A Ride from uber: Know What You’re Getting Into
There’s no doubt that a ride from Uber remains one of the most widely used options for getting around, with the company reporting over 20 million rides per day globally in 2025. But as the platform continues to grow, Uber and similar app-based services like Lyft have remained under ongoing scrutiny—especially when it comes to safety, accountability, rider experience, and not to mention the surge pricing.
On a recent Thursday evening – one of the busiest times for rides home from LGA – UberX cost $73 more than Teddy’s Private Car, and UberBlack was $151 more. Why? Because rideshare companies rely on surge pricing to lure enough part-time drivers onto the road. Teddy’s, by contrast, provides steady availability with company-owned vehicles and full-time, well-compensated professional chauffeurs. This model ensures greater consistency, safety, and reliability every time you ride.
In many cases, a professional private car service may be a smarter, more reliable alternative. Here’s why:
A Professional, Safer Transportation Experience
Uber drivers undergo a multi-step background check, but these checks are still conducted by third-party vendors—not law enforcement—and often do not include fingerprinting, unlike the strict vetting processes required for licensed livery and taxicab drivers. According to safety studies, third-party checks can be up to 43 times more likely to miss disqualifying criminal history.
Even with improvements to Uber’s technology and safety reporting tools, loopholes remain. For instance, someone with a criminal background could register using someone else’s identity, and enforcement mechanisms remain reactive rather than preventive. In some cases, an otherwise “approved” driver may hand off their Uber account or vehicle to another person without Uber or the passenger knowing.
And even when the driver is legitimate, the nature of gig work means many rideshare drivers work excessive hours just to earn a livable wage, which can raise concerns about fatigue, focus, and long-term safety behind the wheel.
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