Uber has slowly but steadily made its way into society as a new, quick way to hail a cab, with easy access to drivers through the app. Uber has been used as a private chauffeur and delivery service. First brought to life in March of 2008, Uber has caught the eyes of many by offering immediate service at the click of a button. Though convenient, and an easy way of transportation, Uber still has a few flaws in its system and may not be the best route to take.

During the holiday season, I personally used Uber and at first I was extremely skeptical at using the service. It’s very risky getting into a vehicle with a complete stranger, no matter the destination. There is always the ominous thought that you’ll end up in the boondocks of Florida with new friends like Mr. Gator and Mrs. Buzzard. Fortunately, though, my close friends were able to track exactly where I was going by monitoring my position on an Uber GPS system.

After my first Uber service, I was very pleased. My driver was friendly, and when I didn’t want to talk he didn’t speak. I felt comfortable knowing someone at home was tracking me, making sure I was safe. Uber had for sure captured my attention, and established trust and my overall confidence in the procedures of the company. I instantly recommended the company to friends, and rated the service highly on several online reviews. However, the excitement and assurance with Uber was short lived.

During New Year’s, a small get together was held at a friend’s house, and after the fireworks had stopped, and long after the countdown, I recommended to a friend to use Uber to get home instead of calling his fast asleep parent. At first the idea seemed fool-proof. It would only cost a few dollars to get to their destination, which was the equivalent of one or two gallons of gas. Yet, when we were purchasing the Uber, we were dumbfounded that rates had gone up by 9.9 times the original price. A $4 dollar ride was now $39.60.

Uber had increased the price nearly ten times, and had given longer wait times rather than immediate service. New Year’s Eve, being one of the busiest times for taxi cabs and other transportation industries took advantage of the many party goers that night. Although it was a smart business tactic to increase fairs, was it the most ethical?

Many adults go out to parties, clubs, and bars on New Year’s Eve and often after the countdown are too intoxicated to drive, or even just taking the safety precaution not to hurt others by driving. It is a smart and moral choice by those who choose not to drink and drive, and they place a lot of their trust in the taxi companies to help them. With rates that soared ten times the original price, Uber took advantage of many people who were playing the safe card.

From Orlando to Winter Springs, the usual estimated price when using Uber is around 29 dollars. However, on New Year’s Eve, the price skyrocket to a near $300 increase in Uber pricing. It wasn’t just Orlando where this shift in prices occurred. All across America as the demand for Ubers grew, so did the prices. A Canadian man Matt Lindsey hailed an Uber for an hour-long ride with multiple stops, ended his night with a bill for $1,114.71.

Uber may be a smart way to travel place to place when your car is in the shop, or even when you feel you should not be driving for the safety of others; but by the way it overcharges it seemingly punishes drivers that are just trying to be safe. Companies like AAA were towing cars and giving rides free of charge to those who felt too dangerous to drive on the road. The company made a huge sacrifice financially, to help others on the road that could have fallen victim to a possible drunk driving accident. Other companies such as Sober Rides, have prepaid, preplanned taxi services for adults, and charges beforehand so customers are not blindsided by overcharging.

Overall, I was severely disappointed with the way Uber took advantage of many people who wanted to get home safe. Every year in Florida alone, 2,558 innocent people become fatalities due to drunk driving. Those who choose to eliminate the risk of hurting themselves, rather than others, should be rewarded rather than to be abused for choosing not to drive. Uber has certainly lost me as a customer, and I will not be engaging in their services anytime soon.