While it was not as friendly, my car dealership has moved from paid staff to shuttle customers to their workplaces and back, to a model of providing $20 of Uber credits for a ride. I have feelings about Uber around how the media details how they treat drivers by "enshitifying" both the drivers ability to make a living wage and the riders from paying an fair prices.

I have to admit that from the perspective of a service it was quite pleasant. The drivers were wonderful to chat with. Neither of the two drivers seemed to have anything bad to say about the service. I arrived in one piece, in a comfortable car, and was constantly updated on the location and ETA of the driver being there. I didn't have to share a ride with someone (sorry, I work among people all day long - I need a few moments not in relationship).

The thing that Uber really gets is the experience in the app. It's chatty but at the same time you get some valuable information on where your ride is, where you are in your ride, reviews of the driver, and ability to message your driver from the app. The app is what impressed me the most here and clearly reflects a Silicon Valley service.

All in all, I'm impressed with the service but disappointed that it's screwing over both the customers and drivers. Such is capitalism these days...