Getting to the hotel (#ulog 32)
This morning I landed in Prague after a pretty early morning flight. However, landing at the destination airport is not the end of the travels, but only the beginning of the trek to the hotel. Unfortunately, my Czech is pretty much non-existent... I know they speak English, but in the morning with a short night behind me, I'm not in a chatty mood....
Now, when I'm travelling in a group, all of that is handled directly by the orchestra (or if I'm lucky enough to be a soloist, then there is a pickup!). However, for some groups (like this current one), the idea is that I make my own way from the airport to the hotel.
Making it to the city
When I was younger (and before the advent of smart phones...), I would have happily taken the time to figure out the how the public transport system worked and then just winged it back into the city... and then bounced out to whatever bus/train/tram was required to get me to the hotel. Of course, a good chunk of that would be due to the need to save money at every point possible!
Then.... when I got older, I would just want to get to the hotel and not have to bother with any hassles with public transport. Time and tiredness and the desire to reach a comfortable place was paramount and the cost took a second place. So, that meant that I would be taking taxis. Of course, by this time, the jobs were better paying as well...
Uber
So, here I am now... using the ride service, Uber. I've been burnt so many times by using taxis with the drivers either overcharging and taking funny routes. In the end, it is next to impossible to complain as the power balance really lies firmly in the driver's court. I don't know the city, and they have my stuff in the boot....
Now, this is where I'm completely divided about my use of Uber. You can easily find reports of the former CEO being a complete arsehole, security breaches involving their customer's data, heavy handed attitudes to drivers and unethical business practices. It is something that I'm keenly aware of on the very limited times that I use their service, and I'm always keen to ask the drivers how their experience of the company has been (whilst being conscious that they are not likely to tell the complete story to a stranger that has just jumped into their car).
However, all of this is weighed up with quite a number of things that make it an incredibly useful service for a frequent traveler like myself. The fact that there is a fixed fee that is known to both sides reduces the incentive to cheat, the ability to just call one in easily from the app and the fact that I don't need local currency are both huge bonuses. All of these things are invaluable to the tired traveller....
I haven't had the chance to try out other ride services, I guess the best other alternative is Lyft?
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I tried the bus and train too but in the end I found getting a taxi was best
Yes... there is a point in time in our lives when the balance between cost and comfort shifts!
Ha, your first picture confused me.. Since when is Prague that close to the sea?
Lol
When I was traveling a lot, 5years ago, uber wasn't an alternative in those countries, it didn't exists there yet.
So I had to rely on local taxi drivers.
And it was always a weird moment, will I arrive.. With a fair charge?
Made it mostly, as I usually insisted on a receipt for my company.
LOL, Stock photo! Next time, I'll take a photo as the plane is landing!
I always had that same problem with taxis. The unsure nature of the bill and the quality of service. It's a pity that Uber have such a bad governance and other problems, because the service they provide is really quite needed.
Prague is a great city. But I haven't tried the transportation too much. Mostly, I walked. A lot.
Wow, that's a lot of walking! For the day to day travels to and from rehearsal and concert, I've more familiar with the public transport... Although, it's nice to have the backup of Uber in the pocket!
I usually walk when I am on holidays. Unless the city is too big for walking, of course. Prague is big but not that big. Crossing it from side to side is perfectly doable. 😃
were would we be without UBER and our family :)
Horribly lost and lonely....
Absolutly !
I live in the suburbs and don't travel much, so I have never used Uber or Lyft, and it's been years since I took a taxi. But, I really hate taxis, so if/when I find myself in that situation again, it'll be one of the ride-sharing services for me. I've heard many good 2nd-hand reports about Uber. Not sure if I know anyone that has used Lyft.
I have also seen reports of blockchain based, decentralized ride-sharing services that don't take a fee. Don't think any of those have caught on yet, but by the time I need a service like that again, maybe it'll be a possibility.
I've found that most of the passengers have had great service, but if you live too far out from the city, then you might want to just do a test to see if there are actually cars close by that can respond in good time to you!
Crypto based ride sharing? That could be interesting, although at the moment, this might be a market where the middleman is pretty important? To regulate the quality and behaviour of drivers/passengers....
Howdy sir bengy! well I think the services such as Uber and Lyft have to be such a blessing to travelers although I've never used either of them, in fact I've never been out of the country!
Well, your country is pretty big! And quite varied from one side to another! They have it in the USA as well?
howdy today sir bengy! yes sir both Uber and Lyft are huge here!
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