video: First Night in Portland: An Uber Cabbie Q&A
Saturday, December 06, 2014
The company, that has disrupted the traditional taxi business model around the world, has been circling the Portland market all year long. Since January, Uber has been operating in five of Portland’s suburbs and advertising for “Portland Drivers” on Craigslist. On Friday, the company decided to pull the trigger and started operating in the city even though it had not been approved for licenses.
GoLocalPDX asked Rachel Wills, an Uber driver, a few questions during a Dec. 5 ride through downtown Portland.
Why are you an Uber driver?
Because I love people. I love to drive around and I have a great economic vehicle that’s just sitting in the driveway.
How much have you made in tips tonight?
No tips; at least not to my knowledge.
Has anyone been rude to you?
No, not at all. Everybody has been very pleasant and very happy to have us.
How many fares have you had tonight?
You’re number seven. I started at 4 p.m. in the outlying areas and 5 o’clock in Portland.
Do you think Uber has a right to operate in Portland?
Absolutely; 100 percent. I think everybody deserves an option.
Are you concerned about the city threatening to fine Uber for operating in Portland?
Uber said they would cover the cost (of any fines); so no. And how would they know? Do they just pull everybody over randomly and ask them if they’re driving for Uber?
Do you do this full time?
No. I own a cat grooming business. I do this two days a week - Mondays and Fridays.
What’s it been like to work for Uber?
So far they’ve been very gracious, very informative. They have a lot of training and seminars in Portland.
Do you have any security concerns working this job?
Yes. Especially as a single woman. I actually went out and bought pepper spray and took self defense classes, just because.
I’m not expecting problems, but I know if I pick people up late enough, they might be drunk and belligerent.
Have you been trained by the company on how to handle a situation like that?
Not by the company, no. But I should really bring that up with them, shouldn’t I?
Have you ever seen the movie Taxi Driver?
Yes; years ago.
Do you ever think about it now?
The movie? Not really. I don’t think being a taxi driver and a rideshare driver, don't really have any similarities, besides picking people up and dropping them off at a location. This is a more personal approach. This is more just one neighbor helping another neighbor out.
And that’s why this appeals to you?
Yes. Absolutely.
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