A Comprehensive Review of Uber Car Share Service in Australia
With the rise of ride-sharing apps, Uber has become a household name in transportation worldwide. In Australia, Uber has gained immense popularity, revolutionizing the way people travel. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive review of Uber car share service in Australia, exploring the benefits, drawbacks, safety measures, pricing, and coverage in various cities.
Uber Carshare is an Australian company that facilitates peer-to-peer car rental, a system by which individuals may rent privately owned vehicles[1] on an hourly or daily basis to other registered users of the service.[2][3][4] It currently operates in locations across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast,[5] Hobart,[6] Canberra, Adelaide and Perth[7] and announced (in 2016) plans to expand to other Australian cities and airports.[8]
The founders appeared on season 2 of the Australian Shark Tank TV show in 2016 and secured an investment from ‘shark’ Steve Baxter.[9] The startup also secured a A$2.5 million investment from Caltex Australia (later Ampol) the same year.
Hyundai invested in the company in 2019,[11] and listed a number of its electric Ioniq vehicles for sharing through the platform.
On 20 January 2022, the company was acquired by Uber for an undisclosed sum.[12][13][14] This was Uber’s first Australian acquisition.
In November 2022, Car Next Door rebranded and started operating as Uber Carshare. Car Next Door had been operating independently since Uber’s takeover, with co-founder Will Davies as chief executive, but the brand [Car Next Door] disappeared in early November, bringing to a close a journey that lasted 10 years since its beginnings in Sydney.
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Rent cars by the hour or by the day with Uber Carshare.
Uber Carshare harnesses the potential of the sharing economy, enabling you to rent cars, vans, and utes in South Australia that are shared by our community of owners.
Getting started is simple. Visit our website or app, browse available vehicles, and when you’re ready to make a reservation, create an account and book!
Forget about waiting in long lines. With Instant Key technology, you can go directly to your reserved car, use the app to retrieve the keys, and you’re all set to hit the road!
The Benefits of Using Uber in Australia
Uber offers numerous advantages for both passengers and drivers in Australia. Here are some notable benefits:
- Convenience: Uber provides a seamless and user-friendly experience through its app. Passengers can request rides with just a few taps on their smartphones, eliminating the need to wait for a taxi or drive themselves.
- Affordability: Compared to traditional taxi services, Uber often offers lower prices due to its dynamic pricing model. Additionally, multiple passengers can share the same ride, reducing costs even further.
- Flexible working options: For individuals looking for flexible work opportunities, becoming an Uber driver can be an attractive option. Drivers can choose their own working hours, allowing them to earn money on their own terms.
- Wide coverage: Uber operates in major cities across Australia, making it accessible to a large number of people. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, you can count on Uber for reliable transportation.
2. Safety Measures Implemented by Uber
Safety is a top priority for Uber, and the company has implemented several measures to ensure the well-being of both passengers and drivers. Here are some key safety features:
- Driver screening: Before being accepted as an Uber driver, individuals must pass a rigorous screening process that includes background checks and driving history reviews. This helps to ensure that only qualified and responsible drivers are on the platform.
- In-app safety features: The Uber app includes safety features such as GPS tracking, allowing passengers to share their ride details with friends or family. Additionally, both passengers and drivers have the ability to rate and provide feedback on each other’s experiences.
- 24/7 support: Uber provides round-the-clock customer support to address any safety concerns or issues that may arise during a ride. This ensures that someone is always available to assist in case of an emergency.
3. Pricing Structure and Payment Options
Uber follows a dynamic pricing model known as “surge pricing,” which adjusts fares based on demand and supply. During peak times or periods of high demand, prices may increase temporarily. However, Uber provides transparency by notifying passengers of the surge pricing beforehand.
Payment options in Australia include credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Uber gift cards. Cash payments are not accepted, which ensures a cashless and streamlined transaction process.
4. Uber Coverage in Major Australian Cities
Uber has expanded its services to several major cities in Australia, catering to the transportation needs of both locals and tourists. Here’s an overview of Uber coverage in some key cities:
- Sydney: Uber is widely available in Sydney, offering various options such as UberX, UberXL (larger vehicles), Uber Black (premium vehicles), and UberPool (shared rides).
- Melbourne: Melbourne also enjoys comprehensive Uber coverage, with a range of options including UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, and UberSUV.
- Brisbane: Uber operates in Brisbane, providing services like UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, and UberLux (luxury vehicles).
- Perth: Uber is well-established in Perth and offers options such as UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, and UberSUV.
5. Drawbacks and Criticisms of Uber in Australia
While Uber has gained popularity in Australia, it is not without its drawbacks and criticisms. Some common concerns raised by users and industry stakeholders include:
- Regulatory issues: Uber has faced regulatory challenges in various Australian states, with taxi associations arguing that it operates without the same regulations and costs as traditional taxis.
- Driver earnings: Some drivers have expressed concerns about their earnings, citing that after expenses, they may not make as much as initially anticipated.
- Lack of accessibility: While Uber has a wide coverage in major cities, it may not be as accessible in regional or remote areas of Australia.
Rent cars by the hour or by the day with Uber Carshare.
Uber Carshare harnesses the potential of the sharing economy, enabling you to rent cars, vans, and utes in South Australia that are shared by our community of owners.
Getting started is simple. Visit our website or app, browse available vehicles, and when you’re ready to make a reservation, create an account and book!
Forget about waiting in long lines. With Instant Key technology, you can go directly to your reserved car, use the app to retrieve the keys, and you’re all set to hit the road!
When Uber Carshare launched in November of last year, I was among the first to try it out – not just in Australia, but in the entire world. It was a significant milestone because the new Uber feature made its debut in Australia before anywhere else. This decision made sense since it was a takeover of an Australian company called Car Next Door.
I, along with a group of other journalists, rented a car from Perth and drove down to Margaret River for a two-night stay. Afterward, we returned the car to its designated parking spot and took a regular Uber to the Perth airport.
Although I had a general understanding of how the service worked, and I had used Car Next Door a couple of times before, I still felt like I didn’t have a complete grasp of all the details. Therefore, I reached out to Uber and asked if I could try the feature again on my own to get the full experience.
This is how I found myself one Sunday, sitting back in a convertible Audi with the wind whipping through my hair. My friend was driving, and we were zipping along a coastal drive on the Northern Beaches, stopping at cafes and beaches along the way.
But let me start from the very beginning. Firstly, Uber Carshare is now available in all major Australian cities and has over 9,000 cars listed. Like Uber Eats, it’s a separate app from Uber. I downloaded it and went through the sign-up process. I had to enter my details, take a photo of myself, and upload pictures of the front and back of my license. Although I was already registered with Car Next Door, I had used a different email than the one I used for Uber.
Then, in the app, I was able to choose the car I wanted to rent. I entered the date of the Sunday when I wanted to rent a car, inputted my suburb, and browsed through the selection. I selected a 2015 Audi A3 that had already been used for 70 trips. All trips come with basic coverage, but I opted to add on premium insurance to lower my excess.
The way Uber Carshare works is that you pay a base fee for the rental, which in my car’s case is $39 per hour or $129 per day. In addition to this, you also pay a per kilometer fee that covers the cost of petrol, which in this case is 53 cents per kilometer. There are also other charges involved such as a booking fee of $6.99, basic cover for $16.90, and an optional extra premium cover for $16.50.
If you need to refuel the car during your trip, you have to pay for it yourself and then get reimbursed. In my case, I had to refuel the tank when it was empty and ended up paying $97.26 out of pocket for that. A couple of days after returning the car, I uploaded the fuel receipt through the app for reimbursement. The receipt was accepted and the money was refunded back into the bank account I had provided.
The 11-hour trip in the Audi convertible, which took me from North Bondi to Palm Beach and all around the area, cost me $280.41. Fortunately, Uber covered this cost as I was using their service to write this story.
So, is Uber Carshare better than a regular car rental? I would say it depends on what you’re using the car for.
- Request your ride. Tap to open the app and request a ride as you normally would. …
- Share your status. Select up to 5 people from your contact list you want to share your status with.
- Be on your way. Those people will receive a text with a link containing your trip details.
The cost of a day trip is definitely high, but I also saved time and money by not having to use a regular Uber or take public transportation to Darlinghurst, where most car rentals in Sydney are located. Instead, I simply walked 15 minutes from home to pick up the car keys from a lockbox hanging in a tree in a front yard. The code had been texted to me beforehand.
I also didn’t have to pay for a second driver, which is sometimes required with car rentals. My friend was already a verified Uber Carshare member, so that was enough to ensure that he was covered by the insurance in case of an accident in the car. I didn’t even need to add him to the trip.
Personally, I also love using Uber. I find the customer service excellent — they always get back to me promptly, which gave me peace of mind throughout the day. I knew that if anything happened, I would easily be able to reach someone to assist me. Additionally, when I couldn’t initially locate the lockbox, I called the car owner and he answered right away. Furthermore, I appreciate the option to write a review about the experience (although I didn’t in this case) and have it appear on the car’s profile.
I would say that if you’re heading somewhere on a multi-day trip, it’s probably more cost-effective to opt for a regular car rental. However, if you need a car for a day trip or to run an errand, such as going to Bunnings, IKEA, or a large store, it’s worth considering Uber Carshare.
Uber car Share has undoubtedly transformed the way people travel in Australia, providing convenience, affordability, and safety. With its wide coverage in major cities, Uber has become a go-to transportation option for many Australians. While there are some drawbacks and criticisms, the overall experience and benefits of using Uber in Australia outweigh the negatives. So next time you need a ride, consider using Uber for a hassle-free and reliable journey.