Uber

Uber: Shady Loans?

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As Uber has surged in popularity — expanding operations in the U.S. and abroad, and recently hiring 50,000 military veterans as drivers — backlash against the taxi-alternative service has grown. Now the company is adding a federal investigation for sketchy lending practices on its pile of recent controversies.

First reported by Gawker’s ValleyWag, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Uber’s auto-loan program, which sets up drivers to borrow money they might not be able to pay back. The company’s promotional video advertises its lending program, telling prospective drivers “even if you have bad credit or no credit at all, we can help you get behind the wheel in a week.”While Uber doesn’t directly lend drivers money, the company links drivers with lenders including General Motors and Santander USA. Those lenders then lock drivers into subprime loans to be repaid through paycheck deductions. Subprime loans are high-risk loans with steep repayment terms — and were the chief cause of the 2008 financial crisis. 

The DOJ already issued subpoenas to General Motors’ GM Financial and Santander in relation to the questionable lending practices. Uber responded to the accusations, saying the company “provides drivers with discounts on cars as well as access to financing that may not otherwise be available to them,” CNNMoney reported.

Uber has been at the center of several controversies, facing criticism from city taxi drivers and from its own drivers. Uber drivers have staged numerous protests, calling attention to the company’s unfair wages and labor agreements. 

Drivers in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco protested Uber’s policies last month. Drivers complained that Uber’s price slashing and no-tip policy made it hard to earn a living. That concern could arguably be compounded by Uber’s subprime lending, since drivers’ paychecks are docked to repay the auto loan.

Source: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/11/0...

Most frightening thing of Halloween? Uber's 9x surge

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A young woman got the surprise of her life when she woke up on November 1, her birthday, to find an Uber charge of $362 dollars on her card for a 20-minute ride because her fare fell victim to Uber's 9x surge pricing. Just in time for rent day. 

In a GoFundMe campaign titled "Uber Stole My 26th Birthday," Gabrielle Wathen, currently juggling three jobs, explains that despite normally using Lyft, she decided to Uber a ride home at 3am after celebrating her birthday. The ride was only 20-22 minutes, but:

When I awoke this morning, I heard a friend talking about how outrageous Uber rates were the night before (9x original rate). I checked my bank account when, unbeknowst to me, I see a charge for $362. Not only is it my 26th birthday, it is rent day. My rent is $450 and I can no longer pay it today due to this completely outrageous charge.

This misunderstanding has cost me 80% of the funds I have to my name (embarrassingly so) and I spent a good two hours of my birthday crying over it.

I feel taken advantage of and cheated by the Uber name. $367 for a 20 minute ride should never be justified, even on Halloween. Please donate even just $1 if you think this is utter and complete bullshit and also hilarious and very, very depressing at the same time. 

Thanks for the ride, Muhammed.

So far she has raised $593 of her $362 goal, so I'm guessing she made rent and was able to have a nice birthday treat. Smart lady. F*ck Uber.

 

 

Source: http://jezebel.com/resourceful-woman-crowd...

Another way Uber is better then a DCTaxi

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You spoke, DC listened.

Nearly two years ago, the DC Council secured a place for Uber in the District. Today, we are thrilled to announce that the Council has passed a comprehensive ridesharing framework, providing a permanent home for uberX in the District. With this legislation, DC has become a trailblazer in the transportation industry by embracing innovation, supporting consumer choice and empowering small business owners.

From the beginning, Uber has required extensive background checks, vehicle inspections and top quality insurance coverage. This legislation affirms that responsibility and ensures that uberX is the safest and most reliable way to get around the District.

What’s in the bill:

  • Mandatory county, federal and multi-state background checks going back 7 years
  • $1 million primary insurance coverage from the moment a driver accepts a request–20x more than required by DC taxis
  • Annual vehicle safety inspections by a certified mechanic
Source: https://blog.uber.com/dc_clears_path_for_u...

Christmas tree delivery? There’s an app for that

Uber to deliver your Christmas Trees

The Home Depot is teaming up with transportation-network company Uber to deliver Christmas trees to homes and offices on Thursday, Dec. 5 via the Uber smartphone app.

There’s no cash necessary – Uber users will receive a 7 to 8-foot wrapped tree complete with stand, along with an “Uber gift,” within minutes of ordering. The tree comes for$135, which will be charged to your Uber account.

The service will stretch across 10 U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C.


Read more here via Daily Caller

 

Source: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/capital...