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FREE $30 off First UBER Ride - New Users Only

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KEEPOZMOVING

Due to the taxi strike UBER is offering a free ride for new users.

  • Download the UBER app on an iPhone, Android or Windows device, and create an account.
  • Enter the promo code “KEEPOZMOVING” when prompted (Try it now, it’s locked in).
  • Check the ETA, ‘REQUEST’ when you need a car, and enjoy the ride!

Fine print:
– Valid between 10.00am Thursday 10th Sept and 11:59pm Thursday 17th Sept 2015
– Only available in cities where uberX currently operates
– Find out if Uber operates in your city here
– Valid for one free ride (up to $30 off)
– Valid in Australia only
– New users only

Referral Links

50% off 2 Uber Reserve Rides: random (196)

Referee and referrer get 50% off first/next 2 Uber Reserve Rides.

50% off 5 Rides for Referee, 1 Ride for Referrer: random (50)

For a limited time, 50% off 5 rides for referee, 50% off 1 ride for referrer. $15 discount cap per ride.

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closed Comments

  • Wonder if these guys can be used as a courier company. They can pickup an item from one place and deliver to another.

    • I doubt it. I know Perth taxis can't do that. There has to be a passenger and it has to be their luggage.

      • but as the taxi councils like to point out Uber doesnt have the same insurance as a taxi. I would say a lot of uber drivers would be happy to, its just their model of payment may be a risk to them and they may decide its not worth it.

      • Why EVER would a City (Perth)
        forbid taxis from doing Courier jobs?!?
        (And why would a busy city w/ events ban Uber?)

        • Several reasons: For the same reasons why can't buy an airline ticket, and not accompany your luggage. Taxis registered as, licensed as and insured as taxis, not as couriers. Taxis are designed to take people and bags, not heavy items; that's what courier vehicles are for. Passengers take luggage, not furniture, bikes, crates of things etc. (Taxi drivers have told me that sort of thing is not allowed, but people still try to take them.) Couriers generally go from business to business, while Taxis generally drive through highly populated areas, so they'd be a higher target for potential terrorist bombs.

        • I continue to think in pre-9/11 ways
          perhaps because more of my years
          were lived pre-9/11.

          I guess, in some lands, even if the
          passenger went along, the risk may
          not be less.

          But what about Courier vehicles?
          They'd do all those things in AU.

          PS I once took a motorscooter,
          from where it got a flat tyre
          to a repairer, by access cab.

          Can't recall what size it was
          (50, 80 or 250 cc engine),
          but that was also pre-9/11.

    • I wonder if the Offer application period expires on 17th Sep.. or if
      the $30 ride-money turns into a pumpkin, then?
      I HOPE only applicatuon-period does.

  • Due to the taxi strike they are offering this?
    They do offer this every few weeks… so I am struggling to believe the reasoning

    • +8

      It's smart marketing. Taxi on strike so offer new users free rides to try!

      • I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just saying this sort of deal really does come up once every few weeks.

    • +45

      Why, the taxi industry in Australia is a disgrace. If uber improves it then brilliant.

        • +42

          Reduces the price, increases standards. Taxi's in Sydney don't have a clue where they are going, always chat on the phone, the cars are in a poor state. Uber have friendly drivers, 40% lower costs and they are all police checked.

        • +19

          @yoyomablue: well obviously the taxi companies have no idea about their drivers, judging by the way they behave

        • +11

          You're implying that the taxi industry maintains a high level of standards in regards to their drivers and the service they provide…

        • +2

          Delete

        • -1

          @garth69:

          What do you mean the cars are in a poor state? More often than not the taxis are falcons or commodores, which are a far superior ride to some of the econoboxes carted about by uber drivers.

          I do agree with the rest of what you're saying however.

        • +3

          @soaringphoenix: probably because many taxis smell like the driver has just smoked a cigarette made of fecal matter

    • +27

      Not trying to troll - what is your opposition to UberX aside from the registration fee (which I agree, they should have to pay, or Taxi's shouldn't)

      In my mind, Uber has kicked over a stone that has highlighted that taxis are often in quite poor condition, drivers often rude and don't know where they're going and if you're after a short fare in peak times, they'll often not unlock the door to let you in.
      There are drivers who are excellent and a credit to the industry, but sadly, their good work is overshadowed by the bad. If Uber does nothing more than improve the overall taxi experience, then we're seeing a positive outcome for consumers. The 10% EFTPOS surcharge was the first red flag to the bull with apps like GoCatch coming in.

      I have no sympathy for Cabcharge or the broader industry who refuse to respond by improving rather than just trying to eliminate the competitor who has shown what it should be like.

      • +13

        He's probably a taxi driver.

      • +7

        Cabcharge is a total joke.

      • +7

        a 10% surcharge on eftpos is HORSEPOOP. The costs of offering the payment method are far below that. I've had the same experience as the above trying to get a cab. Also as a male, try getting a cab late at night in your own or in a group.. not possible in the Sydney CBD. You have to go to a rank like that at the star to get someone to even stop for you let alone the old "where u going? /mash accelerator"

    • +1

      Uber doesnt compete in the rank and hail side of a taxi business, which is up to 70% of a taxi companies business by the way. They dont get the dedicated ranks or parking or any of the other things the taxi license helps pay for nor do they get the government contracts to cabcharge and dedicated corporate business from most of the big companies in australia. Uber is ride sharing, a different business altogether and one that does not compete with the majority of the taxi companies business. There's no need to compare the two as equals.

      Besides that, its not all about the lower fares, plenty of reasons people prefer Uber have nothign to do with the fare. And the taxi companies could address these issues and lift service to the customer if they wanted to, theyd rather just keep their monopoly and keep providing crap service.

      • lets be honest, would you really call it ride sharing though? does the uber driver just happen to be going from the airport to your house? do you share the ride with another passenger?

        • without rank and hail business its not a full taxi service, doesnt even compete in over 2/3 of a regular taxis business so you cant lump the same costs on this business.

  • +35

    Well done Uber, Taxis go on strike and Uber give more reason to switch to use their services.

    • +19

      lol yeah i encourage the cabbies to all keep striking, they're only hurting themselves.

      only ever time i catch cabs are if work pays for them and I always need to shout my destination through a crack in the window and let them decide if i'm worthy of their time.

      And who do they talk to on the phone 24/7 ?? eachother? can't remember a cabbie that didn't have a handsfree stuffed in their ear.

  • +5

    Well done taxi industry.

    I for one would never have bothered using Uber before now, but given there are taxi strikes coinciding with an interstate trip, I'll be making sure the app is on my phone in preparation and will likely end up using them at some point.

  • +3

    Welcome Uber and keep up the good work.

  • I have a question.

    It says
    Fine print:
    – Valid between 10.00am Thursday 10th Sept and 11:59pm Thursday 17th Sept 2015

    Does that mean you have to take a ride on these dates or is it once i enter coupon in. Credit still remain after 17th Sept?

    • +1

      Take on these dates.

  • +4

    I like the current Uber service. However I'm wary.

    When eBay first began it was the bees knees. Finally a way to buy and sell easily, with safeguards unlike those pesky newspaper classifieds. Then it became popular, it bought out any competition and then bought the payment system. Then slowly, over the years, increased its comissions by using its monopoly power.

    Each city has its own taxi monopoly(s) at the moment. But the government (and local people) ultimately hold the reigns through regulation and licensing.

    The only issue I potentially foresee with Uber is its owned and controlled, like eBay, by a huge tech company outside of our borders. So long as they pay taxes (GST) and abide by our local laws. If they're left to run on their own, local services will disappear and then the only option will be Uber. Just remember the service it is today may not reflect the service it offers in 10years. By then it may be too late.

    • +4

      I'm willing to let the free market compete for my business without government interference. We may control taxis by regulation and licencing but we also control private companies by deciding if their service is worth our money.

      • +3

        That's true when there is more than one option. When there are alternatives and a "market" exists. But when it's a massive multinational with basically unlimited funds they're essentially a monopoly.

        With my example of eBay it's really the only option.

        • +6

          Well, ideally a new Uber would come along and start the process over.
          Old and bloated gets trounced by young challengers. Its all there in ape colonies, you know (human behavior).

          Agree generally about Melb/Syd Taxis; they are overpriced, rude and generally a disgusting experience these days. Some excellent exceptions, but mostly a disappointment. They are the dead wood that needs clearing.

        • @King Tightarse: So Lyft, etc? :)

          Plus some taxis are innovating, there are at least three apps to catch them now.

        • @Lukian:
          Yes thats a good sign. If they can adapt, they live Lol.

    • Yes, will be important to have Uber paying company taxes here etc.

    • Well, reports have Uber currently making a loss of $470m on $415m.

      This means that for every dollar that a user pays to Uber, it costs them more than $2 in expenses. Perhaps not that surprising considering how ozbargain users use Uber. I have yet to see how they transition this business model transition into something profitable, but at least there are a lot of venture capitalists willing to invest into Uber, so it is safe for now

  • +2

    Been using uber for a bit over 6 months and saves 50% off the regular taxi prices. Didn't get any free rides but nice marketing to get new customers while the cabbie's strike.

      • i went to a presentation for drivers recently (i considered driving for uberX, have yet to do anything about it though) and a lot of people there were existing taxi drivers who were either going to stop renting the cabs they do now and switch over or drive more in their spare time

        • I've had plenty of Uber drivers that used to drive cabs.
          They loved Uber because:

          • They worked when it's best for them, not when the company wants them to.
          • Uber only take a 20% cut rather than them having to hire a cab and work as much as they could to make it worth while.
          • They could wear what they wanted and didn't risk their job for not keeping their uniform in perfect shape.
          • They drive their own car that they're comfortable in.
    • +3

      Are you a taxi driver? Be honest…

      • +2

        or financially tied to the taxi industry (i.e. a licence owner etc..)

        • +1

          more likely, these license holders are carrying on because a business investment has started losing its inflated value. I am sure all those blockbuster franchisees would have loved to be able to demand the government regulate the threats to their business model. But at the end of the day all investments have risk and the smart investors should have cashed out long ago or refused to pay the exorbitant license fees.

      • +1

        You are have no connection to the cab industry it would be impossible to hate uber. They are cheaper, offer better service, and the cars and drivers and usually more presentable.

  • +3

    The Sydney taxi industry is one of the last dinosaurs from a by-gone age, they charge like a London Cabbie, but don't give the service. Also shitty old cars and prices through the roof……..good on Uber, it's only a thing because the competetion is so very very poor.

  • How long is the credit valid for before it expires?

  • -6

    I support the taxi strike. Anyone who wants to read more about uber and their business practices, see here:

    http://citypaper.net/uberdriver/

    • +7

      I support it too, it will force more people to try Uber and never go back to taxis

      • +5

        I support it so much that it should be permanent for some of them.

        • +1

          And they know it, only reason I can think of for them not introducing a driver/car rate and feedback service. One of the many reasons not related to costs that I prefer Uber. The taxi industry just is not even trying they're just wanting the government to protect them

        • @Japius: Exactly. The concept of service is so weird and foreign to them. This is one of the reasons why they've made themselves such a big target.

  • +8

    Its kinda of like its 1901 and the Horse Coach builders and on strike demanding the government ban automobiles as they are a threat to their income and lifestyle.

    Guess what taxi owners? Progress happened! Adapt or die.
    Also deodorant. Summer is coming. You really need this.

  • +1

    LOL @ TAXIS!

    Keep striking! That free time will give your industry a taste of what happens if you keep resisting change and don't improve.

    While I do feel sorry for some of the good cabbies (in my experience this is the minority in sydney and majority in the rest of the country) caught between the corporate greed of their overlords i.e. cabcharge and the licence holders.

    Seriously, UBERX should be the best thing ever for Taxis. Taxis spend a crapload of their time vacant during off-peak. This is outrageously inefficient and means they need to charge ridiculous prices for fares to cover this time. It also means that getting a cab during peak times is always difficult. Why not support something like Uber to come along and handle the peak periods of demand when taxis can't keep up? Yes, there will be some consolidation overall with taxis only required to handle the base load of demand. But overall it's a good thing. And most importantly it's a huge improvement for customers.

    My crystal ball also sees UBERX drivers striking in 5 years' time when we have UBERAUTONOMOUS! AVs to take us around everywhere.

  • +2

    YES !! DEODORANT MUST BE MANDATORY !!!
    Not only for all taxis but also for the any transport.
    The trains in summer are unbearable, I have to change carriages only to find it's more garlic / Onion or Cabbage on the next one.
    Here's a hint people, you might just get some action from your partner if you smell nice for a change.
    Give it a try and you'll find that your life may change a little.

    • -4

      Uber will kill my father.

      In North Queensland in a little town called Bowen, exists four Taxi licences. Each owned by a separate person. My dad is unlucky enough to own one. Granted it's paid for his food and clothing, but he, at age 75 still pulls 24 hour shifts. He is not rich, rude, or a constant Mobile phone user. He is a friend to the people of Bowen, much loved by people he has helped out over the years. Now everything he has worked over a decade for is worthless. The only groups to have profited are government revenue streams, insurance companies, mechanics, etc.
      The Whitsundays area is hurting bad and I am working in the construction industry and have been sending him money to keep him afloat.
      I'm horrified that near the end of my dad's working life, technology will bankrupt him, he'll get no support from the government. And from what I can read above, you'll all laugh as he contemplates his ruin.
      Everything he has worked for gone, to the sound of laughter.
      Wow, yeah, bring Uber on guys.

      • +5

        No disrespect to your father but at 75 surely he contemplated that retirement was on the horizon. Has he not been saving up for it? If he has no assets or is illegible for the pension then he will get support from the government. In any case the money is coming from taxpayers anyway.

      • I think it will take a fair while for Uber to make it up to the small Australian towns like Bowen. They are still not where I live, on the Sunshine Coast, and that's a lot larger population centre than Bowen.

      • +3

        I'm sorry, he's working 24hours and not making enough money to support himself?!?! What's he doing, idling in his cab? I can't imagine you've given us the full story here.

        Sounds like trouble brewing with or without Uber. If Uber is indeed taking business away it sounds like he'd be far better off as an Uber driver, so why doesn't he? And what do you mean the govt wont support him, at 75 he can't get the pension? Is that because he has too many assets?

        I think the government has done enough creating this monopoly of only 4 taxi licences for the town.

        None of this makes sense.

      • +2

        Yes, and the government better support me because my Beanie Kids investment didn't work out. /s

      • +1

        Zero substance behind what uv said.

        Be thankful ur old man had it do good for so long that he raised u to now be earning ur own money.

      • +2

        I feel for the guy, i really do, but perhaps the frustration needs to be directed to the taxi council and Transport QLD or whatever the agency up there is called. Remember they are the ones pocketing the costs for the taxi licences. A few points though.

        • As said previously, its fairly unlikely that Uber would come to Bowen in his working lifetime
        • He is legally able to retire and if finds himself with a taxi licence that is not worth what it once was, the Government will support him through pensions. Sure he won't have the ability to take month long trips on the QE2 but he'll be no worse off than the other hundreds of thousands if not millions of other pensioners that rely on the government for assistance.
        • If he truly is doing 24 hour shifts, i sincerely hope he reconsiders his working behavior. This is putting both his life, his passengers lives and other road users lives at risk. At the 17 hour mark of being awake (let alone "on shift"), you're driving with impaired reaction skills in line with being over the legal blood alcohol limit (source: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/fatigue/)
        • The government only extends taxi subsidies (i.e. for those who require wheelchair cabs, disabled individuals, disability transport programs for getting disabled kids to school etc.) to licenced cabs. In a town of 4 licences, this would make up a fairly substantial part of his business if Bowen and the surrounding areas in the basin are like the country town in which i grew up.

        Perhaps you should recommend your father speak to an independant fee-for-service financial advisor to work out the best way to assist in his transition to retirement. Its often difficult to get the old boys to do something like that (my dad would be the same) but you seem to care for the guy so maybe even go on his behalf.

  • +3

    I was an über virgin till today.

    Won't every go back to taxis!

    • +1

      Welcome to the club. It's like having your eyes opened!

  • Btw. In sa ALL RIDES were $4.99. Caught 4!

  • +1

    You know you have a good product when your friends swear by it. Then you finally take an uber ride, then you want to tell all your friends about it too and even show them the app on your phone….. I have been overcharged twice in the regular taxis, (hailed a maxi taxi and they charged me the 5 person surcharge even though I didn't pre-book it)…I complained to the dispatcher and he posted me a $10 voucher… Still a hassle though…

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