I have been driving for Uber for nearly 2 years, I started the same time as my best friend Angela. When we started Uber, it was illegal in Australia. The Police and Road Transport Officers were trying to catch us out, it was like cat and mouse.
For example when I dropped off passengers at the airport I had to pretend that I was dropping off loved ones they would play the part by hugging me and saying “bye mum”…. Lol. I would be driving at night then see the sirens and was questioned by the police why am I am out late at night, I would make an excuse I could see them trying to look for my phone that has the uber app on, but when I saw the sirens lights I threw it under my seat lol.
But I did get caught ☹……
I was dropping of passengers at Ocean St, which is where a lot of people go to eat out, there’s a lot of different bars, it’s a very popular spot in the Sunshine coast, so as they were getting out of the car, they snuck up out of nowhere like a ninja lol and I was caught red handed, I got a fine of $2300, ouch…. But I knew that Uber was paying all the fines, so when I handed it in thankfully it was the case and they paid it, I saw some drivers that had 2 to 3 fines that they were handing in.
After 6 months of this Queensland finally made it legal, we had to pay more licencing fees, plus more insurance than we previously did, but at least we as drivers can drive without the fear of being interrogated.
So not only were we playinging cat and mouse games with Police and the Road Transport Officers we were trying to get away from the taxi’s, In the Sunshine coast there is only one Taxi company, they had it all by themselves, they hated us… and that's another story so I will tell you about that another time....
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS
For example when I dropped off passengers at the airport I had to pretend that I was dropping off loved ones they would play the part by hugging me and saying “bye mum”…. Lol. I would be driving at night then see the sirens and was questioned by the police why am I am out late at night, I would make an excuse I could see them trying to look for my phone that has the uber app on, but when I saw the sirens lights I threw it under my seat lol.
But I did get caught ☹……
I was dropping of passengers at Ocean St, which is where a lot of people go to eat out, there’s a lot of different bars, it’s a very popular spot in the Sunshine coast, so as they were getting out of the car, they snuck up out of nowhere like a ninja lol and I was caught red handed, I got a fine of $2300, ouch…. But I knew that Uber was paying all the fines, so when I handed it in thankfully it was the case and they paid it, I saw some drivers that had 2 to 3 fines that they were handing in.
After 6 months of this Queensland finally made it legal, we had to pay more licencing fees, plus more insurance than we previously did, but at least we as drivers can drive without the fear of being interrogated.
So not only were we playinging cat and mouse games with Police and the Road Transport Officers we were trying to get away from the taxi’s, In the Sunshine coast there is only one Taxi company, they had it all by themselves, they hated us… and that's another story so I will tell you about that another time....
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS
After 6 months of this Queensland finally made it legal, we had to pay more licencing fees, plus more insurance than we previously did, but at least we as drivers can drive without the fear of being interrogated.
So not only were we playinging cat and mouse games with Police and the Road Transport Officers we were trying to get away from the taxi’s, In the Sunshine coast there is only one Taxi company, they had it all by themselves, they hated us… and that's another story so I will tell you about that another time....
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS
I used Uber services many times and like the services, using uber software if you are new in city you see the way you have to go.
If driver is going wrong way you can report quickly and make protection of your self
yes it's a great service
Great episode! You have a great sense of humor :) Xx
Thanks Xx
You embody everything that is good in the human spirit. Your story contains the secret to how to make the world right. While others are out marching and breaking windows, you are making things right by doing the right things. Also, great presentation.
interesting, do you think it became legal after because it was just such a good alternative to taxis, and since uber was paying the fines, the government etc just gave up because there was such a demand for it?
It's already legal thankfully
I love it! I love reality shows. People are just so interesting! I have a vintage clothing store on etsy, and I shop pretty much every day at this place in America called Goodwill Outlet where there are literally just piles of junk on top of these huge carts, and you go through the junk and find treasures and buy those treasures for 1.49 USD per pound. It is quite an interesting place to say the least. And I used to blog about my weird experiences with the odd characters that frequent there. Uber driving is probably super weird and interesting, and you're in Australia, so I will definitely be watching your adventures. I love how you started even though it was illegal! Is it not as scary to do illegal things in AU as it is in the US? I suppose you could only answer that if you've spend enough time here in America. I think that's really, really cool that you kept driving, though. Your police and government must not be as scary as ours.
lol true, Thanks for your comment :)
haha great story, i feel like i would be doing something like that as well.
lol it was an interesting time alright :)
You are quite the adventurer aren't you @kiwioz You must have been very relieved when Queensland relaxed the laws and allowed you to continue doing your Uber driving. I hope you continue to enjoy it and I look forward to hearing more of your experiences.
Thanks Trudee :)
My pleasure!
I like reading people's life stories and yours are written with humour it's fun. Can't wait for the next one.
Cheers, Thanks :)
I actually signed up to drive for Uber and was approved etc... then my car had a major issue and I couldn’t start. I’ve had a few friends do it and had mixed reports.
There is alot of mixed reports especially coming from the drivers in relation to making a decent earning, you will be hard pressed to make a comfortable living because of all the expences, for me I don't have alot of outside the car expences, so uber is a good option for me :)