently he had taken pictures of the spread I had in the back seat and said hows your car? His friend messaged back a photo of a white rag with a yellow stain on it hanging out of the seat and said, "Yep, smells like Pee" - Anthony told me never to feel inferior when someone has something you perceive to be nicer as it can be a real pisser! So true Anthony, so true! Winner of the drivers choice award sbux card... I got out and openedthe GF's door - he made the effort to walk around to shake my hand and wish me a Merry Christmas - he also said there might be something wrong with the rear vent... I sent them off just as the MBZ pulled in behind me and I parked into a group of taxis to inspect the back seat - I found a nicely folded $20 bill "stuck" in my vent... I tried to text a "thank you" but the phone relay number is killed as soon as I end the ride... so, THANK YOU ANTHONY! Merry Christmas...
So here I am, a single guy at Newport Beach Pier area, dressed better than normal and have a fresh $20 in my pocket - a beer at Sharkeez was so tempting, but so were the bathrooms under the lifeguard tower - I parked my car next to fisherman's wharf and ran to use the facilities... (I left the car running but I can lock/unlock it remotely) with both of the new electro-luminescent signs up and both phones displaying Uber and Lyft offline - I return to a Bicycle officer looking into the windows with a very impressive micro light... I alerted him as I walked up with "Good evening officer" - he asked if that was my car to which I positively replied and joked they said is was clean and clear when I bought it... He laughed and said he was simply concerned my fare had taken me up the Pier and tossed me off... He also acknowledged the location to the bathrooms and said parking there was totally fine for Taxis - he also said he'd prefer to see more Uber and Lyft drivers parked there than in the alleys - this led into a 5 minute conversation of public urination... 'cmon drivers, I can get tokens at any gas and sip when I tell them I drive - dont pee in an alley... Just before he left he said do you mind submitting to a FSB (Field Sobriety Test) - I said if you'll let me take a few photos of the wharf, I'll consider that a good trade for my time.. he wasnt sure what I meant but I wanted him and I pictured in front of the dorry (sp?) boats as they were being prepped... Unfortunately he "wasnt allowed to be in a "blog" photo - but 2 if not 3 by standers filmed me - I hope to find it on google - of course I blew a 0.00... He apologized profusely and I assured him I appreciated it, it's better to be safe than sorry... I'll walk a line 100 times as long as my fare isn't impacted - at that point it's up to the fare to dispute with the app manager (Uber or Lyft)... I asked if I was allowed to walk around and take a few photos now until I got a call - he said sure! I took advantage! Also gave him a $10 discretionary SBUX card... He gave me his card - I guess back in the day they were get out of jail free cards, I dont think so but thank you anyway!
Fare 3 - Uber - She didnt know where she wanted to go but I had no problem driving her anywhere... As rumor has it now- had to be a dock neighbor at some point... All I'm gonna say is LOL.... Tonight, I picked her up at the Elks - the security asked me my business, I said I'm here to pickup SoandSo - I'm standing just off the front driver bumper and out walks SoandSo - I recognize her, she recognizes me - yes, we were neighbors... was a bummer to drop her off 15 minutes later...
Fare 4 - Lyft - a young teen with his burrito (he didnt bring me one either) needing a ride home after shift end...
Fare 5 - Lyft, Was driving literally door to door trying to find Karen... Karen is used to this as she uses public transportation almost daily, today her BF surprised her with a free lyft subscription... Her work address is a huge complex and unfortunately most of the time its easier for her just to meet at the bar out front... most of us drivers make the same mistake, are you a bartender?!? No, she's a resident manager for a rehab facility at the same address... I wont ever discuss her role nor does that topic have a place here but we both had a serious awakening - within a blink of an eye traffic on the 405 N came to a dead stop, a few cars slammed together... I drive almost every day and quite a few miles, I have never had a shorter time to react, I had less than a second to decide - I floored it and poked through a semi and F150 car length hole... felt like I jumped the car over a few lanes to the shoulder... a quick breath, noticed the police were there for a previous accident in the #1 lane - asked her if she needed to rest, she said no so we took off, I didnt think much of it honestly, I see wrecks all the time, then I felt her hand on my shoulder... She was praying to God for our safety, I smiled, grabbed her hand and asked her to look up for a second - as I can hear her BF yelling on the phone - I told her to look at the road, the speedometer and GPS, then tell her BF we'll be there in 5 minutes - First time ever I wish I had camera's rolling... We arrived to a hysterical BF and his mother... She had never in her life been that close to an accident, me, I've had a few doozies when rear-ended in my Xterra, but never in a car - Her BF pulled me aside and asked if I was OK, I said yes but God had to have helped because I had an Angel in my car... He said, you know she's not a bartender then... "Brother, I never drive in that area at 2:00AM nor do I pickup rides normally in Costa Mesa, it was the name, Karen, that made me stop, but now I know it was much deeper" - we all swapped numbers... While not the original definition, she deserved the smiley face stuffy - maybe I'll take it by her work tomorrow... Shoot, I deserve one too after that!
Offline to closer to my home, still a bit rocked but totally OK, ate a Big Mac and picked up my final fare at 2:45 -
Fare 6 - Hotel west of DTF to, the Placentia Yorba Linda border - literally a block from my house... couldn't understand a word they said but they put in the home address and there they went...
I had a few things I wanted to share tonight but this took an hour to write and I am dead tired - I've got a house to clean, a gem to pickup at the Brea PO, Friendsmas Eve to attend and more people to drive home safely...
#DriveSober - #RideDrunk - #UberOn - #LyftOn - #MerryChristmas
Jeff
your friendly neighborhood Uber/Lyft driver
I had 7 Lyft pings and only 3 Uber, 3 of the 7 cancelled leaving me with 4 Lyft fares and 3 Uber, the comparison stops there unfortunately...
Fare 1 - Lyft - 3 guys, literally within walking distance, like 1/8th of a mile pull me from 4 miles away to take them to Kelly's - I very much dislike what I call #blockriders, if it's only 8:30 and you're a healthy 20 something, walk... After getting in first they joked about going to Havasu and I said "Havasu it is, it's going to be a pretty big fare just so you're aware" he said dude I'm joking, were going to Kelly's.. Mean kelly's bar, next to the Royal, on the other side of that house?!? He said yes and I said, on our way... The dude in the back said are the waters free?!? I said no, they're $2 each... Really?!? You're that freaking parched from walking to my car you need a water, hell no! end Rant! Ok, maybe not - "so how do we get a hold of you when we want to move on to the next spot?" I said Like The Royal (Next Door) or TJ's (Across the street) he said yea! I said just order up another Lyft, I'll be nearby... Truth be told I went offline and drove to East YL and I rated him 1* meaning I'll never be paired with him again... Ok Now end rant... ok maybe not, Folks realize, while yes we do get paid, I'll see only about $2 and I drove well over 10x's as far to get there...If someone wasnt physically capable I'd have no problem driving them next door, but these were (3) 20 somethings that could have walked there faster than even ordering the ride... enough rant...
I almost went home, but glad I didn't, I did really go offline however to get over to East YL, I saw a surge and figured I'd roll by CB's house (a really good friend) - unfortunately his garage was closed so I went online on both Lyft and Uber - boom, Uber ping!
Fare 2 - Uber - Surge was on as I got pulled from 5 miles away to a nice gated community in AH, upon arrival I see 6 people - my heart sunk, another cancel - got out and chatted with Anthony, he said we know, another uber is on their way... sweet! up rolls a nice MBZ c class, Anthony his GF and his buddy James all hopped in, I offered the water, candy and gum, they were stoked - I said you got the bummer of the two cars however.... What Anthony said next made every bit of tonight worth it... "Your car is freaking immaculate, you offered amenities I've never been offered in the hundreds of Uber rides Ive taken and you seem like the coolest guy..." I thanked him and asked where we were headed - Newport Beach... I was kind of excited, my first trip into what I've read is drivers hell... About 5 minutes into the trip he starts laughing uncontrollably... Shows his phone to his GF then shows his phone to James... They are cracking up - evidently he had taken pictures of the spread I had in the back seat and said hows your car? His friend messaged back a photo of a white rag with a yellow stain on it hanging out of the seat and said, "Yep, smells like Pee" - Anthony told me never to feel inferior when someone has something you perceive to be nicer as it can be a real pisser! So true Anthony, so true! Winner of the drivers choice award sbux card... I got out and openedthe GF's door - he made the effort to walk around to shake my hand and wish me a Merry Christmas - he also said there might be something wrong with the rear vent... I sent them off just as the MBZ pulled in behind me and I parked into a group of taxis to inspect the back seat - I found a nicely folded $20 bill "stuck" in my vent... I tried to text a "thank you" but the phone relay number is killed as soon as I end the ride... so, THANK YOU ANTHONY! Merry Christmas...
So here I am, a single guy at Newport Beach Pier area, dressed better than normal and have a fresh $20 in my pocket - a beer at Sharkeez was so tempting, but so were the bathrooms under the lifeguard tower - I parked my car next to fisherman's wharf and ran to use the facilities... (I left the car running but I can lock/unlock it remotely) with both of the new electro-luminescent signs up and both phones displaying Uber and Lyft offline - I return to a Bicycle officer looking into the windows with a very impressive micro light... I alerted him as I walked up with "Good evening officer" - he asked if that was my car to which I positively replied and joked they said is was clean and clear when I bought it... He laughed and said he was simply concerned my fare had taken me up the Pier and tossed me off... He also acknowledged the location to the bathrooms and said parking there was totally fine for Taxis - he also said he'd prefer to see more Uber and Lyft drivers parked there than in the alleys - this led into a 5 minute conversation of public urination... 'cmon drivers, I can get tokens at any gas and sip when I tell them I drive - dont pee in an alley... Just before he left he said do you mind submitting to a FSB (Field Sobriety Test) - I said if you'll let me take a few photos of the wharf, I'll consider that a good trade for my time.. he wasnt sure what I meant but I wanted him and I pictured in front of the dorry (sp?) boats as they were being prepped... Unfortunately he "wasnt allowed to be in a "blog" photo - but 2 if not 3 by standers filmed me - I hope to find it on google - of course I blew a 0.00... He apologized profusely and I assured him I appreciated it, it's better to be safe than sorry... I'll walk a line 100 times as long as my fare isn't impacted - at that point it's up to the fare to dispute with the app manager (Uber or Lyft)... I asked if I was allowed to walk around and take a few photos now until I got a call - he said sure! I took advantage! Also gave him a $10 discretionary SBUX card... He gave me his card - I guess back in the day they were get out of jail free cards, I dont think so but thank you anyway!
Fare 3 - Uber - She didnt know where she wanted to go but I had no problem driving her anywhere... As rumor has it now- had to be a dock neighbor at some point... All I'm gonna say is LOL.... Tonight, I picked her up at the Elks - the security asked me my business, I said I'm here to pickup SoandSo - I'm standing just off the front driver bumper and out walks SoandSo - I recognize her, she recognizes me - yes, we were neighbors... was a bummer to drop her off 15 minutes later...
Fare 4 - Lyft - a young teen with his burrito (he didnt bring me one either) needing a ride home after shift end...
Fare 5 - Lyft, Was driving literally door to door trying to find Karen... Karen is used to this as she uses public transportation almost daily, today her BF surprised her with a free lyft subscription... Her work address is a huge complex and unfortunately most of the time its easier for her just to meet at the bar out front... most of us drivers make the same mistake, are you a bartender?!? No, she's a resident manager for a rehab facility at the same address... I wont ever discuss her role nor does that topic have a place here but we both had a serious awakening - within a blink of an eye traffic on the 405 N came to a dead stop, a few cars slammed together... I drive almost every day and quite a few miles, I have never had a shorter time to react, I had less than a second to decide - I floored it and poked through a semi and F150 car length hole... felt like I jumped the car over a few lanes to the shoulder... a quick breath, noticed the police were there for a previous accident in the #1 lane - asked her if she needed to rest, she said no so we took off, I didnt think much of it honestly, I see wrecks all the time, then I felt her hand on my shoulder... She was praying to God for our safety, I smiled, grabbed her hand and asked her to look up for a second - as I can hear her BF yelling on the phone - I told her to look at the road, the speedometer and GPS, then tell her BF we'll be there in 5 minutes - First time ever I wish I had camera's rolling... We arrived to a hysterical BF and his mother... She had never in her life been that close to an accident, me, I've had a few doozies when rear-ended in my Xterra, but never in a car - Her BF pulled me aside and asked if I was OK, I said yes but God had to have helped because I had an Angel in my car... He said, you know she's not a bartender then... "Brother, I never drive in that area at 2:00AM nor do I pickup rides normally in Costa Mesa, it was the name, Karen, that made me stop, but now I know it was much deeper" - we all swapped numbers... While not the original definition, she deserved the smiley face stuffy - maybe I'll take it by her work tomorrow... Shoot, I deserve one too after that!
Offline to closer to my home, still a bit rocked but totally OK, ate a Big Mac and picked up my final fare at 2:45 -
Fare 6 - Hotel west of DTF to, the Placentia Yorba Linda border - literally a block from my house... couldn't understand a word they said but they put in the home address and there they went...
I had a few things I wanted to share tonight but this took an hour to write and I am dead tired - I've got a house to clean, a gem to pickup at the Brea PO, Friendsmas Eve to attend and more people to drive home safely...
#DriveSober - #RideDrunk - #UberOn - #LyftOn - #MerryChristmas
Jeff
your friendly neighborhood Uber/Lyft driver
Saturday, December 19, 2015
And sometimes things still work out....
So I got to my destination safe in a Lyft vehicle... a BMW X5.. WOW! That was a treat!!! Down to the Block at Orange, so 2 of my guys bailed so it was just John and I, John is a great guy and probably one of the closest confidants I have at the office... Unfortunately he is also the on call engineer this week... We both had 1 little beer and a great dinner at Cafe TuTu Tango... Wasnt quite the celebration we expected and he was over it so an hour later I Lyft'd him home - I chose Uber... His driver landed first, a nice Mercedes, my Uber pulls up in a 2001 honda civic... damn... Chen was my drivers name and I swear he kept trying to drive of the left side... I actually felt unsafe for the first time... He too was a crotch driver - meaning his phone was in his lap and he was constantly looking down... Don't ever hesitate to tell your driver you feel unsafe, I simply said to him I can navigate for you, please turn your screen off and I'll get us there... he then told me he knew better how to get home - yeah, not a freaking chance - that's my service area and I'm there a few times a week... After a left turn against a red light into oncoming traffic going the incorrect direction I told him to pull over... I logged into my app very quickly, canceled the ride 5 minutes into it and gave him a ZERO... Uber called me within 5 minutes - I said I felt I was in danger, They said we see you're a driver too, I said Yes and I expect the same service I provide - they credited that ride and gave me the next ride free home, in an Uber Black... Within 2 minutes there was a tesla pulling up with the same glowing EL Uber sign I run... Scott was phenomenal - water, gum, mints, kleenex and hand sanitizer... more on that later but I rode home in pure bliss, he had chargers for both my iPhone 5 and my new Android... The trip I took from lyft was 7.85 - the Uber black was 23.50 but credited back... I may black more often, may even get a car that qualifies for Black, it was AWESOME...
So now it's still early (well, 11:30pm) and I see a surge - it had been 2 hours since I consumed a pint of Stella, I made a quesadilla and decided to go drive... Good Choice!
Fare 1 - Lyft - Placentia to YL, literally 3 minutes and 1/2 of a mile - in a surge - $7.50 - she said I know it was super short, can I still take a candy cane - You can take them all if you want, you paid for them, she then looked at her charge and said "that's nothing" this ride usually costs me $15... wow... she also tipped me $5 in app! Hope I get her in my car again :)
Fare 2 - Uber - Woah, a couple from Big's... This had to be my most uncomfortable ride ever... She hopped in the back seat and literally shut the door in his face... He said I guess I'll ride up front... she said you'd be better of in a different car but, yeah the front works if you need to get home... She also was the first Ive ever had control my radio with the Uber App - I purchased a $35 adapter from Target, mostly for me as I drive a lot for work, but she smiled and said I was the first Uber driver that accommodated that feature, with a huge smile she started playing some serious "I hate you" type music... She asked very nicely to stop at 7-11 - normally at that time of night I say no but I was afraid of her too :P - She got out and I looked at the guy, "Dude, you F'd up didn't you?!?" he said yeah, I did a line of coke in front of her... I sympathized as he was the Fare but I did say I'm glad I picked you up instead of you driving home... he agreed and she came back out - she bought me a 20oz redbull - that's $5 easy... I was super appreciative as my 8oz was dead, she said I saw you trying to get more out of the empty can... a mile left not a word was said.... she got out quickly after handing me a $10 bill, she said I'm sorry you dealt with our drug drama, this was a great uber ride... - I tried to give it back to her, the redbull was tip enough on a $15 fare but she wouldn't have it... He stayed in the car for a minute - more was said before and he then asked me - dude you have a dent too, you've been here - what do I do... my response was simple, clean it up bro... I drive so I dont drink - find something to keep you off the pow.... He said that was my second time ever and I simply replied, 2 times too many.... Maybe they'll survive this test, may not.. I had to pull over around the corner for a while...
Fare 3 - Uber - Didn't have much time to reflect... picked up 3 drunk hardcore homeboys who all squeezed into the back seat - I said why dont one of you come up to the passenger seat, nope... they navigated me about 4 miles away to a very dark area - they said, this is cool bro... One of the guy's mom flew out offing me to come eat and drink with them... I politely declined using the best spanish I could... they laughed and she said take some tamales to your esposa then... LOL, I still have like 3 left from the last tamale deliverer - my son wont eat them, daughter cannot... I closed the ride out and drove off before she could return... felt bad but too many tamales make Jeff a fat boy!
Fare 4 - Uber - VERY intoxicated females - they were over the top drunk... I truly thought this would be my first barf situation - they were very aware of the waters and the blue bags... thank God it was a 4 minute ride... No Puke, and no incident - $5 cash tip on a short ride :)
Fare 5 - Uber - 2 somewhat sober ladies hopped in my car and asked if I could go across the street to grab their friend who was in a bad situation with a few guys she didn't know.....It's 2:00, huge surge but I'm a sucker to a blue eyed brunette... I found their friend, they hopped into the guys car and got a ride home... She didnt cancel the Fare - I sat for 5 minutes and cancelled the ride - $10 spiff
Fare 6 - Uber - a few blocks from DTF - I'm sitting outside of the complex, a few uber XL and black drivers all pull in next to me - they pack up and head out, I'm still there... called the client and he said I'll be out in a few, noticed I've been idle for 10 minutes, cancelled his ride and got a $10 spiff...
Moral of my story tonight, I'm learning a ton! Tip your driver if they are worthy and dont expect them to wait more than 5 minutes....I watched an Uber XL driver bail too, it's 2:15, its a surge and they want to go home!
Kristy, you've made $120 gross so far, plus 2 sign-ups... I'll total it all up on Sunday but I think we will be able to hit my goal!
#Uberon
Jeff
So now it's still early (well, 11:30pm) and I see a surge - it had been 2 hours since I consumed a pint of Stella, I made a quesadilla and decided to go drive... Good Choice!
Fare 1 - Lyft - Placentia to YL, literally 3 minutes and 1/2 of a mile - in a surge - $7.50 - she said I know it was super short, can I still take a candy cane - You can take them all if you want, you paid for them, she then looked at her charge and said "that's nothing" this ride usually costs me $15... wow... she also tipped me $5 in app! Hope I get her in my car again :)
Fare 2 - Uber - Woah, a couple from Big's... This had to be my most uncomfortable ride ever... She hopped in the back seat and literally shut the door in his face... He said I guess I'll ride up front... she said you'd be better of in a different car but, yeah the front works if you need to get home... She also was the first Ive ever had control my radio with the Uber App - I purchased a $35 adapter from Target, mostly for me as I drive a lot for work, but she smiled and said I was the first Uber driver that accommodated that feature, with a huge smile she started playing some serious "I hate you" type music... She asked very nicely to stop at 7-11 - normally at that time of night I say no but I was afraid of her too :P - She got out and I looked at the guy, "Dude, you F'd up didn't you?!?" he said yeah, I did a line of coke in front of her... I sympathized as he was the Fare but I did say I'm glad I picked you up instead of you driving home... he agreed and she came back out - she bought me a 20oz redbull - that's $5 easy... I was super appreciative as my 8oz was dead, she said I saw you trying to get more out of the empty can... a mile left not a word was said.... she got out quickly after handing me a $10 bill, she said I'm sorry you dealt with our drug drama, this was a great uber ride... - I tried to give it back to her, the redbull was tip enough on a $15 fare but she wouldn't have it... He stayed in the car for a minute - more was said before and he then asked me - dude you have a dent too, you've been here - what do I do... my response was simple, clean it up bro... I drive so I dont drink - find something to keep you off the pow.... He said that was my second time ever and I simply replied, 2 times too many.... Maybe they'll survive this test, may not.. I had to pull over around the corner for a while...
Fare 3 - Uber - Didn't have much time to reflect... picked up 3 drunk hardcore homeboys who all squeezed into the back seat - I said why dont one of you come up to the passenger seat, nope... they navigated me about 4 miles away to a very dark area - they said, this is cool bro... One of the guy's mom flew out offing me to come eat and drink with them... I politely declined using the best spanish I could... they laughed and she said take some tamales to your esposa then... LOL, I still have like 3 left from the last tamale deliverer - my son wont eat them, daughter cannot... I closed the ride out and drove off before she could return... felt bad but too many tamales make Jeff a fat boy!
Fare 4 - Uber - VERY intoxicated females - they were over the top drunk... I truly thought this would be my first barf situation - they were very aware of the waters and the blue bags... thank God it was a 4 minute ride... No Puke, and no incident - $5 cash tip on a short ride :)
Fare 5 - Uber - 2 somewhat sober ladies hopped in my car and asked if I could go across the street to grab their friend who was in a bad situation with a few guys she didn't know.....It's 2:00, huge surge but I'm a sucker to a blue eyed brunette... I found their friend, they hopped into the guys car and got a ride home... She didnt cancel the Fare - I sat for 5 minutes and cancelled the ride - $10 spiff
Fare 6 - Uber - a few blocks from DTF - I'm sitting outside of the complex, a few uber XL and black drivers all pull in next to me - they pack up and head out, I'm still there... called the client and he said I'll be out in a few, noticed I've been idle for 10 minutes, cancelled his ride and got a $10 spiff...
Moral of my story tonight, I'm learning a ton! Tip your driver if they are worthy and dont expect them to wait more than 5 minutes....I watched an Uber XL driver bail too, it's 2:15, its a surge and they want to go home!
Kristy, you've made $120 gross so far, plus 2 sign-ups... I'll total it all up on Sunday but I think we will be able to hit my goal!
#Uberon
Jeff
Friday, December 18, 2015
Sometimes I forget things...
Totally forgot I had promised my guys a night out... So I bought a visa gift card and setup a new account on a burner phone I got just for driving, my name is Jajaram, all of our initials... LOL... I did get the 5 free rides under Kristy's account, but I have a feeling that bringing 4 guys together from Aliso Viejo, San Pedro, Orange and Fullerton will exceed the "free"... This should meet the requirements and net a $50 spiff... Added to last night we're at about $85 in cash this far... Saturday hopefully will hit the full $200 mark I'm really after... there is still a few days to sign up! please follow this link:
https://www.lyft.com/invited/NOTBLEUCHRISTMAS
#LyftOn
Jeff
https://www.lyft.com/invited/NOTBLEUCHRISTMAS
#LyftOn
Jeff
Wanted to get a "jump" on "Not a Bleau Christmas"
I love to give back to the community - for those of you who know me tonight would be a "Del Taco, pay it back" night... Tonight it was a Jump it forward night... Not 1 person that I've seen has signed up as a rider yet under Kristy's link... That's OK, I still hope to send the $200... So after ordering my dinner I drove for a few hours...
While I was running my new EL signs, I only got uber hits... I Like that I can turn each sign on and off quickly... even 2 fares commented on the glowing "Uber" sign was a nice touch - making it easy to identify me...
Fare 1 - Uber - Quick ride from Placentia to the Orange Promenade... The guy didn't wear a condom as she said she was unable to conceive - he now has a 14 month old daughter... Today the baby was with Mom and he wanted to enjoy a night out! Kudos for Ubering and kudos for stepping up... good Dude...
Fare 2 - Uber - Orange Promenade to Irvine... Total techie geek! Worked for a gaming company that purchased 40+ tickets to the new star wars movie... no spoilers here, he said it was totally worth the trip to Orange... New to the OC he's already been in 3 accidents - watch out for this guy on the road...
Fare 3 - Uber - A Marketing guy pitching UI to Kia... a stop at the Circle K to buy cigs... He doesnt normally smoke but he's stressing this pitch tomorrow - I understand! Dropped at the Irvine embassy suits...
Fare 4 - Uber - 2 Gentlemen to Newport's Triangle Square with a stop at a chevron for smokes... they also bought me a danish which I will enjoy tomorrow - the primary (Taylor) was walking his mini American Eskimo dog when I approached - he was amazed I called it, most think it's a pomeranian... not even close to the same..
So 4 fares and over $55 Gross in 1 night - probably $45 in 1.5 hours... Good Thursday and a good start on my "Not a Bleau Christmas" campaign.... :)
#Uber/Lyft on
Jeff
While I was running my new EL signs, I only got uber hits... I Like that I can turn each sign on and off quickly... even 2 fares commented on the glowing "Uber" sign was a nice touch - making it easy to identify me...
Fare 1 - Uber - Quick ride from Placentia to the Orange Promenade... The guy didn't wear a condom as she said she was unable to conceive - he now has a 14 month old daughter... Today the baby was with Mom and he wanted to enjoy a night out! Kudos for Ubering and kudos for stepping up... good Dude...
Fare 2 - Uber - Orange Promenade to Irvine... Total techie geek! Worked for a gaming company that purchased 40+ tickets to the new star wars movie... no spoilers here, he said it was totally worth the trip to Orange... New to the OC he's already been in 3 accidents - watch out for this guy on the road...
Fare 3 - Uber - A Marketing guy pitching UI to Kia... a stop at the Circle K to buy cigs... He doesnt normally smoke but he's stressing this pitch tomorrow - I understand! Dropped at the Irvine embassy suits...
Fare 4 - Uber - 2 Gentlemen to Newport's Triangle Square with a stop at a chevron for smokes... they also bought me a danish which I will enjoy tomorrow - the primary (Taylor) was walking his mini American Eskimo dog when I approached - he was amazed I called it, most think it's a pomeranian... not even close to the same..
So 4 fares and over $55 Gross in 1 night - probably $45 in 1.5 hours... Good Thursday and a good start on my "Not a Bleau Christmas" campaign.... :)
#Uber/Lyft on
Jeff
Sunday, December 13, 2015
And sometimes we ride!
So after looking at how many fares I've had simply in the last 2 weeks, I decided to give back to myself with the cash tips and use a few of my own free rides :) Today we're doing the reverse review - about my drivers!
Ride 1 - Lyft - Karl - I made a rookie rider mistake, I was by my car when I ordered the ride, the address in fact came up as the house behind my car and not my Apartment complex... Fortunately I noticed the pickup address was wrong and texted him the correct address and pick up point - he responded "ok cool bro, b there in a hot min" - Karl doesnt know me, I dont know Karl and I thought, what if he was picking up my Dad - I'm hard pressed to see anyone saying "OK cool bro" to my father, my text responses, when safe to do so are fully written professional sentences, like I am writing to a CEO of a corporation... Karl arrived in a Ford flex, full leather and power - very nice car yet looked as if kinder care blew up in the back seat... I may be overly critical but while a nice car it wasn't as clean as expected - I also thought I ordered from the wrong platform as it sat 6, but he assured me it was a standard lyft, he didn't even know about Lyft plus! I then told him I was a driver too, he let out a sigh of relief and said Nice, so you know how it is.. He had only been driving for 2 days, no placard and no gap insurance, I made him aware of both, he also had no mount for his phone so he was looking down the whole time, I asked him to just listen to me on where to go and ignore his phone... His mentor didn't do him any justice - I guess we cant all get Art, but there should be a standard practice level for mentors... He got me safe to the Lazy Dog Cafe, and that's what matters... Good luck Karl - he too complained about the app not being loud/obnoxious enough when a new ride came in... Free ride, $2 tip - always tip your drivers :)
Hair of the Dog... Best Bloody Mary, second only to the cart at Indian Ridge CC on Easter... The Ahi Poke is the bomb too... Watched some football and had my Brunch - I was happy!
Ride 2 - Lyft - Jason... Picking up near Brea mall is tricky, sent Jason a text to let him know I was at the Lazy Dog as the pin showed me on the freeway... Jason arrived very quickly in a Ford Focus. The car was bone stock, cloth interior, manual windows and sounded like it needed a tune... Jason had candy canes available, nice touch but no water and I was parched... I entered my destination but he got a bit off track taking me 5 miles out of my way, I knew I was ok based on the last ride as this was free too but HUGE ding if I was paying for it... I let him know I drive as well, just decided to ride for a day... he had been driving for 2 days... Honestly I'm not sure how his car had passed, and he let me know Uber denied him... I was riding in something I may have owned when I was 16 - again thinking about driving someone like my dad, this car wasn't up to par... Ehhh, the car sucked, his navigation skills sucked but he had candy canes at least... He did have a story of a girl that opened the door while moving and puked while moving last night... he now had barf bags available and said water is a great idea.. He got me safe to "The Bench" I reluctantly gave him a $1 tip in app - also informed him of the lack of placard and GAP insurance...
I walked from there after having a Moscow Mule in honor of someone, stopped at Brian's and had a few PBR's - today was a good day...
So after riding I now understand the Lyft client when they say "damn, this is a nice car" and "wow, water, candy and gum, Thanks!" They dont know any better... Everyone who gets in my car is a CEO of a billion dollar corporation - this might be why I had a great day on cash tips alone!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Ride 1 - Lyft - Karl - I made a rookie rider mistake, I was by my car when I ordered the ride, the address in fact came up as the house behind my car and not my Apartment complex... Fortunately I noticed the pickup address was wrong and texted him the correct address and pick up point - he responded "ok cool bro, b there in a hot min" - Karl doesnt know me, I dont know Karl and I thought, what if he was picking up my Dad - I'm hard pressed to see anyone saying "OK cool bro" to my father, my text responses, when safe to do so are fully written professional sentences, like I am writing to a CEO of a corporation... Karl arrived in a Ford flex, full leather and power - very nice car yet looked as if kinder care blew up in the back seat... I may be overly critical but while a nice car it wasn't as clean as expected - I also thought I ordered from the wrong platform as it sat 6, but he assured me it was a standard lyft, he didn't even know about Lyft plus! I then told him I was a driver too, he let out a sigh of relief and said Nice, so you know how it is.. He had only been driving for 2 days, no placard and no gap insurance, I made him aware of both, he also had no mount for his phone so he was looking down the whole time, I asked him to just listen to me on where to go and ignore his phone... His mentor didn't do him any justice - I guess we cant all get Art, but there should be a standard practice level for mentors... He got me safe to the Lazy Dog Cafe, and that's what matters... Good luck Karl - he too complained about the app not being loud/obnoxious enough when a new ride came in... Free ride, $2 tip - always tip your drivers :)
Hair of the Dog... Best Bloody Mary, second only to the cart at Indian Ridge CC on Easter... The Ahi Poke is the bomb too... Watched some football and had my Brunch - I was happy!
Ride 2 - Lyft - Jason... Picking up near Brea mall is tricky, sent Jason a text to let him know I was at the Lazy Dog as the pin showed me on the freeway... Jason arrived very quickly in a Ford Focus. The car was bone stock, cloth interior, manual windows and sounded like it needed a tune... Jason had candy canes available, nice touch but no water and I was parched... I entered my destination but he got a bit off track taking me 5 miles out of my way, I knew I was ok based on the last ride as this was free too but HUGE ding if I was paying for it... I let him know I drive as well, just decided to ride for a day... he had been driving for 2 days... Honestly I'm not sure how his car had passed, and he let me know Uber denied him... I was riding in something I may have owned when I was 16 - again thinking about driving someone like my dad, this car wasn't up to par... Ehhh, the car sucked, his navigation skills sucked but he had candy canes at least... He did have a story of a girl that opened the door while moving and puked while moving last night... he now had barf bags available and said water is a great idea.. He got me safe to "The Bench" I reluctantly gave him a $1 tip in app - also informed him of the lack of placard and GAP insurance...
I walked from there after having a Moscow Mule in honor of someone, stopped at Brian's and had a few PBR's - today was a good day...
So after riding I now understand the Lyft client when they say "damn, this is a nice car" and "wow, water, candy and gum, Thanks!" They dont know any better... Everyone who gets in my car is a CEO of a billion dollar corporation - this might be why I had a great day on cash tips alone!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Long Saturday night!
It's amazing to me how much I enjoy driving again now that I have a nicer car - I drove about 175 miles tonight and it didn't bother me in the least! I'm not going to detail every ride as I had about 14 and I'm pretty tired but I'll highlight a few as I did have my first upset client and my first belligerent...
OK, I know everyone is wondering about Jayme - she called me at about 8:00 saying she was pretty hungover and asked for a rain check - I was more than happy to oblige as I was still tired... Someday soon I hope...
So on to Saturday night... I logged in at about 8:45pm and got a run out to YL - it was Stacy, the same girl from Friday who I took to get ice cream and dropped at her friends she was stoked it was me again but then there was a bummer - they had 5 people, I can only seat 4 - I said I could take 2 come back and then take the other 3 but it was too far for that to be conducive so I helped her cancel the ride... 5 times in 5 minutes I got pinged to go back and she'd cancel, I finally texted her to use the "Plus" button - that worked and they were on their way... Then 2 gentlemen from the foxfire to DTF, cool guys... then from DTF to the Brea Mall to pickup a nice lady after a long shift at Nordstroms... Back to DTB, this will be my first detail...
Fare #4 - Uber - Pickup from Taps and delivery in Mission Viejo... During a 50% surge... Very nice couple out celebrating her birthday.. Nice ride down, good conversation and pleasant drive... Upon arrival, I stop the ride and help them out, he then says $75, you've gotta be kidding me?!? I said let me check as it seemed high to me too - the ride was $50 but there was $25 in a surge.. he said you cant charge that, I informed him I don't, Uber does, he said thats crap and I should have informed him, but even I didn't know he was in a Surge... I then showed him my app and what I know, the he said wait, was that the extra pop up screen I got? I asked him to see it and it had the rating up, I tapped 5 stars and went to his rider history - sure enough there was the approval... He laughed and said that was pretty slick, I would have given you 5 stars anyway but you're a smart man... He gave me $1 and said to keep the change... Uh OK... I should have gone back and taped it to his front door...
Newport was surging but I dont think I'm quite ready for that scene so I made my way back up to CSUF - Lyft to the Marriott for a Company Christmas Party to Hotel Fullerton, A random Lyft from a block away to a dark parking lot where a bunch of teens were waiting for their buddy... Headed up to DTF and got a no-show Lyft ping $5 for no driving... Back to the Metro center and had an Uber surge ping, (I knew it was surging now) - grabbed 3 college guys headed to CSUF, they guy didnt want to give me an address and wanted to tell me how to get there... Let me tell you, I will always take the shortest route as you get charged more by the mile, not the time, if you're drunk, give me the address! Well, he took us at least 10 miles out of the way... I dont mind - I aim to please!
As I dop of #7 at a party, his drunk friend tries to hop in and have be take him to Del Taco - I said are you Bob? he said no, Ken, why, I have to go pickup Bob now, enjoy your evening... "You suck dude, I'd have hooked you up"... next time Ken...
Uber was blowing up, pulling in drivers 10 minutes away from DTF due to the demand...
Fare 8, 2 gentlemen from DTF to Brea - on a 100% surge... Took a minute to find them, literally double parked on Commonwealth and Harbor, FPD rolls by and shines his light at me , I'm crapping twinkies, he pulls along side, sees the signs and said You Uber? I said yes, he said you loading now? just the Phillip opens my door, the officer said, you're good bro, try to find a spot next time but I know its hard, drive safe and Merry Christmas! - I love FPD! a 5 mile ride at $17 - woo hoo... Realized it was 2:15 - nothing but fights and DUI stops in DTF at this point so I start to head home, Uber off, Lyft on... Got a cancel nearby in Brea, and started to head home... Grabbed a ping to the Royal - arrived and got a belligerent...
Fare 9, Lyft - picked up a pair of 25+ year olds... they asked nicely if I would drive through Del taco on the way home, it's 2:20 so I said sure why not... Hit the drive through on Richmond and Orangethorpe... Wait, let me backup about 1/4 of a mile from Rembrandt's (The Royal) he asked me what CD I had in the player - it happened to be Limp Bizkit - He said "Hell yea, crank that shit bro" so I obliged, he then went into mosh pit mode in front of his girlfriend and started moshing with my passenger seat... I turned off the music, pulled over and said "bro, understand, this isn't a taxi, it's my car - I can and will drop you here and now, and notice it's 2:30, not many drivers out any more... he apologized and I turned the music back on and headed to Del Taco... Arrived at Del Taco and they ordered 90% of the menu - took 7 minutes to get all the food and then he says bro, can we stop at Circle K too, I need smokes and condoms, I said fine as they offered to buy me dinner... He said is that redbull sugar free or regular, I said regular and he said I'll be right back... He came back with a 20oz ($5+) redbull for me - and said you deserve this for putting up with my drunk ass... I still had no destination address but I cranked the music back up - Turns out the lived literally 2 blocks away from where I grew up in Yorba Linda, Dropped them off and drove by my old house - I could barely recognize the old street - I wonder how many parents of my friends still live there.... my house looked very different!
I'ts now close to 3:00am, kept lyft on and got an immediate ping to Black Gold... picked up 3 teenage boys and drove them about .5 miles from my place - dropped them off and went offline....
So 10 fares between Uber and Lyft - maybe $150 which I'll see about $95 - it's still worth it for me...
Some of my Facebook friends may have seen but I am doing an outreach campaign next Friday and Saturday where I plan to donate my Lyft ride funds to a good HS friend of mine, Kristy... Tonight she would have only received $47 as Lyft - The campaign I setup for her can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.lyft.com/invited/NOTBLEUCHRISTMAS
Please keep in mind, the holidays are upon us, even a trip to Las Vegas in an Uber/Lyft is less than a DUI - please consider a sober driver!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
OK, I know everyone is wondering about Jayme - she called me at about 8:00 saying she was pretty hungover and asked for a rain check - I was more than happy to oblige as I was still tired... Someday soon I hope...
So on to Saturday night... I logged in at about 8:45pm and got a run out to YL - it was Stacy, the same girl from Friday who I took to get ice cream and dropped at her friends she was stoked it was me again but then there was a bummer - they had 5 people, I can only seat 4 - I said I could take 2 come back and then take the other 3 but it was too far for that to be conducive so I helped her cancel the ride... 5 times in 5 minutes I got pinged to go back and she'd cancel, I finally texted her to use the "Plus" button - that worked and they were on their way... Then 2 gentlemen from the foxfire to DTF, cool guys... then from DTF to the Brea Mall to pickup a nice lady after a long shift at Nordstroms... Back to DTB, this will be my first detail...
Fare #4 - Uber - Pickup from Taps and delivery in Mission Viejo... During a 50% surge... Very nice couple out celebrating her birthday.. Nice ride down, good conversation and pleasant drive... Upon arrival, I stop the ride and help them out, he then says $75, you've gotta be kidding me?!? I said let me check as it seemed high to me too - the ride was $50 but there was $25 in a surge.. he said you cant charge that, I informed him I don't, Uber does, he said thats crap and I should have informed him, but even I didn't know he was in a Surge... I then showed him my app and what I know, the he said wait, was that the extra pop up screen I got? I asked him to see it and it had the rating up, I tapped 5 stars and went to his rider history - sure enough there was the approval... He laughed and said that was pretty slick, I would have given you 5 stars anyway but you're a smart man... He gave me $1 and said to keep the change... Uh OK... I should have gone back and taped it to his front door...
Newport was surging but I dont think I'm quite ready for that scene so I made my way back up to CSUF - Lyft to the Marriott for a Company Christmas Party to Hotel Fullerton, A random Lyft from a block away to a dark parking lot where a bunch of teens were waiting for their buddy... Headed up to DTF and got a no-show Lyft ping $5 for no driving... Back to the Metro center and had an Uber surge ping, (I knew it was surging now) - grabbed 3 college guys headed to CSUF, they guy didnt want to give me an address and wanted to tell me how to get there... Let me tell you, I will always take the shortest route as you get charged more by the mile, not the time, if you're drunk, give me the address! Well, he took us at least 10 miles out of the way... I dont mind - I aim to please!
As I dop of #7 at a party, his drunk friend tries to hop in and have be take him to Del Taco - I said are you Bob? he said no, Ken, why, I have to go pickup Bob now, enjoy your evening... "You suck dude, I'd have hooked you up"... next time Ken...
Uber was blowing up, pulling in drivers 10 minutes away from DTF due to the demand...
Fare 8, 2 gentlemen from DTF to Brea - on a 100% surge... Took a minute to find them, literally double parked on Commonwealth and Harbor, FPD rolls by and shines his light at me , I'm crapping twinkies, he pulls along side, sees the signs and said You Uber? I said yes, he said you loading now? just the Phillip opens my door, the officer said, you're good bro, try to find a spot next time but I know its hard, drive safe and Merry Christmas! - I love FPD! a 5 mile ride at $17 - woo hoo... Realized it was 2:15 - nothing but fights and DUI stops in DTF at this point so I start to head home, Uber off, Lyft on... Got a cancel nearby in Brea, and started to head home... Grabbed a ping to the Royal - arrived and got a belligerent...
Fare 9, Lyft - picked up a pair of 25+ year olds... they asked nicely if I would drive through Del taco on the way home, it's 2:20 so I said sure why not... Hit the drive through on Richmond and Orangethorpe... Wait, let me backup about 1/4 of a mile from Rembrandt's (The Royal) he asked me what CD I had in the player - it happened to be Limp Bizkit - He said "Hell yea, crank that shit bro" so I obliged, he then went into mosh pit mode in front of his girlfriend and started moshing with my passenger seat... I turned off the music, pulled over and said "bro, understand, this isn't a taxi, it's my car - I can and will drop you here and now, and notice it's 2:30, not many drivers out any more... he apologized and I turned the music back on and headed to Del Taco... Arrived at Del Taco and they ordered 90% of the menu - took 7 minutes to get all the food and then he says bro, can we stop at Circle K too, I need smokes and condoms, I said fine as they offered to buy me dinner... He said is that redbull sugar free or regular, I said regular and he said I'll be right back... He came back with a 20oz ($5+) redbull for me - and said you deserve this for putting up with my drunk ass... I still had no destination address but I cranked the music back up - Turns out the lived literally 2 blocks away from where I grew up in Yorba Linda, Dropped them off and drove by my old house - I could barely recognize the old street - I wonder how many parents of my friends still live there.... my house looked very different!
I'ts now close to 3:00am, kept lyft on and got an immediate ping to Black Gold... picked up 3 teenage boys and drove them about .5 miles from my place - dropped them off and went offline....
So 10 fares between Uber and Lyft - maybe $150 which I'll see about $95 - it's still worth it for me...
Some of my Facebook friends may have seen but I am doing an outreach campaign next Friday and Saturday where I plan to donate my Lyft ride funds to a good HS friend of mine, Kristy... Tonight she would have only received $47 as Lyft - The campaign I setup for her can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.lyft.com/invited/NOTBLEUCHRISTMAS
Please keep in mind, the holidays are upon us, even a trip to Las Vegas in an Uber/Lyft is less than a DUI - please consider a sober driver!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Saturday, December 12, 2015
It gets cold and people stay home - whats up with that?!?
So I woke up at 7am with all intentions of airport driving and focusing on my Lyft score but some serious anxiety kicked in about working the Airport for the first time... Contacted my Lyft mentor, Art and he said that's to be expected, you've gotten the hang of picking up jovial drunks, Airports are a different ball game, high stress business travelers running late for a meeting expect more from their driver - water and barf bags dont cut it but you have 110v in you car, they eat that up! Nothing like being able to give them a charge on their laptop computer and give them Wifi by hot-spotting your phone...
Great pep-talk, thanks Art, I know you read these! But no, I didn't drive airports, I stuck to my comfort zone, jovial drunks! :P
Tonight was insanely slow, probably didn't help that it was cold outside... I did focus on driving for Lyft as I was encountering a problem where I was missing rides and I fell to a 50% acceptance rate which isn't acceptable by their standards... Problem truly lies in the software and alert system, I can be in any screen and I know there is an uber request, it's loud! Even tonight when I was only logged into Lyft and it was up on my screen I caught a request in the last second - had I not looked down I would have missed it... I like to park and people watch while waiting, and the audio is streamed to my Bluetooth headset, like I said I cant miss an uber request... I sent an email to Lyft support to see if there is an enhanced notification setting like the Uber app has... Enough of that!
So I shaved, did my hair and dressed up tonight, washed the Avalon, stopped by Albertsons, bought some candy canes, waters and some Kleenex (Was requested last night, all I had was a fast food napkin).. I also pulled the sub out of my truck and installed it to replace the blown sub in the Avalon, music sounds more rich now... So the night started about 8:00... Unfortunately Lyft is about 2 days behind where uber's dashboard is immediate so I have to do this from memory..
Ride 1 - Lyft - Picked up a young lady in YL needing a ride to Rite Aid... I asked her if she wanted me to simply drop her off or wait... She said drivers never wait, I said it's only 8, it's slow and I'll be more than happy to wait, it's $.18 per minute, she said I'm just getting Ice cream to take to my friends... I waited 2 minutes, she got back in with a redbull for me :) She then totally ran up her bill as she didnt know how to get to her friends house from there, she took us about 5 miles way out of the way to where she knew how to get there, basically from her house... I could have gotten her to her friends house in under 2 miles had she given me the address or even told me it was in Eastlake, not Black Gold - oh well! She arrived safe and the Ice cream didnt melt :) She tipped me 5 from the app, on top of the $3 redbull.... Thank You!
Drove back home online to get a jacket - no pings so started slowly making my way to CSUF and got a ping off princeton...
Ride 2 - Lyft - Waze took me up Yale and I instantly recognized where I was, it's the street where they use clear cups to create big hanging balls of light, it's beautiful, I drove slow forgetting I was on a call and enjoyed it for a bit... turned down Princeton and they too now have lights up, Using my Tac light I identified the house/party my rider was at... I hear a lady yell "Jeff?" and up walks this gorgeous young lady, she hops into the passenger seat and we're on our way... She says it's a short trip but it felt like hours... Good hours... we discussed the history of the lights, recent terror events and what not... Unfortunately we arrived at her house way too fast... She asked if she could ask a question, I obliged, she said she noticed the ring dent but my color was equal, she said you havnt worn a ring in a while... I said no, it's been a while... She said are you open to dating? I said depends... She grabbed my phone, ended the ride, gave herself 5 stars and proceeded to add herself as a contact and called her phone... she said "Ill be in touch" a quick grab of my hand and she was out the door... God I hope so! :)
Ride 3 - Uber - I was close to DTF and full of happiness so I went down towards the fray - grabbed a cool guy (Kevin) headed to the Orange Circle - he said DTF was dead and his friends were claiming the Circle was the hotspot - we were there in a few minutes, he hopped out and I went offline to go grab some dinner...
So, as I'm in the drive through I see some flashing lights in the floorboard of my passenger seat - it's an iPhone - oh boy, my first lost item in my car... I reached down and answered the call - fortunately it was kevin, but did wish it was Jayme's (Rider 2)... I drove back to the bar and he gave me $5 for my inconvenience... much appreciated...
Sat in the parking lot while I scarfed my hot dogs from Weinerschnitzel... Got a ping for a couple right around the corner...
Ride 4 - Lyft - a nice college aged couple heading just up the street... Pretty sure they both majored in debate, as thats all they did from the time I picked them up until I dropped them off... She was very fond of the fact I had Cherry candy canes and kept betting him her strawberry candy that she was right... They had been drinking double IPA's all night... the guy asked my opinion and I said does that mean double the "Moobs?" (Man Boobs, IPA has been known to increase breast size in men) - I'm lucky she didnt pee in my car she was laughing so hard... Dropped them off safely and they gave me a $5 tip electronically - highest so far! thanks!
Was close to the Anaiheim arena and the Ducks had a game, quick ping...
Ride 5 - Lyft - Kings Fishouse... very cool couple informed me the Ducks lost 5-1 (BUMMER) - they were headed to Jamboree in north Tustin... Nice couple who's profile showed 2 cute kids... They were out for date night, a game and some dinner... Had a bad Uber experience on the way there - as she put it, the car smelled like pee, the driver was smoking (she smokes too but wasn't fond) and he drove erratically so she downloaded Lyft for her ride home... she saw I had both Uber and Lyft up and asked about how it works... About a mile later I explained it and apologized for her experience... she gave him a 3 star rating, I explained how it works and she wished she had done 1 star... At this point Tony began snoring... I told her while he wasnt the first to fall asleep, he was the first to snore loudly... She said he'll be proud of that! Arrived at their house and again a $5 electronic tip! Thanks guys!
I headed back up Jamboree to go over the hill towards the Fox Fire and got pinged on Lyft again...
Ride 6 - Poor couple..., Not poor but I felt bad, I had to have passed them while they were searching for service, neither Uber nor Lyft would come up for them at the house they were at... they literally walked 3/4 of a mile before Lyft went online - I headed back to them and picked them up on a dark street by an equestrian center - it was *45 out... cranked the heat for them and headed to their home... She said we live in the poor part of orange hills... Pulled into her gated community and up to a 3000+ sqft home - I wasn't about to debate poor as there was a Bentley in the driveway to the right and a Tesla in the drive to the left... So this was her first time on Lyft, she asked me to help close out the ride, meanwhile the husband/boyfriend handed me a $5 tip... she yells at him, he picked us up in God knows where and you only give him $5?!? I assured her I got paid for the ride too but she wasn't having it, I got to the tip screen and was going to hit $0 and she hits the $10... OK... I wish them well and get an instant ping, from the same neighborhood... It was her again, they were inside by now so I called her and asked if she needed another ride, she said no, I just wanted you to get more, do what you need to do to complete the ride - drive wherever and close it, I'll tip again... I drove 1 block to be able to close the ride, $4 + another $10 tip... I sent a message to Lyft that it was a double and should be credited back, they responded no, she confirmed both trips and tips... thank you for trying to be nice but we consider this a valid fare... 15min, 4.5 miles, $15 in fares, $20 in electronic tips and $5 cash... Thanks!
Went offline to get back north and find a place to pee... My phone gets a text - it's Jayme :) "Brunch tomorrow, my treat?" - my response, "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 9:45, Lazy dog?" he response was priceless... "Crap I forgot you know where I live already, please dont be a creeper!" I dont have time to be creepy...
PING - Uber by the In and Out off Imperial and La Palma...
Ride 7 - Uber - Picked up Devin who just got a tattoo, works for the aerospace industry and manages a pizza place... pulled a barf bag just in case and gave him 2 waters... Nice ride, no puke... gave him 2 driver codes as he was considering driving and my $50 lyft code as he had never heard of it...
Devin's drop was right by DTF so I camped and chatted with a new uber driver - it was 1:30+ and I wasnt getting any hits, he said he was there for 30min and finally got one... with fears of puke in my car I bailed... I needed some sleep - forgot I left Lyft on...
Ride 8 - Lyft - Thank God Shawna needed to go from campus to the Barn - less than a quarter of a mile...
Turned everything off
3:00 - Jayme, "Are you still working"... Text ignored until tomorrow morning... Is that bad?
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Great pep-talk, thanks Art, I know you read these! But no, I didn't drive airports, I stuck to my comfort zone, jovial drunks! :P
Tonight was insanely slow, probably didn't help that it was cold outside... I did focus on driving for Lyft as I was encountering a problem where I was missing rides and I fell to a 50% acceptance rate which isn't acceptable by their standards... Problem truly lies in the software and alert system, I can be in any screen and I know there is an uber request, it's loud! Even tonight when I was only logged into Lyft and it was up on my screen I caught a request in the last second - had I not looked down I would have missed it... I like to park and people watch while waiting, and the audio is streamed to my Bluetooth headset, like I said I cant miss an uber request... I sent an email to Lyft support to see if there is an enhanced notification setting like the Uber app has... Enough of that!
So I shaved, did my hair and dressed up tonight, washed the Avalon, stopped by Albertsons, bought some candy canes, waters and some Kleenex (Was requested last night, all I had was a fast food napkin).. I also pulled the sub out of my truck and installed it to replace the blown sub in the Avalon, music sounds more rich now... So the night started about 8:00... Unfortunately Lyft is about 2 days behind where uber's dashboard is immediate so I have to do this from memory..
Ride 1 - Lyft - Picked up a young lady in YL needing a ride to Rite Aid... I asked her if she wanted me to simply drop her off or wait... She said drivers never wait, I said it's only 8, it's slow and I'll be more than happy to wait, it's $.18 per minute, she said I'm just getting Ice cream to take to my friends... I waited 2 minutes, she got back in with a redbull for me :) She then totally ran up her bill as she didnt know how to get to her friends house from there, she took us about 5 miles way out of the way to where she knew how to get there, basically from her house... I could have gotten her to her friends house in under 2 miles had she given me the address or even told me it was in Eastlake, not Black Gold - oh well! She arrived safe and the Ice cream didnt melt :) She tipped me 5 from the app, on top of the $3 redbull.... Thank You!
Drove back home online to get a jacket - no pings so started slowly making my way to CSUF and got a ping off princeton...
Ride 2 - Lyft - Waze took me up Yale and I instantly recognized where I was, it's the street where they use clear cups to create big hanging balls of light, it's beautiful, I drove slow forgetting I was on a call and enjoyed it for a bit... turned down Princeton and they too now have lights up, Using my Tac light I identified the house/party my rider was at... I hear a lady yell "Jeff?" and up walks this gorgeous young lady, she hops into the passenger seat and we're on our way... She says it's a short trip but it felt like hours... Good hours... we discussed the history of the lights, recent terror events and what not... Unfortunately we arrived at her house way too fast... She asked if she could ask a question, I obliged, she said she noticed the ring dent but my color was equal, she said you havnt worn a ring in a while... I said no, it's been a while... She said are you open to dating? I said depends... She grabbed my phone, ended the ride, gave herself 5 stars and proceeded to add herself as a contact and called her phone... she said "Ill be in touch" a quick grab of my hand and she was out the door... God I hope so! :)
Ride 3 - Uber - I was close to DTF and full of happiness so I went down towards the fray - grabbed a cool guy (Kevin) headed to the Orange Circle - he said DTF was dead and his friends were claiming the Circle was the hotspot - we were there in a few minutes, he hopped out and I went offline to go grab some dinner...
So, as I'm in the drive through I see some flashing lights in the floorboard of my passenger seat - it's an iPhone - oh boy, my first lost item in my car... I reached down and answered the call - fortunately it was kevin, but did wish it was Jayme's (Rider 2)... I drove back to the bar and he gave me $5 for my inconvenience... much appreciated...
Sat in the parking lot while I scarfed my hot dogs from Weinerschnitzel... Got a ping for a couple right around the corner...
Ride 4 - Lyft - a nice college aged couple heading just up the street... Pretty sure they both majored in debate, as thats all they did from the time I picked them up until I dropped them off... She was very fond of the fact I had Cherry candy canes and kept betting him her strawberry candy that she was right... They had been drinking double IPA's all night... the guy asked my opinion and I said does that mean double the "Moobs?" (Man Boobs, IPA has been known to increase breast size in men) - I'm lucky she didnt pee in my car she was laughing so hard... Dropped them off safely and they gave me a $5 tip electronically - highest so far! thanks!
Was close to the Anaiheim arena and the Ducks had a game, quick ping...
Ride 5 - Lyft - Kings Fishouse... very cool couple informed me the Ducks lost 5-1 (BUMMER) - they were headed to Jamboree in north Tustin... Nice couple who's profile showed 2 cute kids... They were out for date night, a game and some dinner... Had a bad Uber experience on the way there - as she put it, the car smelled like pee, the driver was smoking (she smokes too but wasn't fond) and he drove erratically so she downloaded Lyft for her ride home... she saw I had both Uber and Lyft up and asked about how it works... About a mile later I explained it and apologized for her experience... she gave him a 3 star rating, I explained how it works and she wished she had done 1 star... At this point Tony began snoring... I told her while he wasnt the first to fall asleep, he was the first to snore loudly... She said he'll be proud of that! Arrived at their house and again a $5 electronic tip! Thanks guys!
I headed back up Jamboree to go over the hill towards the Fox Fire and got pinged on Lyft again...
Ride 6 - Poor couple..., Not poor but I felt bad, I had to have passed them while they were searching for service, neither Uber nor Lyft would come up for them at the house they were at... they literally walked 3/4 of a mile before Lyft went online - I headed back to them and picked them up on a dark street by an equestrian center - it was *45 out... cranked the heat for them and headed to their home... She said we live in the poor part of orange hills... Pulled into her gated community and up to a 3000+ sqft home - I wasn't about to debate poor as there was a Bentley in the driveway to the right and a Tesla in the drive to the left... So this was her first time on Lyft, she asked me to help close out the ride, meanwhile the husband/boyfriend handed me a $5 tip... she yells at him, he picked us up in God knows where and you only give him $5?!? I assured her I got paid for the ride too but she wasn't having it, I got to the tip screen and was going to hit $0 and she hits the $10... OK... I wish them well and get an instant ping, from the same neighborhood... It was her again, they were inside by now so I called her and asked if she needed another ride, she said no, I just wanted you to get more, do what you need to do to complete the ride - drive wherever and close it, I'll tip again... I drove 1 block to be able to close the ride, $4 + another $10 tip... I sent a message to Lyft that it was a double and should be credited back, they responded no, she confirmed both trips and tips... thank you for trying to be nice but we consider this a valid fare... 15min, 4.5 miles, $15 in fares, $20 in electronic tips and $5 cash... Thanks!
Went offline to get back north and find a place to pee... My phone gets a text - it's Jayme :) "Brunch tomorrow, my treat?" - my response, "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 9:45, Lazy dog?" he response was priceless... "Crap I forgot you know where I live already, please dont be a creeper!" I dont have time to be creepy...
PING - Uber by the In and Out off Imperial and La Palma...
Ride 7 - Uber - Picked up Devin who just got a tattoo, works for the aerospace industry and manages a pizza place... pulled a barf bag just in case and gave him 2 waters... Nice ride, no puke... gave him 2 driver codes as he was considering driving and my $50 lyft code as he had never heard of it...
Devin's drop was right by DTF so I camped and chatted with a new uber driver - it was 1:30+ and I wasnt getting any hits, he said he was there for 30min and finally got one... with fears of puke in my car I bailed... I needed some sleep - forgot I left Lyft on...
Ride 8 - Lyft - Thank God Shawna needed to go from campus to the Barn - less than a quarter of a mile...
Turned everything off
3:00 - Jayme, "Are you still working"... Text ignored until tomorrow morning... Is that bad?
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Friday, December 11, 2015
The Good, the OK and the Indifferent...
So tonight was bleh... I dont expect every night to have some overly crazy tale to tell, but tonight seemed like people were in a bit of a funk which is why I shut it down before the bars closed, I had a feeling tonight could have been my first negative evening had I continued so I went home a bit early...
So first the "Good" - I got a semi-cryptic email from Uber asking if my car will still make the cut... I've had so many compliments by riders who Uber/Lyft often that it's nice to be picked up in the highest level of car Toyota makes, the Avalon XLS - yeah, it has a few miles now (85k) and a few stains here in there but is still full leather interior, runs like a champ and rides very smooth... Considering it's in the same class a a stock Honda Civic LX 4 door base, I think I am offering a little better service... Needless to say a quick email to Uber support enlightened me - Just because the cutoff for Uber Select is now 2007 and they get demoted to UberX on 2/24/16 - I still do qualify for UberX until 2018 - this car will be long gone by then with the hopes of "trading up"... So for now, my extracurricular driving job is safe!
On to tonight (err last night, you know what I mean!)...
Fare 1 - Lyft - Pickup was 3 Heavily intoxicated young RN's celebrating the youngest's completion of her probationary period... They were by far the most fun group of the night and actively engaged me in conversation of child birth, who was wearing what type of bra (One regular, one strapless and one maternity), all the way up to saying I should be glad I have a penis... Turns out one had just given birth about a week ago, without an epidural... Dropped them off in DTB...
Fare 2 - Uber - Camped for about a minute before I got an Uber ping - a quick pickup in front of the Improv in DTB - must have been someone famous as it was PACKED! I pulled into the Bus stop with my hazards on... there was a car in front of me and a Police officer scooted them out, just as I was about to move, he saw my Lyft/Uber placards and said you're good, just move if a bus comes in! Fortunately my fare got there and hopped in, a local guy taking his 2 friends from Anchorage AK out for a night in So Cal! Great riders and a quick trip to his home in Anaheim...
Went offline for a minute to get back up to my "comfort zone", grabbed some gas and a redbull :)
Fare 3 - Lyft - Pickup in YL near YLHS - A 14 year old young lady needing to get home to Corona and her driver had partied a bit too hard... Good call on her part for getting a ride, I cant be sure I'd be comfortable letting my 14 year old rideshare home, but then again, who am I to judge... This young lady talked and talked and talked... Long story (literally) short, she has good aspirations and is determined to not let distractions like boys get in her way... "Why date if you dont plan on getting married any time soon" - Ha, I hope my daughter feels that way in a few years!
Went offline again to get back to "my area" - I fear that pickup in corona wants to go further East... Exited the FWY at Weir Canyon and went back online - instant ping to Anaheim Hills...
Fare 4 - Uber - Pickup from the top of the hills, with a delivery to the District Lounge in the Orange Circle area, 2 girls and 1 guy, one of the girls talking about getting back together with her ex and the other two bashing her about it the entire ride... I felt bad for her... Put me in a bit of a funk actually...
Went offline after passing on a uber call to Santa Ana - wasn't interested... Was headed up the 57 and considering calling it a night but logged back in at Orangethorpe and got a ping...
Fare 5 - Uber - Pickup 2 ladies that need to go from Big's to the Barn (Fraternity house) about 2 blocks away, 1 minute ride...
Fare 6 - Uber - was trying to hit offline but got a ping from Jeff in DTB before I could so I took it... Picked up Jeff at Buffalo Wild Wings and then saw where we were headed... Riverside... Uggh.... Oh well, it'll be a good cashout... Jeff was pretty drunk but also about my age, so I knew he'd be fine - he also rode in the passenger seat which is nice! Unfortunately Jeff was just served divorce papers today so he was a bit bummed out - the 30 min ride was very indifferent... Quick dropoff and I shut everything down...
Overall I made about $150 in 4 hours, not great but still more than I would have should I stayed home and watched TV all night... Gas expense about $23, McDonalds, $2 and a big Redbull, $4.50...
Uber/Lyft on, I'm going to bed as tomorrow I may take on Rideshare rush hour and Airport pickups at SNA as I'm off on my day job...
Jeff
So first the "Good" - I got a semi-cryptic email from Uber asking if my car will still make the cut... I've had so many compliments by riders who Uber/Lyft often that it's nice to be picked up in the highest level of car Toyota makes, the Avalon XLS - yeah, it has a few miles now (85k) and a few stains here in there but is still full leather interior, runs like a champ and rides very smooth... Considering it's in the same class a a stock Honda Civic LX 4 door base, I think I am offering a little better service... Needless to say a quick email to Uber support enlightened me - Just because the cutoff for Uber Select is now 2007 and they get demoted to UberX on 2/24/16 - I still do qualify for UberX until 2018 - this car will be long gone by then with the hopes of "trading up"... So for now, my extracurricular driving job is safe!
On to tonight (err last night, you know what I mean!)...
Fare 1 - Lyft - Pickup was 3 Heavily intoxicated young RN's celebrating the youngest's completion of her probationary period... They were by far the most fun group of the night and actively engaged me in conversation of child birth, who was wearing what type of bra (One regular, one strapless and one maternity), all the way up to saying I should be glad I have a penis... Turns out one had just given birth about a week ago, without an epidural... Dropped them off in DTB...
Fare 2 - Uber - Camped for about a minute before I got an Uber ping - a quick pickup in front of the Improv in DTB - must have been someone famous as it was PACKED! I pulled into the Bus stop with my hazards on... there was a car in front of me and a Police officer scooted them out, just as I was about to move, he saw my Lyft/Uber placards and said you're good, just move if a bus comes in! Fortunately my fare got there and hopped in, a local guy taking his 2 friends from Anchorage AK out for a night in So Cal! Great riders and a quick trip to his home in Anaheim...
Went offline for a minute to get back up to my "comfort zone", grabbed some gas and a redbull :)
Fare 3 - Lyft - Pickup in YL near YLHS - A 14 year old young lady needing to get home to Corona and her driver had partied a bit too hard... Good call on her part for getting a ride, I cant be sure I'd be comfortable letting my 14 year old rideshare home, but then again, who am I to judge... This young lady talked and talked and talked... Long story (literally) short, she has good aspirations and is determined to not let distractions like boys get in her way... "Why date if you dont plan on getting married any time soon" - Ha, I hope my daughter feels that way in a few years!
Went offline again to get back to "my area" - I fear that pickup in corona wants to go further East... Exited the FWY at Weir Canyon and went back online - instant ping to Anaheim Hills...
Fare 4 - Uber - Pickup from the top of the hills, with a delivery to the District Lounge in the Orange Circle area, 2 girls and 1 guy, one of the girls talking about getting back together with her ex and the other two bashing her about it the entire ride... I felt bad for her... Put me in a bit of a funk actually...
Went offline after passing on a uber call to Santa Ana - wasn't interested... Was headed up the 57 and considering calling it a night but logged back in at Orangethorpe and got a ping...
Fare 5 - Uber - Pickup 2 ladies that need to go from Big's to the Barn (Fraternity house) about 2 blocks away, 1 minute ride...
Fare 6 - Uber - was trying to hit offline but got a ping from Jeff in DTB before I could so I took it... Picked up Jeff at Buffalo Wild Wings and then saw where we were headed... Riverside... Uggh.... Oh well, it'll be a good cashout... Jeff was pretty drunk but also about my age, so I knew he'd be fine - he also rode in the passenger seat which is nice! Unfortunately Jeff was just served divorce papers today so he was a bit bummed out - the 30 min ride was very indifferent... Quick dropoff and I shut everything down...
Overall I made about $150 in 4 hours, not great but still more than I would have should I stayed home and watched TV all night... Gas expense about $23, McDonalds, $2 and a big Redbull, $4.50...
Uber/Lyft on, I'm going to bed as tomorrow I may take on Rideshare rush hour and Airport pickups at SNA as I'm off on my day job...
Jeff
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Lyft DESTROYED Uber tonight in 1 Fare...
So as I mentioned last night, some nights it's that one Fare - and yes, I got another killer one that puts my first to shame...
Started out at 8:00, rider ping at 8:01, quick pickup in YL (Yorba Linda) and drop of in East Lake, two young girls, one from CSUF and one from CSLB - craving Mexican food, 5 Minutes later they were ordering!
Instant ping back to a 7-11 off YL Blvd and Lakeview - this was a funny ride! I pull in and the couple comes up and says "this is going to be a weird ride for you bro" - I laugh and they get in with their purchases... So, from what I gathered from the story was the guy (about my age) was in 7-11 buying some beer after having some pizza and beers nearby and an OC Sheriff strikes up a conversation with him about his beer selection, sounded like an interview more than a friendly chat so they decide to park their car and Uber home assuming the OCSD was going to camp near by... they had me drive around the block to try and find him, no dice, and then drop them off at their house less than .25 miles away... As I'm pulling down the street the lady says, maybe we should have invited the officer over for some beer, he was cute, they guy responds with yeah, maybe, he was a bald headed stud... Wow... So my first driver mess up, I forgot to start the ride in all the commotion... The guy felt bad and handed me a $5 tip saying I hope they can fix the trip too... I clicked to drop-off button and uber instantly said you never picked them up, did you forget to start the ride? I clicked yes and uber asked if that was the route I took, I said yes and BOOM, I got credit for the ride - the guy's paranoia cost him $11 in fare and tip :P I'd rather see drunks take Uber than drive though so it was good!
Back online and pinged to Main Street at Imperial - Picked up Bob, his wife and his Mother... Bob and his wife were probably in their 50's, Bob's mom probably in her late 90's - this was one of those trips I love, I had time to get out, open doors, and really get to know someone who was only going 1.2 miles away up by Black gold... We arrived to their home and they were trying to hurry out, as Bob said I know the clock is ticking and money's being wasted but I wasn't having it, Bob and his wife had a few and I was bone sober so I helped Bob's mom get unbuckled and out of the car and up a flight of stairs... After getting "Mom" safe in the door I walk out - with Bob chasing me... He handed me $10 and said the extra 3 minutes you spent helping us was much appreciated - never in his experience had an Uber or Lyft driver been so patient... We swapped numbers and gave him my Lyft information... He may become a client, not just a passenger!
SO, now the fun begins! Lyft went off for the first time ever! I shut down Uber and grabbed the Lyft ride... A pickup off Imperial Hwy and Orangethorpe at the Vineyards Apartment complex... A phone call and a few texts later a young lady walks up to my car... It was not her that ordered the ride but that's typical... She (Megan) wants to pickup a "friend" but does not have an address yet, I have to pee but covered it by asking if she's hungry, for Tacos, my treat... She wasn't but didn't mind the 2 min stop at Del Taco by the Canyon Inn... Once I returned she had the pickup point - just west of Knott's... Headed out, she requested power 106 and asked me to turn it up as loud as it could be -arrived at her "friend's place" a small Inn - Here her friend (Angelyn) and he boyfriend (Joel?) hopped in - it was here I got the final destination - the St Regis in Dana Point! the next 50 miles were filled full of loud music, discussion of driving for/Uber and Lyft and the fact they didn't even know each other until tonight... I've been around the block a few times, I knew what they do for a living... Lets just say Strippers are far better fares than hookers... I did have to wipe down the car for glitter, and the car had that tell tale smell that gets married men in trouble - I should have given Megan the SBux card for the first fare on Lyft but they were in too much of a hurry - the payee did text me to say thank you and added $5 to his $75 bill - I gave him a driver code and a Lyft promo code, he said the ladies enjoyed their ride and he would be in touch :)
Headed back home offline so I didn't pull a further south ride, landed at Brians about 5 minutes before last call... Grabbed Mike and his friends a quick trip to Rembrandt's, back to Brian's and Picked up a guy I know and took him home... He wanted to stop at 7-11 and I obliged, this was my last Fare - he came out with a 20oz Redbull for me - good dude!
Total Fares today equated to just under $200 - I'll see about $150 of that but long story short, I paid for my gas and everything else and I had a blast!
Strippers beat Hookers as riders... probably too much info but I see the trend already~!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Started out at 8:00, rider ping at 8:01, quick pickup in YL (Yorba Linda) and drop of in East Lake, two young girls, one from CSUF and one from CSLB - craving Mexican food, 5 Minutes later they were ordering!
Instant ping back to a 7-11 off YL Blvd and Lakeview - this was a funny ride! I pull in and the couple comes up and says "this is going to be a weird ride for you bro" - I laugh and they get in with their purchases... So, from what I gathered from the story was the guy (about my age) was in 7-11 buying some beer after having some pizza and beers nearby and an OC Sheriff strikes up a conversation with him about his beer selection, sounded like an interview more than a friendly chat so they decide to park their car and Uber home assuming the OCSD was going to camp near by... they had me drive around the block to try and find him, no dice, and then drop them off at their house less than .25 miles away... As I'm pulling down the street the lady says, maybe we should have invited the officer over for some beer, he was cute, they guy responds with yeah, maybe, he was a bald headed stud... Wow... So my first driver mess up, I forgot to start the ride in all the commotion... The guy felt bad and handed me a $5 tip saying I hope they can fix the trip too... I clicked to drop-off button and uber instantly said you never picked them up, did you forget to start the ride? I clicked yes and uber asked if that was the route I took, I said yes and BOOM, I got credit for the ride - the guy's paranoia cost him $11 in fare and tip :P I'd rather see drunks take Uber than drive though so it was good!
Back online and pinged to Main Street at Imperial - Picked up Bob, his wife and his Mother... Bob and his wife were probably in their 50's, Bob's mom probably in her late 90's - this was one of those trips I love, I had time to get out, open doors, and really get to know someone who was only going 1.2 miles away up by Black gold... We arrived to their home and they were trying to hurry out, as Bob said I know the clock is ticking and money's being wasted but I wasn't having it, Bob and his wife had a few and I was bone sober so I helped Bob's mom get unbuckled and out of the car and up a flight of stairs... After getting "Mom" safe in the door I walk out - with Bob chasing me... He handed me $10 and said the extra 3 minutes you spent helping us was much appreciated - never in his experience had an Uber or Lyft driver been so patient... We swapped numbers and gave him my Lyft information... He may become a client, not just a passenger!
SO, now the fun begins! Lyft went off for the first time ever! I shut down Uber and grabbed the Lyft ride... A pickup off Imperial Hwy and Orangethorpe at the Vineyards Apartment complex... A phone call and a few texts later a young lady walks up to my car... It was not her that ordered the ride but that's typical... She (Megan) wants to pickup a "friend" but does not have an address yet, I have to pee but covered it by asking if she's hungry, for Tacos, my treat... She wasn't but didn't mind the 2 min stop at Del Taco by the Canyon Inn... Once I returned she had the pickup point - just west of Knott's... Headed out, she requested power 106 and asked me to turn it up as loud as it could be -arrived at her "friend's place" a small Inn - Here her friend (Angelyn) and he boyfriend (Joel?) hopped in - it was here I got the final destination - the St Regis in Dana Point! the next 50 miles were filled full of loud music, discussion of driving for/Uber and Lyft and the fact they didn't even know each other until tonight... I've been around the block a few times, I knew what they do for a living... Lets just say Strippers are far better fares than hookers... I did have to wipe down the car for glitter, and the car had that tell tale smell that gets married men in trouble - I should have given Megan the SBux card for the first fare on Lyft but they were in too much of a hurry - the payee did text me to say thank you and added $5 to his $75 bill - I gave him a driver code and a Lyft promo code, he said the ladies enjoyed their ride and he would be in touch :)
Headed back home offline so I didn't pull a further south ride, landed at Brians about 5 minutes before last call... Grabbed Mike and his friends a quick trip to Rembrandt's, back to Brian's and Picked up a guy I know and took him home... He wanted to stop at 7-11 and I obliged, this was my last Fare - he came out with a 20oz Redbull for me - good dude!
Total Fares today equated to just under $200 - I'll see about $150 of that but long story short, I paid for my gas and everything else and I had a blast!
Strippers beat Hookers as riders... probably too much info but I see the trend already~!
Uber/Lyft on!
Jeff
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Some Days, all it takes is One Fare...
I've heard it, read about it and now experienced it... That "one" fare...
No not a great story or adventure but a long haul, a money maker! Started the car at 7:30, wiped it down, stocked the waters and turned on Uber - instantly a hit for Fraternity row - "Great, another DTF ride..." Nope... this dude came out with a suitcase and I smiled, we're heading to the Airport!
He rode in the passenger seat which is nice, and Yes, we were off to LAX... The conversation was centered around his "coming out" recently, his Mom's reaction and how this trip was a birthday gift to himself to get away from the intolerance he was feeling... Some of it was difficult for me to understand why people were surprised, but I guess when you come out you probably act differently from that point forward... The dude was super cool none the less and it was a quick ride - 45min - poor guy's flight wasn't until midnight and I dropped him curbside at 8:15pm...
I keep $5 starbucks cards in the car for milestone riders - like 100th fare, first ride out of state, etc... I figured first LAX passenger was worthy so after grabbing his suitcase for him I gave him one - his reaction was priceless and he had one of the safety coordinators snap a photo of us in front of the car - wish I had done the same but hopefully he'll send it to me and I'll post it up!
So I was back in my home area about 9:15ish so 1.5 hours of driving - the fare? $57 Had I decided to turn on Lyft while at LAX I may have grabbed an OC based rider, OR I may have been headed to Woodland Hills, I killed the apps and drove home offline not willing to take the chance... So that trip, on my calculations of a 45 minute drive brought in $1.27/minute or $76/hour, that's more than I make on Double Overtime!!!
I'm now a fan of Airport rides after rush hour!!! I took Friday off of my primary job to get used to Airport driving, pretty sure I'll be driving more for Lyft that day as they can pickup anywhere, Uber is limited to SNA (John Wayne) and is saturated from what I hear...
Here's to a single fare night! Salud!
Jeff
No not a great story or adventure but a long haul, a money maker! Started the car at 7:30, wiped it down, stocked the waters and turned on Uber - instantly a hit for Fraternity row - "Great, another DTF ride..." Nope... this dude came out with a suitcase and I smiled, we're heading to the Airport!
He rode in the passenger seat which is nice, and Yes, we were off to LAX... The conversation was centered around his "coming out" recently, his Mom's reaction and how this trip was a birthday gift to himself to get away from the intolerance he was feeling... Some of it was difficult for me to understand why people were surprised, but I guess when you come out you probably act differently from that point forward... The dude was super cool none the less and it was a quick ride - 45min - poor guy's flight wasn't until midnight and I dropped him curbside at 8:15pm...
I keep $5 starbucks cards in the car for milestone riders - like 100th fare, first ride out of state, etc... I figured first LAX passenger was worthy so after grabbing his suitcase for him I gave him one - his reaction was priceless and he had one of the safety coordinators snap a photo of us in front of the car - wish I had done the same but hopefully he'll send it to me and I'll post it up!
So I was back in my home area about 9:15ish so 1.5 hours of driving - the fare? $57 Had I decided to turn on Lyft while at LAX I may have grabbed an OC based rider, OR I may have been headed to Woodland Hills, I killed the apps and drove home offline not willing to take the chance... So that trip, on my calculations of a 45 minute drive brought in $1.27/minute or $76/hour, that's more than I make on Double Overtime!!!
I'm now a fan of Airport rides after rush hour!!! I took Friday off of my primary job to get used to Airport driving, pretty sure I'll be driving more for Lyft that day as they can pickup anywhere, Uber is limited to SNA (John Wayne) and is saturated from what I hear...
Here's to a single fare night! Salud!
Jeff
Day 3 - Best. Day. Ever.!!!
So I was actually craving a Panini, not just any Panini but an "Uncle Carmine's" from @Stefanos, was headed that way while online and got pinged just before their entrance off YL BLVD, bummer!
1st Fare - Grabbed a dude from a house that backs up to my best friends house and headed to Downtown Brea... Cool dude, dropped him off at BJ's ... He asked for my driver number but I now know this does not work - it's still closest driver... more on that in a bit...
2nd Fare, grabbed a couple at the Brea home depot and took them home - I took a pause with the gentleman to have a cig and he showcased his massive palm trees - he had almost ever species and some were so big they looked like a house - very cool guy and I learned about palm trees!
3rd fare - a young lady who hopped her back fence and had me take her to a hotel in Brea - wasn't fond of this and probably got dinged for saying are you sure you want to be here? oh well, I'd rather take a hit star wise than drop someone in an uncomfortable situation - this is going to happen, I know what it was - I can't save them all... She appreciated the water, didnt appreciate the speech - she was working and so was I, sad but I'll be deactivated faster than she will be, last time I preach to a hooker!
4th Fare - 2 Hispanic ladies from Brea Mall to a home near DTF - they kept apologizing for not speaking english, one did, one did not - I told them in the best way possible (I cheated, Siri had my back) Por favor, no te preocupes , voy a su casa. They were happy I took the effort to speak to them - Siri played a huge role! End result, I double parked and helped carry their purchases to their home, they invited me in for food but I declined - I now have about 5lbs of tamales to eat :)
5th Fare was at DTF - after 2 cancellations within 5 minutes - more again later... Nick, a bartender setup his friend - this guy got a recent DUI, 65 and DRUNK AS A SKUNK - he said he's still getting used to being a passenger - he told stories of bringing home a 25 year old exchange student and she was supposed to be in the car - nope... I asked him if we needed to go back for her and he said "I made her up"... he got home safe, took 2 bottles of water and told me he loved me... I told him I loved he took a safe ride and gave him my Lyft code to get 5 free rides home - he needs it...
6th and final Fare - yet the most awesome! I was close to DTB (Downtown Brea) and grabbed a guy near Buffalo Wildwings.... Trip was to far side Whittier - almost cancelled him but something said take him home... He shared his DUI story, sweared he'd never drive again - a very successful contractor and very humble - drove a bit and dropped him off - this was a $30+ fare and he reached up to shake my hand telling me the water and phone charger was the best he's ever seen - in his hand shake was a $20... This I tried to refuse but he wasn't having it - "Best Uber ride I've ever had" - best Uber rider I've ever had!
Still making more than I'm spending - may decide to say FU to DTF - made more money today per hour than ever - DTF may be a place I avoid ...
Driver Favorites are not available on Uber - possibly on Lyft, I'm not sure - if you like your Uber Driver, oh well you wont get them back except for by chance!
Still got pinged by fake calls but noticed the number is the same - uber sets up a contact account that only lasts as long as the ride - no chance of tracing and blocking a fales on their IMEI
I do enjoy driving week nights however and I am beginning to get the hang...
Until later!
Jeff
1st Fare - Grabbed a dude from a house that backs up to my best friends house and headed to Downtown Brea... Cool dude, dropped him off at BJ's ... He asked for my driver number but I now know this does not work - it's still closest driver... more on that in a bit...
2nd Fare, grabbed a couple at the Brea home depot and took them home - I took a pause with the gentleman to have a cig and he showcased his massive palm trees - he had almost ever species and some were so big they looked like a house - very cool guy and I learned about palm trees!
3rd fare - a young lady who hopped her back fence and had me take her to a hotel in Brea - wasn't fond of this and probably got dinged for saying are you sure you want to be here? oh well, I'd rather take a hit star wise than drop someone in an uncomfortable situation - this is going to happen, I know what it was - I can't save them all... She appreciated the water, didnt appreciate the speech - she was working and so was I, sad but I'll be deactivated faster than she will be, last time I preach to a hooker!
4th Fare - 2 Hispanic ladies from Brea Mall to a home near DTF - they kept apologizing for not speaking english, one did, one did not - I told them in the best way possible (I cheated, Siri had my back) Por favor, no te preocupes , voy a su casa. They were happy I took the effort to speak to them - Siri played a huge role! End result, I double parked and helped carry their purchases to their home, they invited me in for food but I declined - I now have about 5lbs of tamales to eat :)
5th Fare was at DTF - after 2 cancellations within 5 minutes - more again later... Nick, a bartender setup his friend - this guy got a recent DUI, 65 and DRUNK AS A SKUNK - he said he's still getting used to being a passenger - he told stories of bringing home a 25 year old exchange student and she was supposed to be in the car - nope... I asked him if we needed to go back for her and he said "I made her up"... he got home safe, took 2 bottles of water and told me he loved me... I told him I loved he took a safe ride and gave him my Lyft code to get 5 free rides home - he needs it...
6th and final Fare - yet the most awesome! I was close to DTB (Downtown Brea) and grabbed a guy near Buffalo Wildwings.... Trip was to far side Whittier - almost cancelled him but something said take him home... He shared his DUI story, sweared he'd never drive again - a very successful contractor and very humble - drove a bit and dropped him off - this was a $30+ fare and he reached up to shake my hand telling me the water and phone charger was the best he's ever seen - in his hand shake was a $20... This I tried to refuse but he wasn't having it - "Best Uber ride I've ever had" - best Uber rider I've ever had!
Still making more than I'm spending - may decide to say FU to DTF - made more money today per hour than ever - DTF may be a place I avoid ...
Driver Favorites are not available on Uber - possibly on Lyft, I'm not sure - if you like your Uber Driver, oh well you wont get them back except for by chance!
Still got pinged by fake calls but noticed the number is the same - uber sets up a contact account that only lasts as long as the ride - no chance of tracing and blocking a fales on their IMEI
I do enjoy driving week nights however and I am beginning to get the hang...
Until later!
Jeff
Monday, December 7, 2015
The Holidays are among us!
Wow, what a great response from my friends supporting this blog! Thank you! So let me share something a bit different...
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and others - including New Years are here - most include consumption of wine, beer and booze, etc... please dont drive!
I've already received 2 calls from riders that were in a car that the driver was not "OK" to drive and went to jail... Companies should be cognizant of this, yes, you drank too much and parked your car in an area that will get towed at 2:30am - trust me, it's far cheaper to leave your car there and Uber/Lyft home, have it towed and avoid the DUI...
I personally got a "wet reckless" in 1997 - I was a .07 BAC on the 55 freeway - while not a 502, it still was extremely painful, lots of money and probation - it changed my life... Today it's 500% worse - lets break today down!
CHP parked my car in a mall lot, now it's impounded - assuming you get out the next day it's $250+ to get it out, same as if leaving it in a place you'll get towed by taking Uber/Lyft home... They are now holding "drunks longer" so that may go up... Add attorney fees, court costs, DMV fees, expensive Insurance fees etc. thats assuming you win the court case, the DMV will still screw you regardless...
You got a 502? Kiss your license goodbye and prepare for about $7500 to $10k easy... go from there... now you cant drive and will rely on Uber/Lyft or public transportation to get to work, if you still have a job after...
Uber/Lyft can save all of this - just admit you've drank too much! I've been known to order a ride recently just because it wasn't worth the chance to see a game at my friends house - it was $30 round trip but I didnt have to worry about my consumption - could I have made it home possibly, but is it worth it to be safe - Hell Yes!
I've had much support from police with my Uber and Lyft signs up - they know we all believe a safe ride home is the best option - and yes, I believe that a ride in my car when I'm driving for Uber/Lyft is the answer you need...
To entice a few - I'll offer a few free rides - sign up for Lyft using this link - it will grant you 5 free rides up to $10 each... https://www.lyft.com/invited/JEFFBELMONT
Please think of those who love you, those that are loved you may hit and the fact I've made it very easy for you to get a safe ride home...
Hope to see you in my car soon!
~Jeff
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and others - including New Years are here - most include consumption of wine, beer and booze, etc... please dont drive!
I've already received 2 calls from riders that were in a car that the driver was not "OK" to drive and went to jail... Companies should be cognizant of this, yes, you drank too much and parked your car in an area that will get towed at 2:30am - trust me, it's far cheaper to leave your car there and Uber/Lyft home, have it towed and avoid the DUI...
I personally got a "wet reckless" in 1997 - I was a .07 BAC on the 55 freeway - while not a 502, it still was extremely painful, lots of money and probation - it changed my life... Today it's 500% worse - lets break today down!
CHP parked my car in a mall lot, now it's impounded - assuming you get out the next day it's $250+ to get it out, same as if leaving it in a place you'll get towed by taking Uber/Lyft home... They are now holding "drunks longer" so that may go up... Add attorney fees, court costs, DMV fees, expensive Insurance fees etc. thats assuming you win the court case, the DMV will still screw you regardless...
You got a 502? Kiss your license goodbye and prepare for about $7500 to $10k easy... go from there... now you cant drive and will rely on Uber/Lyft or public transportation to get to work, if you still have a job after...
Uber/Lyft can save all of this - just admit you've drank too much! I've been known to order a ride recently just because it wasn't worth the chance to see a game at my friends house - it was $30 round trip but I didnt have to worry about my consumption - could I have made it home possibly, but is it worth it to be safe - Hell Yes!
I've had much support from police with my Uber and Lyft signs up - they know we all believe a safe ride home is the best option - and yes, I believe that a ride in my car when I'm driving for Uber/Lyft is the answer you need...
To entice a few - I'll offer a few free rides - sign up for Lyft using this link - it will grant you 5 free rides up to $10 each... https://www.lyft.com/invited/JEFFBELMONT
Please think of those who love you, those that are loved you may hit and the fact I've made it very easy for you to get a safe ride home...
Hope to see you in my car soon!
~Jeff
Saturday, December 5, 2015
2nd Day out - The Friday Experience
I'm going to preface this with I am still very new to this - I am spending more time learning than driving, I cant quite possibly detail every Fare as I had 20+ today!!! One thing I did learn is talk to other drivers when you can. DTF has a great Taxi area that Uber and Lyft drivers can park in as well, Unfortunately I spent quite a bit of time sitting in it, fortunately I met a few drivers willing to share tips and tricks... more on that in a few paragraphs...
So Friday started at the quarter car was, I spent $2 rinsing off the dust, dumping any trash and wiping down everything - I restocked the waters in the front and back seat, filled the gas tank and camped right off Kreamer and YL/BLVD - went online at 7:05pm and got pinged immediately...
That started quite a few runs, a couple to "The Bench", a Student from Valencia to his house, 2 young ladies to Rembrandt's, 2 young ladies to to DTF (Downtown Fullerton), back up to Placentia as DTF was dead took a nice lady to Macy's at the Brea Mall, was going to head down to CSUF but got hit for a pickup at the Mall - 2 guys headed to DTF...
As I sat for 30min in DTF, I had a cancelled ride, I guess drivers spoof out other drivers from time to time, more on that in a bit, It was then I realized something quickly that could end my night, my phone was not charging from the cig plug... CRAP! Went "offline" and headed home as I realized the Avalon had a 110v plug in it :) - grabbed my quick charger and a new lightening adaptor... Ate some food and went online in my apartment...
5 minutes after going online another call from Fraternity row to DTF, 3 guys promising to book me for 3 rides with the "ladies they met" - Yeah right, still slow so I logged in as a passenger and saw 15 other uber drivers sitting in the same area - that can make for a long wait so I scrolled around and saw a ton of drivers heading to CSUF, I had already seen there was something formal going on over there so I headed there...
Within a mile I got hit to head to the parking lot at CSUF, there had been an inter fraternal social mixer going on and there had to have been 4 big party buses, 10 Limos and 15 Uber/Lyft drivers - this also was the first time I had to say no as they tried to sneak in 5 passengers into my 4 available seatbelts... "It's only 2 blocks", yeah, uhhhh NO... They finally understood and I took 2 of them safely home...
Another call to Fraternity row to pick up two more guys headed to DTF - finally an immediate pickup upon drop off, a lone guy who forgot his passport in his car 7 miles away, a nice 14 mile round trip :)
Thats when things got more fun, a company holiday party had the traditional "She's too drunk to drive home" so they put her in my car - they asked if she could sit up front and I was OK with that, easier for me to pull over and open the door if she got sick - fortunately she did not and one of her neighbors pinged me for a ride to, guess where, DTF!
Pulled over for a bit to have a convo w/ my son, went back online and got my first "long drive" from DTF to Cypress... Went offline to get back to DTF and got 2 cancels in a row, mind you it's surging now...
Finally got a surge call and it was only 1 mile - Arrgh - they wanted to go through a drive through, I apologized and said I cant do that at 1:30am, I feel obligated to get back to get the drunks home safely - they appreciated that so I gave them the number to their local dominoes :P Thank you Siri!!!
Back to DTF and instant Surge fare to South Orange - very nice couple dressed to the nines... They were professional Uber riders too, they knew what drivers deal with and gave me some tips too, however they said even though you are new, you've got a great thing going as I could charge his iPhone and I had waters for them... Upon arrival he shook my hand with a little green and his card, he told me to email him with my driver code... Great feeling...
So it's already 2am, I knew I could still get back to DTF by 2:20 I did, I've never seen so many police and their crazy DUI tactics... I had a call in the middle of an arrest and the officer lifted the tape for me to go through - couldn't find the passenger and cancelled them after 5 min (I get a $5 spiff for waiting) - got a call from a guy who put his destination as his pickup, another $5 spiff and finally 3 ladies at Dominoes just off the SoCo area needed a ride back to Kreamer and Imperial - boom done! Headed home after that...
Filled the gas tank back to full - $16 - car wash, $3 - water still ok from day 1, insurance covered from day 1 - Day 2 cost me $19 and a few hours - total fares, today, $135, total fares from 2 days $165 - Uber take - $65 - my take home = $100 +$25 in tips - 10 hours means I have made $12.50 on average - not great but I'm learning....
So about the cancellations - this is a loophole that Uber has and Lyft has addressed - you can order a ride and as long as you cancel within 5 minutes, uber wont charge - uber, lyft and taxi drivers will utilize this loophole to put you to the back of the line again - if you get a fare and they cancel within 5 minutes there is no charge to them so they'll make you chase a ghost for 4 minutes and then cancel... I'm working on the counter measure... I am a phone guy afterall!
I printed a lyft placard off the internet, tomorrow night I will drive both to see what happens...
I've made money, I dont consider my time when I dont have my kids as important or billable at a specific hourly rate... Education, friendliness and social interaction win here!
Need sleep now however - GNite all!
Jeff
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Day 1 - Let's try this out!
So I picked up the car on Sunday morning and was a certified Uber and LYFT driver by Wednesday, GAP insurance and the whole 9 yards... Got home from work tonight, ate some dinner while doing laundry - it's 9:00pm, laundry's done what do I do now? - lets check this Uber thing out... cleaned up the car a bit, grabbed a 6 pack of waters and a redbull and was on my way...
Fare #1 - Decided to troll CSUF in hopes of grabbing students heading out but ended up with my first solo rider ever - going from day job to night job - she didnt have a car and relies on uber every day, while driving from the CSUF area to South fullerton off Harbor and Orangethorpe we figured out she pays $90 per month easially on Uber... wow.. she is a student in biological engineering however - hoping she can change her non-car status too... 3.16 miles, 8 Minutes
Fare #2 - Was close to Downtown Fullerton so headed there, parked for 3 minutes in the SoCo district when the second fare hit - a pickup from a nearby stater brothers... Yet again another solo female rider we loaded her groceries into the car and set off - again someone without a car spending close to $100/ month on uber to get around... 3.76 miles, 9 Minutes...
Fare #3 - my first delay - they ordered the Uber before paying their check, they did approve my starting the ride, little did I know I only make $.10 per minute waiting, their 10 minute delay netted me a whopping dollar, I should have cancelled them but I'm new and didnt know better... They went from DTF to my neck of the woods to a hookah place I didnt even know existed - first group of 5 in the car - they drank all my water... 3.22 miles 19 Minutes... Went back to Albertsons and bought a 24 pack of waters as they were appreciated...
Fare #4 - Fraternity row, short delay netted 5 intoxicated college students hoping to go to Kelly's - fortunately Rembrandt's is open until 2, probably the lively group I had tonight, everyone was having a good time and they said I was the coolest Uber driver they've ever had - made me feel good... 2.5 miles, 5 minutes Sat in Kelly's lot for a bit hoping to grab someone there but got a ping from Mr J's a block away - enroute, my first encounter with PD - he said I was acting suspicious until he saw my uber placard, I told him I appreciate what he does and had nothing to hide, he said I appreciate what you do getting drunk people home safely - he checked my stuff out and said I had to be the most squeaky clean driver he's met - apologized for the 2 minute delay and wished me well... I still made it in my ETA to the next client...
Fare #5 - asked me to drive to the back of the bar, wasn't super cool but figured I could drive through quickly if I wasn't comfortable - here I was met by 2 sweet older ladies - the order came from one who wanted the other to get home safely as she wasnt comfortable driving herself - I offered to take them both and bring her back early in the AM but she wasnt having it - I gave her my uber number and asked her to text me when she got home and I'd do the same with her friend - she beat us by 5 minutes and I learned much more about Nixon's history - first solo rider to ride up front with me - I ended up giving them both my GV number and direct access to request me again - best fare of the night... 3.6 miles, 10 Minutes
Fare #6 - I was by Brian's again hoping to grab a last minute final fare and got a ping, I accepted before realizing it was back down by CSUF - turned out to be the Marriott - these 3 guys were from all over the states and looking to go to a strip club, while yes, I've been to a few I'm not super knowledgeable about which ones are open how late and what serves Alcohol - something I should learn in this line of work I guess... Ended up stopping at a liquor store, a smoke shop and landed them at Taboo which is open until 2:00am - I felt like a stripper as they gave me $20 as a tip stating I was the most accommodating and flexible Uber driver they ever met... 4.62 miles, 19 minutes
Overall - Uber $30 - Tips $20 = $50 driving for 3 hours = $16/ hour while less than I normally make, this is my fun money and I really did enjoy the night! Expense was about $5 for water and $3 in gas... I can see this being a good way for me to make some extra cash! Until later tonight! Jeff
Fare #1 - Decided to troll CSUF in hopes of grabbing students heading out but ended up with my first solo rider ever - going from day job to night job - she didnt have a car and relies on uber every day, while driving from the CSUF area to South fullerton off Harbor and Orangethorpe we figured out she pays $90 per month easially on Uber... wow.. she is a student in biological engineering however - hoping she can change her non-car status too... 3.16 miles, 8 Minutes
Fare #2 - Was close to Downtown Fullerton so headed there, parked for 3 minutes in the SoCo district when the second fare hit - a pickup from a nearby stater brothers... Yet again another solo female rider we loaded her groceries into the car and set off - again someone without a car spending close to $100/ month on uber to get around... 3.76 miles, 9 Minutes...
Fare #3 - my first delay - they ordered the Uber before paying their check, they did approve my starting the ride, little did I know I only make $.10 per minute waiting, their 10 minute delay netted me a whopping dollar, I should have cancelled them but I'm new and didnt know better... They went from DTF to my neck of the woods to a hookah place I didnt even know existed - first group of 5 in the car - they drank all my water... 3.22 miles 19 Minutes... Went back to Albertsons and bought a 24 pack of waters as they were appreciated...
Fare #4 - Fraternity row, short delay netted 5 intoxicated college students hoping to go to Kelly's - fortunately Rembrandt's is open until 2, probably the lively group I had tonight, everyone was having a good time and they said I was the coolest Uber driver they've ever had - made me feel good... 2.5 miles, 5 minutes Sat in Kelly's lot for a bit hoping to grab someone there but got a ping from Mr J's a block away - enroute, my first encounter with PD - he said I was acting suspicious until he saw my uber placard, I told him I appreciate what he does and had nothing to hide, he said I appreciate what you do getting drunk people home safely - he checked my stuff out and said I had to be the most squeaky clean driver he's met - apologized for the 2 minute delay and wished me well... I still made it in my ETA to the next client...
Fare #5 - asked me to drive to the back of the bar, wasn't super cool but figured I could drive through quickly if I wasn't comfortable - here I was met by 2 sweet older ladies - the order came from one who wanted the other to get home safely as she wasnt comfortable driving herself - I offered to take them both and bring her back early in the AM but she wasnt having it - I gave her my uber number and asked her to text me when she got home and I'd do the same with her friend - she beat us by 5 minutes and I learned much more about Nixon's history - first solo rider to ride up front with me - I ended up giving them both my GV number and direct access to request me again - best fare of the night... 3.6 miles, 10 Minutes
Fare #6 - I was by Brian's again hoping to grab a last minute final fare and got a ping, I accepted before realizing it was back down by CSUF - turned out to be the Marriott - these 3 guys were from all over the states and looking to go to a strip club, while yes, I've been to a few I'm not super knowledgeable about which ones are open how late and what serves Alcohol - something I should learn in this line of work I guess... Ended up stopping at a liquor store, a smoke shop and landed them at Taboo which is open until 2:00am - I felt like a stripper as they gave me $20 as a tip stating I was the most accommodating and flexible Uber driver they ever met... 4.62 miles, 19 minutes
Overall - Uber $30 - Tips $20 = $50 driving for 3 hours = $16/ hour while less than I normally make, this is my fun money and I really did enjoy the night! Expense was about $5 for water and $3 in gas... I can see this being a good way for me to make some extra cash! Until later tonight! Jeff
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