Tag: uber

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Saint Louis uber-and-side-hustle

More Uber Driving

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I had two new experiences this morning. It appears I just received a one-star rating from a passenger (the 1st time for me): don’t know for sure why and who. But one girl (passenger, or customer) asked me if she can vape in my minivan, and I told her no (I told her politely though).

Also, I drove on some sketchy area in St. Louis, such as this one: Northway Supermarket. It seems the general area is Walnut Park East (and my google term here). And it seems to me this Yelp review (see below) is quite fair. Honestly when I drove by that place the 1st time this morning, I thought people were doing drug trade – buy and sell 🙂

Read Isaac H.‘s review of Northway Supermarket on Yelp.

And this is the whole route.

(Update 08-12-2025) I did an adhoc Uber driving yesterday afternoon. I got about one hour of time, after swimming. Turned down a few exclusive requests (they are a bit long for me). And did two short trips. I looked at my stats this morning, and it seems my acceptance rate was impacted because I didn’t accept the exclusive requests. I don’t mind that much as my overall score is already down, and I no longer qualify for the advantage mode due to that. The acceptance rate drop was not as bad. Anyway, next time I may be a bit more careful if I only have one hour or less to drive. Maybe just skipping Uber driving altogether.

(Update 10-12-2025) I didn’t do much driving recently. Last I recall was a Wednesday afternoon (evening), I drove for about one hour after picking up my kids. I did come across an article from Yahoo today (I’ve Driven for Uber for a Decade. I Don’t Know What My Future Holds. – Business Insider). I read it via Yahoo and it didn’t have paywall.

(Update 12-22-2025) I drive for Uber and Lyft after retiring from Wall Street. The principles I learned as a trader help me make more money.

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Saint Louis uber-and-side-hustle

Went to St. Louis Bread Co. after my morning Uber driving

Reading Time: 5 minutes

This one (link to YT).

Yesterday morning I was a bit tired after driving for about 2 hours. Next time I should remember take some “coffee breaks” every hour or so, that is, if I drive for more than one hour. Usually I just drive one hour nowadays (refer to my most recent post on Uber driving, refer to “PS: early morning Uber driving“)

This is probably also the first St. Louis Bread Co. I visited in St. Louis area (or one of the first). I used to live near that place Saint Louis – Chippewa St @ Lansdowne Ave or 6607 Chippewa Street, St Louis, MO 63109. I probably had bread bowl soup there too.

Please note one of the St. Louis landmarks Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is located not too far away from the Bread Co., it’s at 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109.

They are within walking distance, or a very short drive.

(Update 07/07/2025) Bumped into an engineer (or an executive) from Faith Group, LLC (LinkedIn, company website). The gentleman didn’t tell me the exact company name during my Uber driving this mooning, but I am 100% sure this is the company, from the descriptions. He gave me $5 tip.

(Update 07/08/2025) Drive in the city of St. Louis. Occasionally I drove in the city of St. Louis. I would be a bit more careful when driving in the city of St. Louis. Not just because of the crime rate. In fact overall the crime rate is down if you look at the Google search overview – pasted below for the ease of reading.

(Update 07/10/2025) Tips sometimes can come days late. A lot people now live in “motel” which is really more like a studio apartment: they apparently cannot put in number for the motel, other than the main address. This morning, I had something like this, had to text the passenger to get the exact room number (she has some mobility challenges). More re: driving in the city, I noticed some people don’t obey the traffic lights, even official cars such as fire truck. That’s why I said earlier “be more careful when driving in the city”. Btw, the Uber business sort of dried up in recent mornings.

(Update 07/11/2025) This morning I went to Panera Bread at Westport after my Uber driving. This morning’s 3 trips are all for caregivers, the 1st one is for someone who lives in the apartment complex across the street, to a home in west county (home caregiver?). The latter two are drop offs at nursing homes (senior living places): one in Clayton, another one in Maryland Heights.

Btw, it seems a lot of my trips are drop offs at nursing homes (senior living places), especially now I mostly drive in the early mornings. I thought about evenings but considering the high temperature and potential damages to my car (battery), and I decided to skip.

Also, I happened to see this apartment complex Prospect Creek – Ballwin in a nice neighborhood (with privacy and walking trails etc.). You would do more research on apartment yourself, if applicable.

(Update 07/14/2025) I did 3 trips from or to Airport on 7/13/2025. This was a bit unusual because the airport terminal 2 got busy due to an end of a big conference. Today I did my usual: 3 trips total, white castle (fast food restaurant), wustl (off big bend road) to home (custodian get off work?), and lastly take a kid’s caregiver to kids care place. I think in terms of tips, the airport trips are usually better. But I don’t just work for tips. One minor thing though, between yesterday and today, I got a score of 3 (out of 5) and it lowers my average score a tiny bit. It’s not the end of the world, as it used to be though. Because right now I have 98 “5”. For comparison, I have 2 “4”, and 3 “3” and 1 “2”. I don’t have any “1”.

Separately, I came across a YT video 在上海住車上開網約車，一個月掙七千多，女士說這是普通人的生存希望 about driving ride share in SH, it seems they have a much harder job.

(Update 07/15/2025) This morning I only did 2 trips, because I am a bit tired and also today is my younger daughter’s b-day. For the 2nd trip, I took the same passenger as yesterday – WUSTL (off big bend road) to home (custodian get off work?). 1 trip was from an apartment near Page Blvd to a medical facility near Schnucks U city. I overshot a bit over there because my mind was a bit off at the time.

(Update 07/16/2025) I didn’t drive this morning as I need to do some work for my day job.

(Update 07/17/2025) This morning I did two trips related to the hotel (or nursing home). First trip was from the senior living behind Diebergs off Craig road, to his temp housing at Craigshire road. There was a bit hiccup. The customer thinks he ordered a stop at the Mobile on the run gas station, but it didn’t show up in my driver app. I honored his request nonetheless. The second trip was from the courtyard behind Aldi in Creve Coeur, to a hotel in Clayton.

(Update 07/18/2025) I did two airport trips this morning. I took a gentleman from WUSTL (Knight Center, business school) to airport (American Airline). And I intentionally didn’t leave as fast as I could, and lucky me I got another trip as I was leaving, from terminal 2 (southwest) to west port. After that I got food and coffee at Panera bread at west port and went home.

(Update 07/19/2025) Two trips this morning. One is taking a guy from his apartment in Overland to the gas station and back. He bought a pack of cigarette. I think he can walk, because it’s about 0.5 miles one way. The second one is take a lady from her home in Overland (I think it’s still overland) to the McDonalds’ in the U city China town (there is no actual official China town, but if you are from St. Louis, you probably know what I meant).

(Update 07/20/2025) 3 trips this am. Took the same lady (C) from wustl to her apartment at north county (slightly different from her other home). Took another lady (girl) from nearby apartment to the Amazon facility at St. Peters. And last but not least, took a Russian lady (nurse) from St. Peters to the JCC senior living apartment.

(Update 07/20/2025) Two trips this morning. It was raining and the driving conditions were not good. First trip was from the Hilton Frontenac to the Dr. Pepper plant off Page and 170. I was thinking we were going to airport and didn’t pick up the new trip on the way there initially, including an exclusive request. I picked up new trip after I dropped off a passenger, this new trip is from north county to the south city. After that I was a bit tired, and I went to the same bread company the one at Lansdowne and Chippewa. I was happy I drove about 5 miles along Chippewa in south city – my 1st time did something like this.

This post is getting long, and I am thinking start a new post next time I drive for Uber.

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St. Louis has seen a significant decrease in crime, with the first three months of 2025 showing the lowest number of homicides in 20 years, according to the City of St. Louis (.gov). Homicides are down 45%, robberies are down 20%, burglaries are down 33%, and auto thefts are down 39% year-to-date compared to the same period in previous years. However, there was a recent uptick in robberies during a specific week, but investigations led to arrests. The city is actively working to address crime through various strategies, including street intervention and focused deterrence. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Overall Crime Reduction:In the first three months of 2025, overall crime is down 28% compared to the same period last year and nearly 50% compared to 2023. 
  • Homicide Rate:The city is experiencing the lowest number of year-to-date homicides since 2005. 
  • Robberies:While robberies have seen a recent increase during a specific week, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) is actively investigating and has made arrests related to carjackings. 
  • Property Crime:Property crimes, including burglaries and auto theft, have also seen significant decreases. 
  • Violent Crime:Violent crime in general is down, including rape, aggravated assault, and simple assault. 
  • Targeted Efforts:The City is pursuing a strategy of street intervention, cognitive behavioral theory, and focused deterrence to further reduce crime. 
  • Community Collaboration:The SLMPD, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, the Office of Violence Prevention, and community partners are all working together to build a safer St. Louis. 
  • Public Access to Information:The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department provides crime statistics and a crime map for public access. 

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Categories
Saint Louis uber-and-side-hustle

Somewhat unusual Uber pickup experience at STL airport this morning

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When I first started to drive for Uber, and if I drove to the airport, I usually would call the day and turn off the new requests. After a while, I decided to leave the incoming request on (basically I didn’t do anything special), and twice I got a ride right away the the drop off location. Btw, in terminal one where most airlines fly, the ride share pickup location is near door 6 at the upper (departure) level.

This morning I was hoping for similar magic as I was driving my customers for flight. It didn’t happen right away. So I was pulling away before a request coming in – as I was driving I usually cannot see all details for the request. I accepted it. Turns out to be the beginning of a small disaster for me. The rider (customer) did a loop request for Uber (basically the pick up and drop off at the same location). And they didn’t speak English. They come to STL for an adventist world congress. After looping through airport a few times, and also attempt for them to call their son who speaks English, and also attempt to put in the new destination for the ride (was not successful), I finally gave up. I did what the ride request asked, dropped them off at the almost same spot. They did tip me one dollar.

This is one of the strangest Uber ride I did so far.

PS: early morning Uber driving

Since my most recent China trip, I resumed my Uber driving, and I drove almost entirely during early morning hours (after sunrise, in other words, I still don’t drive for Uber when it’s dark outside). I think early morning Uber-ing has a few benefits:

1) Airport rides. This is usually the most safe, and also sometimes people tip (because of luggages). And in rare cases, I got a new Uber ride at the airport (happened to me 3 times total, and with the last one I mentioned above).

2) People go to work or get off work. I have picked up people go to work (or get off work) at nursing home (this is probably the most common). But really I drove for people who works at Walgreens, Starbucks, Dierbergs, warehouse or assembly line, cannabis* store, hospitals, schools, office buildings and hotels. Basically pretty much anywhere you can think of. And this is as safe as airport ride.

*Cannabis: this is the smell I dislike when driving for Uber. I usually was not in a position or really like to tell people not to get on my car.

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uber-and-side-hustle

More Uber Driving Tips

Reading Time: 3 minutes

(Update 03-19-2025) I paused Uber driving for last few days since the power outage as a result of the powerful tornado hit STL on Friday 03/14/25 night. I resumed it today (this morning). And I made a mistake – I turned off the Cellular Data for “Uber Driver” app as a measure to save the cellular data usage. I used up about 5GB one day without realizing it until I already used it – I thought playing from YT Music is not using data – my assumption was not correct – it doesn’t use data only when I played it from “Download” folder on the YT Music app.

The problem this morning is as soon as I drove away, my Uber Driver app stopped working. Eventually I stopped at the Stacy Park, and thought maybe I would just do morning walk. But at that time, I realized my cellular data setting and turn it back on. And I went back to the Uber app (after closing the app and re-open) and the trip was still there. So, I proceeded as usual. The lesson for me is I should not turn it off at the first place.

Also, came across this sad news – Father of Houston rideshare driver speaks out on son’s death during carjacking – FOX 26 Houston via YT.

(Update 03-08-2025) Today I drove a bit on gravel road the 1st time as Uber driver. Note gravel road is not popular in America, but there are still some in rural areas.

Be relaxed

A few things came to my mind. Recently sometimes I don’t want to drive far out of way, and then come back home empty handed. So I screen the ride requests carefully, sometimes I stop the car and wait in the parking lot, and only accept the ride I liked. This morning is a good example, I declined a few ride requests before getting a one at Dobbs tire shop, at Olivette, near where I live. Second trip was driving from near the Dieberg’s at Craig to the La Boone Bouchee at Olive and Tempo Dr. I even got tips from both trips. I was not expecting, but I guess when I am relaxed, customers (passengers) may feel that way too.

So this is about “take it easy”. Not solely chasing for the money – honestly I still feel Uber driving is not an easy way to make money or bring bread home.

Again I do understand I am probably lucky in a way because I am not going to kill myself to make money via driving for Uber. Somedays if I feel not like it, I can just do my other things, such as exercise instead of driving. I think I am going to do that tomorrow morning 🙂

Audio

Also, about audio. I think ideally I want to have one AirPod in my left ear, so that I can listen to the passenger just in case. Because I have a 2012 model car, the build in audio is not that sophisticated, so I just use my iPhone and AirPods.

Uber App Notifications

I realized I don’t need the instant notification. I just need to turn on the notification summary. This way I can save quite a few “surge” notifications during my normal work day.

Cleanliness of the car

I washed my car (2012 Toyota Sienna minivan) as practically as possible. Due to snow and the road salt, the car looks dirty from outside, finally I was able to clean over the weekend, due to the warmer temperature. One thing, I noticed, is unfortunately the faucet for the garden hose was broken during the extreme cold weather, and the ice inside the faucet. I am researching and will hopefully come up with a good fix soon.

I may summarized more and refer to my earlier Uber driving tips.

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uber-and-side-hustle

Uber driving tips

Reading Time: 8 minutes

(03-01-2025) I just realized today is Madi Gras. This morning I drove 3 trips. First trip: from Rock Hill (near old Warson road) to Kirkwood. 2nd trip: from Kirkwood to South County. Last trip: I drove back to CC, drove a gentleman across the Olive road, from the Courtyard Hotel to the office building across the street. The last trip was worth the money as I needed to come home.

I also had a minor issue when the train was blocking the Geyer road. I had to use Apple Map to make a detour, before switching back to Uber Driver app. This is the 1st time I used Apple Map instead of Uber Driver map for navigation because of road/traffic condition.

At about 1 pm, I also realized it was Madi Gras celebration and no wonder the Uber Driver app shows quite busy and surge prices in many areas. And I also recall my passenger brought beer to friends’ house and he sounds like opened the beer can in my minivan – I didn’t look whether open drinking in the car is legal or not (many years ago I heard from friends who have lived in NY saying it’s illegal in NYC).

(02-16-2025) I drove 2 trips today. One in the early morning, and another one between 10 and 11 am when I was taking my 10 year old to her drawing class (I didn’t have much to do, plus it was too cold to walk outside today). I didn’t know or anticipate we would have snow overnight. The first trip has two legs, the 1st one is from near the Costco Business Center (St. John) to Maplewood (the lady dropped her kids there), then from Maplewood I drove the passenger to a senior living home in the Tower Grove neighborhood where the lady worked for 12 years so far. It’s on Magnolia road, north of Tower Grove park. So overall my minivan has been helpful because I carried 4 people for the 1st leg of the trip (the longer one too).

(02-14-2025) It seems Uber is getting cheaper comparing my Uber trip to airport back in 11/27/2019 vs today I drove a passenger to the Airport (comparable location). I cannot ask passenger how much she paid, but I am using 40% for Uber’s cut. $9.42/0.6 + $3 (tip) = $18.70. In 11/27/2019 I paid $21.48 for trip from my home to STL. I realized one factor: the trip starts at 4:46 am (vs 7:12 am). Bogleheads has a thread too.

Perhaps more importantly, I picked up a trip when I was near the airport, and now I realized it was not worth my effort moneywise, it’s from 63121 near highway 70, to St. Mary High School in South City: 16.5 miles and 28 minutes one way, my fare (earning) is $14.41. Note the plus side – I got to see or drive some of the places I haven’t driven until today, from the north county, north city, downtown (gateway arch) to the South City. I saw the Love gas station, the factory or warehouses, 1st time driving into downtown from highway 70, and transition to 55. Many things look pretty impressive: including the Budweiser plant and the St. Mary HS.

I should probably stick to my one trip a day pledge 🙂 || The reason I turned on the “accept new request” thing is I thought I may be able to pick up a trip starting from airport, after the drop off, it happened to me once – but I guess that kind of luck is rare.

(02-10-2025) I continued Uber driving this morning. I got a repeating customer. Note on Uber a rider cannot designate a driver, but he/she can choose service (Uber X, Uber XL etc.) and so on. The matching part is determined by the system (platform). I think from now on, on weekdays, I am going to just do one trip in the morning (with the exception of airport ride). I am also going to just accept the pickup within 10 minutes of driving.

(Update 02-09-2025) I resumed my Uber driving today. From now on, I will probably only drive on Saturday and Sunday, couple hours at most each day.

(Update 02-08-2025) More about Go Go Grandparents ride (here is a reddit thread if you are interested). Now I recollect, the Go Go Grandparents people kind of tricked me in some way, because initially it was a ride for $4 or $5 and it’s a one way trip (probably from the old gentleman’s home to the McDonald’s at Maplewood, off Hanley road, near Home Depot store). Then once I was on the way (after took the rider), Go Go Grandparents updated the trip, so that I can also bring the gentleman home: made it a round trip. The total is about $7. But because the rider asked for extra stop at the gas station, and I need to help him get off the car, back out my car, etc., it made my 2nd already booked trip a bit late – it’s possible the rider for 2nd trip gave me a score of 4 because of that.

A side note of this is: the starting address is across the street from the real house the gentleman was living in (because I drop back to his home, and I have the address, which I dropped off his phone later, btw). I don’t know why the discrepancy. The house was a bit run-down, which seems to match the old gentleman’s life stage. I saw broken down car in the backyard. Next time, if I ever encounter similar issue (lost item in my car), I would take a picture so that it would help me resolving the issue.

Before the trip on 01-28-2025, I did two trips that were either Uber Health or called by people like Go Go Grandparent. I mentioned one on 01-23-2025 (see below). In another case, I just drove a gentleman (a veteran) from his home to BJC in central west end. I don’t mind drive people for medical appointments etc., but from now on 02-09-2025 I will probably just drive on weekends (leisure time), as well as not taking Go Go Grandparent (not sure how best to distinguish/decline).

(Update 02-03-2025) Rideshare Safety Tips: A Complete Guide

(Update 01-28-2025) Once again please be aware of Uber Health – or those rides arranged by the Caregivers. I got such one again this morning: the ride is taking a gentleman to McDonald’s, order food, and take him back. On the way back he asked me to stop by the gas station: he said he left his debit card there last time. I did him the favor in terms of the extra stop. I also helped him the food and drink during drop off to his home. But he forgot his phone (left it on the seat) in the end. I had to make an extra stop and drop off his phone after I drop off my 2nd passenger. Last but not least, it seems between them I got a 4 star. Later I got a call from gogograndparent (FB page for GGGP) that they are the Uber coordinator. It went to my voice mail as I usually don’t pick up phone from stranger. Looks like they are Chicago based.

This is probably going to be my last Uber driving for a while. I am not overly concerned about the phone itself, but it seems there are quite a few caregiver responsibilities that comes with this kind of Uber driving. Also the customer service stuff (which I got a glimplse when I worked for Mastercard). I think ideally I want to be like the Costco and pick the ideal customers.

Now I am thinking about becoming real estate agent next (part time though).

(Update 01-23-2025) I did a few more trips this week, including during the deep freeze (Sunday to Wednesday morning). I feel some people are appreciative: e.g., on Sunday I dropped off a caregiver from apartment near my home to Delmar Garden, a senior living place near 141 and 64. The lady told me one driver bailed on her: she gave me $5 tip. Yesterday I drove a lady from her home to dental appointment: she gave me $5 tip too. Another trip was for a WUSTL undergrad (senior) from his home to medical school. The day before it was similar: drove a nurse from Mercy Creve Coeur campus to her apartment; then drove a medical school student to WUSTL medical campus.

This morning, I declined a few far out of way trips (I think it’s a bit too much if I need to drive 15 to 20 minutes to pick up someone, via highway). I picked up a lady at Westport and drop her off STL Lambert International airport. On the way we stopped by the Panera Bread at Westport (at her request). She gave me $7 tip.

Today also marks the day that I drove 100 trips (I started on 10-13-2024, as shown in my blog post here). Technically I think it’s 101. As I drove for an old lady after I cancelled the trip because she didn’t respond in time. Uber did give me the money via adjustment later on. Below was the story on Jan 13, 2025 (note the temperature was low, but more importantly road condition was still not perfect after the snow storm).

A bit unusual Uber driving experience this morning. I picked up the ride during my 1st trip. Just as I was going to pick up the passenger for this particular ride (2nd trip), the Uber platform told me the passenger doesn’t do text, via a medical (care) coordinator. I arrived the apartment, did call, text to the number given by the platform. No response. But just as I cancelled the trip, and ready to leave, I saw the passenger – an old woman with cane. She is going to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The parking lot for the apartment is both icy and slippery, and I slipped, and almost fell. She said she was just locking her door. I said: okay I will take you. I drove her to the Mercy Hospital which I briefly worked for 18 months between 2013 and 2015. She said she didn’t eat breakfast – somehow, she reminded me of my grandma and my parents nowadays (as they are aging).

(Original 01-18-2025) Last Sunday, as I dropped off one passenger on United Airline gate, the next ride came. My lesson learned: keep the Uber Driving app online. In the past, sometimes I turned off new request when I drove into airport dropping off passengers.

This evening, I dropped off a friend at Southwest Terminal 2. But the Uber Driving app told me to go to the STL waiting lot. I was hoping to get a ride right there, and I was not going to waiting lot.

Some safety features for the drivers

Don’t drive during the night, or early mornings, basically when it’s dark outside. Quite recently, once I woke up early, it was New Year’s Day (01-01-2025), as I drove around for Uber, I picked up a ride for 2 guys. I was not 100% sure what those 2 guys were doing, I suspect they were drinking and f?!x around, as I heard a bit of their conversation re: women etc. I have zero intention to learn their business. There was a small incident during pickup too, I parked, one guy came aboard: he took the seat behind me. Just as I was pulling off, I saw another guy pull my door or knock on the windshield, asking me to stop. Turns out he is another passenger. The ride was not eventually, until the end, turns out two guys have a slightly different destinations: one guy lives about one mile from another. They did give me $10, and after my Uber ride is over, I used Apple map for navigation dropped off the other guy. Note Uber does allow for multiple stops and they are probably not sophisticated Uber users and didn’t use this multi stop feature.

Set the minimum rider star rating (score) to 4.5, unfortunately we need to do it every time we go online. I used to set minimum to 4.5, but the article says Any lower than 4.6 could be a potential issue, because it’s at this point that Uber can consider deactivating your account.

I saw from this Reddit thread one driver says 4.85 for Uber. But I also saw some passenger’s rebuttal. Just copy one back and forth below:

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Driver: Anything under a 4.8 is a no-go. 10 years driving rideshare.

Rider: I am 4.79, always respectful and tip well. Just had a few too many drivers give me a 4 instead of a 5. The rating system is BS and you are losing money by rejecting perfectly good passengers. Now if someone had a 4.2 or 4.1, I’d understand why you wouldnt pick them up.

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Go offline if we are not familiar with the destination or area: I did this once at East St. Louis. I didn’t realize the ride was going to East St. Louis at the beginning. It appears a security guard was getting off work at Clayton and went back his home in East STL.

I will add more as I think of some more tips.

Last but not least: some other blog posts I wrote re: Uber driving

More Uber driving and tips I learned

Drove for Uber the 1st time – 我在美国开优步

Uber Official YT Channel – Earning with Uber

Categories
uber-and-side-hustle

More Uber driving and tips I learned

Reading Time: 2 minutes

First a few tips (not the tip as in the money) I learned since I drove Uber.

One is you can setup a secured code like 2 factor authentication: I have one passenger used this feature. This may be faster than looking at license plate/exchange names etc. The driver can only “start the trip” after type in the code from the passenger.

Another one is something I learned this morning: we can do multiple stops. Today two older brothers dropped off the little brother at early childhood place, before heading to their destination high school.

Last but not least, try to keep your car clean. By “clean” I meant the carpet is clean and the cupholders are clean. And if you have a minivan like me, try to keep trunk clean of junks. Guess when do we need the storage space in the trunk? When we have junks there. I am not kidding, it actually happened recently to me once, when I need to take 5 people with their bags 🙂 I learned this lesson the hard way actually, in the very beginning of my driving adventure, I didn’t pay attention to the carpet and the cup holders. And I quickly got a few low rating (2, 3, 4) and it pushed down my overall rating score quickly. And now I can say proudly I am coming back as my score is 4.78 (I think 4.9 is considered excellent on Uber).

How about real tips (tips in the money)

Never expected, always appreciated. In real life though, interacting with passengers, talking to them (probably listen to them 1st) may have something to do with the tips.

Why I drive for Uber – reasons other than money

I think driving these one or two trips helps waking me up. In the old days I commute 20 to 30 minutes to work. Nowadays this is my “commute” in a way. Driving my freshman girl to HS and back is a bit too short to wake me up. The earning per hour never exceeded $30 (before tips). I received $13 tips from below trips. Subtracting the tips, it would be $58.72 for 2-hour 17 m online time. Other side benefits: keep my car clean and watch out for my driving habits no road rage etc. Use the modern word, just “chill”.

Here is an article by Harvard – Taxi drivers are steering neuroscience toward better understanding Alzheimer’s. In Chinese BMJ：老司机狂喜！哈佛团队分析近900万死者数据发现，出租车和救护车司机因阿尔茨海默病死亡风险全职业最低，或与空间导航能力有关

How to improve the rating?

Keep the car clean, in addition to be friendly.

Last but not least, I have driven 65 trips since started this very much part time gig about 2 months ago. PS: this is my earlier post on driving for Uber.

Reference

YT video How Uber Robs Its Drivers by More Perfect Union: let me quote a comment – As an accountant, I did Uber and Lyft a few years ago on weekends to make a few extra bucks. After about 300 rides, I created my own report that detailed my revenue, expenses, hourly work pay rate, etc. And came to the conclusion that was only making about $9 maybe $10 per hour in profit while putting lots of wear and tear on my vehicle. I stopped all ride share driving after that.

I think I tend to agree with the comment above. My main motivation for driving is not to get the extra income (that didn’t hurt). But I think if I want to make more money or make a living, or bring bread home, driving for Uber is not the 1st thing I will attempt to do.

Categories
Saint Louis uber-and-side-hustle

Drove for Uber the 1st time – 我在美国开优步

Reading Time: 4 minutes

中文简体读者：这里有一个谷歌翻译的版本，可能不是最新的版本，但大意差不多。

Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon I drove for Uber the first time, after I thought and talked about it for a bit. Note I still have the day job – this is mostly to supplement my income, and also gain some experience/have some fun. I also wrote a Twitter/X thread here.

A few things to do or think before drive for Uber:

I did give some thoughts on the whole thing before my 1st trip. Here are just some of the things I wrote down on my iPhone notes (MX):

MX: read safety tips (here are Uber Tips for Drivers), I also read a bit more on safety at Google and Reddit too, for example, below thread at Reddit:

Safety : r/uberdrivers

Don’t accept any obviously fake names (Smokey, Mr. X, Princess, etc) and if you’re gut says it’s wrong, let rolling and cancel when you get around the block…

Oh, and buy a dashcam! I got one at Walmart for $75. I honestly believe just having it mounted helps avoid issues.

Re: dash cam, I actually did place an order at Amazon, but I decided to cancel the order today after I think more about it. I always get it if needed, down the road. I have a few items that I bought from Amazon that ends up didn’t get used. Try to avoid that mistake again – and I really need to use the items I bought or sell them on eBay (it it’s passed the time to return).

I also thought about Pepper Spray or carry a firearm: my understanding is that Missouri is an open carry state.

It is not a crime under Missouri law to openly carry a weapon into any place where concealed carry is prohibited, except for a church, school bus, school, or onto the grounds of a school function. According to RSMo Section 571.030, there is no age limit to openly carry a handgun, long gun or any weapon.

But I have purchased neither for now: I think the rearview mirror, along with some items near my driver seat are sufficient for me. Under any circumstances, if I feel that my safety is not 100% guaranteed, in most cases if I am driving and my car is good, I expect to get out of the trouble quickly.

MX: only drive days with daylights, no evenings or nights;

MX: tax or expenses tracking including: miles driven, gas receipts 🧾, and insurance.

But today’s two rides (one cancelled) is mostly around “finding the rider” at the starting point.

Some bugs in the Google Map abd Uber Driver App

For the 1st ride, it took me a few minutes to meet my rider. She had someone else called the ride. And it seems (according to her) Google Map also messed up her home address. I think the Uber Driver App too. But I was able to pick her up and drop her off at the right place. From Clayton road near Hanley road to a house near 270 and Manchester (via highway 64 and 270). My gross income for that ride is about $13.50.

Shortly after I complete my 1st ride, as I am driving back to the Manchester road near 270, I got another ride request, and the starting point is at Eureka. That one took time to drive, and unfortunately, the Uber Driver App pointed me to the wrong place (it was close, but not exact). I texted and called the rider, no response. After 5 minutes or so. I decided to leave, and drive back home. One thing because I followed Uber Driver App, and waited the necessary time, I was paid about $15.50 or the cancelled ride. But I do have some lesson learned and I documented in the Twitter/X as well:

use Apple Map for navigation; also pick the ride when I am stationary and have time to think about it. I picked the 2nd ride when I was just finished the 1st trip, and when I was driving. I think I can let the pass in a situation like this next time. Ideally I would stop accept my new ride when I have ample time.

Bonus points

I liked the view of fall leaves: not quite red or changing yet, but start seeing colors when I drove highway 44 west from 270 towards Eureka, MO (exit 264). I used to enjoy similar sceneries when I was working in an office, more specifically working for the Mastercard at their O’fallon MO office. I drove quite a bit of the Page (Missouri 364) Extension and part of the road was beautiful in the fall (autumn). I understand I may not be able to enjoy nice views everywhere I go – but since I work from home 99% nowadays, and yes sometimes I do miss driving (and not just driving with families, my wife and kids – hope they don’t see this comment 🙂

Also, Fatal crash closes westbound I-44 near Six Flags: note I was there about 2 hours before the accident. This again highlights the risk of driving including drive for Uber and drive on highways (high speed).

PS: I will likely write another post on “driving for Uber” or create a quick YT video hopefully soon: I will write down my thoughts after driving for them for the last 4 days (Monday 10/14 to Thursday 10/17), may include Saturday 10/19 too (if I have some free time).

(Update 10-29-2024) in this short YouTube video, I talked about my thoughts after driving 19 trips for Uber. Also, I noticed quite a few YouTube video in Mandarin on Uber 优步 too – collect them here and here.

(Update 11-04-2024) Reddit – Curious as to how well Uber drivers do here in STL?

(Update 11-27-2024) Realized it’s best to keep the Uber driver ratings (score) above 4.6, if applicable (and you are curious about the score).