Thanks to Ozbargain I managed to get $40 Uber credit, and whilst in sydney for my gf's graduation I thought it'll be good to use it instead of Taxi's. From all I read Uber is only a tad more expensive and heaps better in service.
When I got to the airport I tried using my Uber app to order a Uber, I read that from Sydney to CBD (I was staying in Darling Habour) it would cost a flat rate of $65.
After about 5 mins of mucking around with the app I failed to order anything (I think my uber app must have been old or something, nothing ordered). So we ended up taking a cab fare to my hotel.
Cab fare, including tolls and airport fees if there were any, during 3pm weekday traffic, was less than $40. $39.40 to be precise, but I tipped the cabbie. Uber's price of $65 is over 60% more expensive!
I thought, maybe it's coz its a flat fee, it was priced for peak traffic. So no worries, I'll try Uber again going to UNSW the next day.
So next day, from Darling Harbour to UNSW in Randwick, 9.7km distance according to be Uber receipt was $64 at 11am on a Wednesday (no surge pricing). This was in a regular Uber Black (though the lovely driver did mention his car also picks up Uber Lux, but can only charge us Black coz we ordered a black.)
The trip was lovely, the car was great, and water served during the trip. The driver noted that this service was only a small premium to taxis, approx 10-20% more.
That $64 burnt all my uber credit plus some. So on the way back, we caught a normal cab, experienced the usual rocket accerlation and F1 style braking. But in the end, the cost of the cab ride was $29.10.
Thats less than half the cost. Uber is 110% more expensive on a normal average trip.
TL:DR
My Uber experience is that on normal, non-surge pricing is still double the price of a normal taxi ride. From $30 bucks for a cab to $64 for uber.
I might also add, i worked out why this is the case.
Uber not only has pricing generally above taxi's, for KM's travelled and for the flag fall for catching a cab.
In addition to this, Uber charges for time spent in the car. Taxi's only charge for waiting time when the vehicle isn't moving (or moving slowly, below 25kmh). This in effect adds a considerable amount more to the uber bill, especially if they drive slowly, which they have every incentive to do now.