Coming from someone who was an absolute insomniac in high school, the concept of a 24-hour library on campus was a game-changer my first semester. At around 1 a.m., I found myself in a state of delirium that another cup of coffee could just not resolve. It was time to go home. However, I found myself in a state of panic when I realized that my friends were long gone, and I was now in a position to walk alone. While it was merely a block from College Library to my building, my inner drama queen took over, creating seemingly endless horror stories of what could happen on my commute back. As a result, I opted to call a UW Transportation Services “campus-approved” cab, which I thought would be a painless process. From the time I got through to dispatch to being dropped off in front of my building, it had been 30 minutes. Exhausted and annoyed, I fell asleep knowing that I would not be using the cab company again.
My story is just one of many that reflects a growing sense of impatience for our transportation services on campus. As a result, many students, like myself, have turned to the ride-sharing service of Uber, which prides itself on “time, value, and convenience.” I have been an Uber user for around 5 months and have been 99.9 percent satisfied with the company. From its state-of-the-art technological interface to its “split-fare” feature, Uber has made its services both accessible and economically friendly to students.
However, I recently received an email that led me to investigate the polemic surrounding Uber, which I admit I have ignored. The email urged “Madisonians to support Uber and the desperately needed transportation choice it provides in Madison.” It then instructed me to further pledge my support by signing an online petition addressed to 21 members of the Madison City Council. Along with 2,576 other Madison residents, I signed the petition in favor of keeping the service in the neighborhood. Obviously, I am pro-Uber given it has proven itself as a trusty companion, but I could not help take into account the concerns brought forth by the Madison City Council.
A point worth mentioning is the question of public safety. Should we be so eager to embrace a company that implements few mechanisms to ensure the safety of its passengers? Becoming an UberX driver is a cake walk, you only need a driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and access to a vehicle that is in “excellent” or “exceptional condition” to get the job. In terms of comprehensive background checks, they do not require one. Uber uses a third-party company called Hireease that simply asks for the driver’s name, address, driver’s license, and social security number—it doesn’t get much more basic than that. In the past year alone, there has been various assault allegations against UberX drivers who used their unmonitored vehicles to exploit their passengers. Furthermore, Uber has been scrutinized for their lack of thorough background checks and lack of recording devices within their vehicles. These factors are something, as consumers, we must question when we are entrusting our safety within these private-ride companies.
How can we ensure that when stepping into an unmarked vehicle our lives are not in jeopardy? While this may sound extreme, these allegations cannot be ignored and should foster some conversation surrounding the company’s operating procedures. While the company promotes its ability to offer employment to thousands of people, which it has, it should be a topic of concern that anyone can be behind the wheel of your Uber. By no means am I making blanket a statement that all Uber drivers are serial killers, but instead I am urging riders to be aware and act responsibly.
Individually, I have already made changes in my Uber behavior since the start of the school year. If I am using the service late at night, I try to find someone to accompany me back to my destination. However, if I am in a rare situation where I am alone, I will screenshot the information of my driver and send a message to my friends with the description. If my tactics seem unnecessary or overly paranoid, then feel free to ignore them, but I will not turn a blind eye to the testimonies of Uber victims. Keep Calm and Uber on people, but be smart when choosing to do so.
Samantha is a freshman writer for The Daily Cardinal majoring in political science and intending to also major in journalism. What is your stance on Uber and other ride sharing businesses? Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
