Uber Driver Stopped for Petrol. Are You for Real?

Lapplejack on 05/03/2018 - 12:18
Last edited 06/03/2018 - 18:45 by 1 other user

Hello everyone, I just wanted to get your opinion on this incident involving uber. I ordered an uber to get to work the other night which is only an 8km ~20 minute trip. After I got into the uber the driver informed me that "he'd been driving all over Sydney" and that he was running low on fuel. I said to him "are you serious?" and he told me that he was. I felt like at this point I had to just go with it as I was already running late. I ended up directing him to a servo that was a bit of a detour. I had to wait about 5-10 mins whilst he refuelled.

Anyway, long story short I ended up arriving at my destination on time. I subsequently emailed uber about the incident as I feel that it should be the driver's responsibility to make sure they have adequate fuel prior to accepting a journey, especially when it is such a short distance. I requested at least a partial refund for the time spent refuelling. They "thanked me for my feedback" but could offer no partial/full reimbursement of the fair as I arrived in less time than their estimated journey duration at the outset of the trip. I then had a few back and forth emails which ended with me saying that I won't use their service again, to which they replied with an "account deletion" email.

I am not really sure what the point of this post is but I just wanted to get this off my chest. I initially tried to get a taxify on the night but the wait was > 10 mins. I have only had good experiences with their service recently.

I always knew uber were bastards, especially after listening to The Dollop (http://thedollop.libsyn.com/271-uber) but this just cemented it. Anyone have a similar experience?

UPDATE

Summary as requested by some as maybe I haven't been as clear I could be:

*Ordered uber as I was running late for work (surge pricing) and didn't have enough time to walk/cycle/catch a camel
*Got into the uber and driver informed me that he was running low on fuel and needed to get fuel
*Driver didn't know where the nearest servo was so I directed him to one which was a bit of a detour
*We pulled up to the servo and had to wait for a free spot for him to refuel. Realistically probably took 5 mins.
*Arrived at my destination on time so net loss to the universe was nothing
*I emailed uber to let them now that I thought it was lame that my driver took a detour to refuel
*They replied by saying that they will look into it but would offer no refund as the the actual trip time/distance was less than the estimated time/distance
*I replied by saying this was unacceptable and that I would not be using uber anymore
*Uber replied with an account deletion email - this is what pissed me off the most as I think this was terrible customer service and what spurred me to create this thread
*Yes, entirely a first world problem but this whole website is essentially about the first world and its problems.

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Comments

  • billy3000 on 05/03/2018 - 19:08
    -1

    honestly.. get over yourself mate. the guy needed fuel.. you got to where you wanted on time.

  • BusMan247 on 05/03/2018 - 19:30
    +2

    Not a massive issue for me. Wouldn't post about it personally. But hey, I'm not a prick.

  • Chik5555 on 05/03/2018 - 19:37

    I would be a little bit annoyed at my wasted time to be honest. Not the end of the world but I would.

  • payless69 on 05/03/2018 - 19:39

    Such a MAJOR incident getting there even before estimated time! Now bribe all newspapers to get onto front page and apply for a few millions in compensation! Hope every other driver gives you a well deserved one stare so it will be long walks or back to the good old taxi with an added tip unless you are impolite and yell out to decline the tip you were never told of being on the bill!

  • OzzyOzbourne on 05/03/2018 - 19:58
    +5

    That's shocking, he should have got out and pushed the car. No wonder people prefer taxis.

    Of all the minor inconveniences you've experienced in your life, was this the worst? Best stick with getting your mum to drive you around.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 20:22
    +1

    don't you have something better to do than complain about such a petty issue? grow up you little privileged kids. life has much bigger issues

  • bad hombre on 05/03/2018 - 20:35
    +4

    This reminds me of the time when the family and I were flying to Europe in the private jet and we had to make a refueling stop … why couldn't we just do a mid-air refuel!?!?

    Anyways, I thought about taking the pilot and the plane manufacturer to court. In the end I just bought a second jet so that next time it can fly ahead of us just to reduce downtime on the ground.

  • GregMonarch on 05/03/2018 - 20:36

    Anyone aware of the typical Uber driver in the UK would already be aware of this. However for those that are not, if it's not already the same here, it soon will be. i.e. I would be telling your wives and daughters not to use Uber, but particularly in places such as Melbourne and Sydney. I'm sure there's info to be online such as youtube, so I don't get banned for saying it openly.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 06/03/2018 - 00:29
      +1

      What?

      • GregMonarch on 10/03/2018 - 16:18
        -1

        Grr… So many typos lately.

        What I'm saying is, there's a certain type of Uber driver in the UK. Let's say… They do it for a job because they're recent arrivals without other skills. They've taken to driving women to remote locations or dark backstreets to rape them. It's become so prolific that people aware of it now cancel the ride if they see these individuals turn up, wait several minutes, and order another - or hop into a normal cab after checking out the driver.

        Now the mainstream media, forever supportive of leftist agendas and rape-apologists for these disgusting individuals - rarely, if ever, report when it happens. Thus obscuring how prolific it has become. Therefore many people are unaware and given a false sense of security, putting them at real risk of being raped.

  • lainey13 on 05/03/2018 - 20:57

    Yes if your uber driver takes longer (drives around lost, takes the long way etc) then your ride costs more than the estimate. Be grateful it took the time it said it would and you paid the estimate! I've had to pay double once coz he took so freaking long to get somewhere! Now you know, Uber is a little bit better than a taxi but not SO amazing.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2018 - 10:26
      +1

      (drives around lost, takes the long way etc)

      If your driver goes the wrong way, uber will refund you part of the fare

  • tryingtohelp on 05/03/2018 - 21:02
    +1

    Clearly, there are services for a reason and with issues as well, from airplane delays and dropping internet connection, nothing is perfect, yet we like to complain only about smaller things which actually carry no value.
    If you are not satisfied with the service, don't use it. Uber made things easy for you and sent you the cancellation option.
    We all know why we choose Uber over Taxis, it's $. Be human for a minute and try discounting human errors, it will feel good at the end :-)

  • Dont Care on 05/03/2018 - 21:10
    -1

    What car takes 10 minutes to fill? I just think if you hadn't been lazy yourself and booked the service 5-10 minutes earlier then you could have got to your destination sooner or if you did it 20 minutes earlier then most likely the fuel would have been purchased after your journey. So in short, It's your fault.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 06/03/2018 - 00:32
      +1

      If he ordered 20 min early, he would’ve been in another uber and possibly be in a crash. I’d be happy I arrived to my destination safely and on time but I could be weird sometimes.

  • Wiede on 05/03/2018 - 21:10

    The trash dumping cake redund dude, the 1k flowers and now this. Surely someone is pranking us

    • pegaxs on 05/03/2018 - 23:43
      +2

      Hahaha, cake refund thread was EPIC! :D

      I didn’t get to the end of 1k flower dudes post. Going back to revisit it now…

  • brentl on 05/03/2018 - 21:33
    +1

    Big deal. I am a uber driver and have taken pax to the petrol station for fuel. It happens. Get over it.
    To the OP.. get a life. First world problems. . seriously.
    Are you that friggen tight you are gonna do a fare review for $2.
    You miserable sod. Take a cab next time you cheap skate.

    • watwatwat on 06/03/2018 - 03:27
      +7

      You'll get a 1 star review and fare review if you do that to me. :)

      • brentl on 06/03/2018 - 18:12
        -1

        Cool story. Guess what, drivers also rate pax after each trip.
        Try a fare review.. driver will fight back and uber will pay the driver the money.

        • watwatwat on 07/03/2018 - 03:40

          Yeah, you rate me 5/5 after my trip and then I'll do 1/5 for you and later that night also hit you with fare review.

          Nah, they'll check the route and see you detoured and took unwanted stop.

      • ubcool on 07/03/2018 - 11:05
        -1

        luckily pathetic people like you are the tiny minority then isn't it then :)

  • ipiok on 05/03/2018 - 21:54
    +2

    lol, if this is the biggest worry in your life buddy I feel sorry for ya.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 06/03/2018 - 00:34

      Shouldn’t you be happy for him though?

      • goodspeler on 06/03/2018 - 02:25

        why would he be happy for someone who lives in a glass house?
        haven't you ever heard the saying about people who live in glass houses and throw stones?

  • goodspeler on 05/03/2018 - 22:01
    +5

    OP should pay all of us money due to the time wasted by us to read his rant. We should then pool that money and send it to the poor Uber driver that had the bad luck of picking up this drama queen.

  • ShannonN on 05/03/2018 - 22:11
    +3

    "I am not really sure what the point of this post is but I just wanted to get this off my chest."

    Tell it to your wife, dog, neighbour, boss, workmates see no need to post it here it's encouraging others too ask stupid questions of matters unrelated to bargains

    Perhaps the Mods can vet the forums and put stuff like this in the other/everything else category before its posted?

  • TailsK on 05/03/2018 - 22:12
    +3

    Isn't this why a rating system for Uber drivers exists?

  • marc86au on 05/03/2018 - 22:37
    +4

    I usually agree with the masses but in this instance I'm surprised by the hostility towards the OP. I guess we have a lot of Uber drivers on here.

    Yes he got to his destination on time and within the fare estimate but it's the principle. The driver showed up unprepared for the trip and the OP was forced to pay him while he was filling up.

    If not accepting a fare in order to get petrol is penalised by Uber then that is an issue with their policies and is between the driver and Uber. It's not the passengers problem.

    I know Uber is slightly cheaper than taxis and I am ok with some sacrifices such as a smaller, less comfortable car or having to give directions but if there isn't an option to pause the fare they shouldn't be stopping.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 22:37
    +1

    Unrelated but whenever I’m in a third world country the taxis always stop for fuel. I guess they can only keep the bare minimum in the tank.

    • Ultraman on 05/03/2018 - 22:54
      +1

      What I always thought Australia was a 3rd world country?! ;)

  • derpdeder on 05/03/2018 - 22:57
    +3

    Wait time in Uber is $0.40 per minute, correct?

    So we are honestly posting over $2.

    • marc86au on 05/03/2018 - 23:49
      +9

      I think the OP is posting over the principle rather than the $2.

      What if next time you're at the supermarket the checkout operator adds on a $2 donation to your docket without your consent?

      What if they scan a $2 item twice then refuse to refund the non existent one?

      What if you bought a bottle of milk that had gone sour and they refused to exchange it?

      What if you filled your car with petrol then the petrol station wanted to charge you more than the pump price?

      All those examples are only $2 but if they happened to the average person I imagine they would feel wronged. Granted, these are more extreme than the OPs example but the point I'm trying to make is that the amount isn't the issue.

      • goodspeler on 06/03/2018 - 02:06
        -6

        All of those supermarket/store analogies could never occur because there are consumers laws that exist to protect you, so the question of "what if?" is completely redundant.

        The Uber driver did nothing illegal, told the OP about his fuel situation as soon as the ride started and the OP had every right to tell the driver to stop or refuse the driver to fill up or request another driver, but he did not:
        "I felt like at this point I had to just go with it as I was already running late. I ended up directing him to a servo that was a bit of a detour. I had to wait about 5-10 mins whilst he refuelled."

        As soon as he "felt like he had to just go with it" was the point that all possible defense or recourse for the OP ended. Was the driver wrong to pick up a passenger with low fuel? Maybe. Without knowing the details or the mindset of the driver, he may or may not have made the right judgement call. Point is, OP was in a rush, driver was in a rush, but in the end the driver delivered a service that was promised and got the OP to his destination on time. People aren't robots, if the car was driven by a robot, maybe your argument would hold, but it was not. I would bet everything I own the Uber driver asked the OP politely about filling up and probably did not have to, but the OP agreed.

        Did the driver intentionally want to cause inconvenience for the OP? Highly unlikely. Was the driver in a rush and wanting to maximise his efficiency at a very marginal cost to the OP (while still getting him to his destination in a completely reasonable timeframe)? More likely. Bottom line, OP went along with the ride after knowing the Uber driver was low on fuel, made a humane decision to help the Uber driver refuel, and is now whinging to everyone and being a general drama queen for no reason other than to save $2. Humans aren't machines, we make judgement errors… that is unless you're a perfect human being, in which case you don't need OzBargain because you always get the best deals anyway.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2018 - 13:44
          +1

          Consumer law applies to services, including 'ride sharing services'.

          OP purchased a service advertised as point-A to point-B when he requested the Uber in app. Uber met their advertised price and time estimates, though not the advertised implication of point-A to point-B.

          Uber implied that the service was still fit for purpose as it arrived in time and under cost.

          OP could argue this isn't the case as it wasn't direct as advertised or implied in app.

          A judge could decide either way on the matter, but it still is no doubt a concern of consumer law.

        • goodspeler on 07/03/2018 - 15:38
          +1

          @dyl:

          I never said consumer law DIDN'T apply to the OPs scenario, I only said the supermarket scenarios could not happen in Australia.

          The point of my post (no idea why it was downvoted), was that there was no breach of consumer law.
          The service that was requested was delivered (according to the estimated time/cost provided by Uber) and the OP had no way of knowing whether another available Uber driver would have delivered the same or better level of service which is why driver/rider ratings exist. Don't like it? Leave a bad review for the driver, pay more for a taxi and move on with your life.

          End of story, end of thread.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2018 - 16:35
          +1

          @goodspeler:

          OP has worded it as if he was misled contrary to section 18 of consumer law (ie he was led to think it would be a direct trip when he requested the Uber). The reasonable consumer would be led to Bieber this at that time too.

          Uber has responded with a defence to section 2 (unfit for purpose) by demonstrating the service was fit for the intended purpose (ie he got their own time and at cost). This isn't a defence to section 18.

          I guess in theory a judge could weigh the fact he made it on time and at cost, but I personally doubt this would be weighted highly as a defence to misleading conduct.

          Uber probably has bullshit terms that they're not responsible for these kind of situations. These terms are considered unfair as they remove any responsibility for actually providing the service paid for and are nullified.

          Hope this sums it up…

          Law aside, there's still the professional and ethical side of things. When someone's providing you a service (and you're paying for them to do so) you don't expect them to undertake in personal endeavours. For example, if you were in an Uber I assume you wouldn't expect them to go through McDonald's and get lunch or stop at the supermarket to do their grocery shopping. Everyone draws this line somewhere, the majority of us just draw it a lot before you. That's what the other comment I believe was more pointing out.

        • goodspeler on 07/03/2018 - 17:57
          +1

          @dyl:

          everything you said makes sense, except the OP agreed to allow the driver to refuel when the driver mentioned that they had to at the START of the journey and even directed them to the nearest servo. if the OP was so inconvenienced, he could have asked the driver to stop the trip, would have then been charged a cancellation fee and/or small trip fee and then request a new ride. after the trip, the OP could then ask Uber for a credit back citing the initial cancellation reason (first driver did not have fuel for the trip), left a bad review for the driver, and moved on with his life. either that, or the OP could have simply asked the driver to stop, then called a taxi paid more money and requested a credit from Uber. problem solved.

          instead, the OP agreed to allow the driver to refuel (and even helped the driver find the nearest servo), so all the OP has revealed is:

          a) he is indecisive (agreed to allow driver to refuel and accept the slight inconvenience and then change his mind after the fact and proceed to whinge like a child)
          b) is immature (see above)
          c) does not know how to handle the smallest of life's problems by himself and instead has wasted your time and my time by blowing the issue completely out of proportion. does he seriously believe 5 minutes of his time or $2 is worth this much whinging? do you?

          moral of the story, driver made a mistake (intentional or not we don't know) while in a rush (didn't refuel before accepting trip), op made a mistake while in a rush (by accepting the slight cost/time inconvenience of driver refueling). nobody wins or loses, net result - tie. move on with life (which is what the OP didn't do).

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 11:27

          @goodspeler:

          Him agreeing to it once the Uber has arrived doesn't change the fact he wouldn't have requested that Uber had he known prior. Legally this indicates deceptive or misleading conduct.

          I understand what you're saying with the "just move on" idea, but as mentioned we all draw the line in different places. I don't see an issue with someone being disappointed when those lines are crossed without any remorse. Personally wouldn't be too bothered if I got there on time still (as OP did), but that doesn't change the fact OP still had an issue with the situation (which I still consider legitimate despite differing views) that wasn't addressed accordingly.

          As an example, I've had some really crap food at restaurants at times. Personally I just eat it anyway, move on and don't go there again. Others have complained in similar situations, requested a refund, etc. I support them in that - they honestly deserve a refund of the food is that bad. Doesn't change where I personally draw lines though.

        • goodspeler on 08/03/2018 - 12:53
          +1

          @dyl:

          You nor I have no way of knowing if the OP would have declined the Uber driver had he known before the driver picked him up. The OP mentioned specifically that he was in a rush and made that very clear. We could go around in circles all day mate, we have no way of knowing if the Uber driver actually had to fill up to get the OP to his destination on time. From what the OP has described, the driver ASKED the OP if he could fill up, and the OP obliged, as a result had to wait a few minutes and maybe pay a couple of dollars extra (depending on if the original route was faster after all). Either way, the OP had full choice in the matter and was not forced into anything and is simply now regretting his choice of being nice. i.e. he's passive aggressive.

          There was no deception, no misleading conduct, no breach of consumer law.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 16:38
          -1

          @goodspeler:

          As mentioned two comments above I suggest that Uber isn't compliant with section 18 of consumer law (relating to deceptive or misleading conduct) by implying a direct trip, though not showing remorse when a driver provides an indirect trip.

          It may also come under section 29, 1-B

          (b) make a false or misleading representation that services are of a particular standard, quality, value or grade;

          Either way, what would need to be proved:

          1. Uber gives the impression or implies direct trips.
          2. Uber allows drivers to make short stops (ie fuel stops).
          3. At the time of contracting the service the customer isn't aware of these possible short stops, and
          4. It may effect the customers choice to purchase the service

          Current evidence of above:

          1. Haven't used Uber for a while but the app use to show a direct line of the planned route. I assume there's other implications of this - I don't think this is overly argued.
          2. Uber implied they allow drivers to make these kind of short stops if it's under time and cost estimates.
          3. The service is contracted when it's requested, not when you enter the vehicle.
          4. You're right I shouldn't speculate on OPs case, but I personally would prefer a provider who offers direct trips over indirect. I can't make an informed decision if this information is withheld or the opposite implied.

          Note I respect you may have reasonable doubt of some of the above, but as it would be a civil case the basis of reasonable doubt isn't applicable. As long as it's more likely true than false, it's usually considered truth. Also note if it was an actual case there would obviously be more research and evidence gathered, but as ground work this outlines some non-compliance.

          The fact OP was told by the driver isn't of concern for any of the above. If anything, this further outlines the misleading conduct as it shows in OPs case he was only told after he had contracted the service.
          I don't think the question of if the Uber driver did or didn't have to fill up is of concern, that's not what I was implying is deceptive. The above should all explain this more clearly.

          From a moral standpoint, as mentioned previously I respect others views and where they draw lines on things. As I would respect someone complaining about poor food at a restaurant, I respect OP complaining of a lower than expected standard of professionalism from his Uber driver, even if the levels you or I may expect differ.

  • bettina44 on 05/03/2018 - 23:08
    +3

    I'm sympathetic with the driver because shit happens but I also get that you had to pay for the waiting time when you shouldn't have. I'm not sure how you complained but there's an art to it, if you're too soft and they'll be like thanks for the feedback but we won't do anything about it and if you're a real arsehole about it they will be like bye and also not do anything about it.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2018 - 23:18
    +1

    Are You for Real?

  • Toons on 05/03/2018 - 23:33
    +2

    This is really kinda meh, if he ran out of petrol and you had to transfer Uber you would perhaps have more to moan about.

    I've had Taxi's do it made them stop the meter a sufficient distance from home to make up for it.

    The one that stung and god knows how Uber would go with one was coming home from a festival generally no traffic at that time of night on a weekend so 60$ would have been and had been on the odd occasions the price we had done it for before.

    Police decided to close off freeway and run everyone through the emergency lane No spare lane for taxi's and coaches and made everyone pass through the single lane with no spill over either to allow more cars to line up for booze and drug test. No way out, Fine for being a pedestrian on freeway was just as worse. so we sat in the queue with our taxi driver apologising profusely, his warning came through once we turned onto freeway onramp so he had no knowledge either that they had just sprung the trap.

    The queue the police created had us sitting still for over an hour on the only way out south cost us an extra $130 so $190 in total.

    Do you think they tested the taxi driver No waved him through

    • Lv80 on 06/03/2018 - 17:08
      +1

      thats crazy :(

      • Toons on 06/03/2018 - 19:24

        Biggest downer to an otherwise excellent festival we decided to jump at the taxi because things were getting pretty rowdy a few scuffles, toppling fences around the venue it was getting a bit ugly and all these people were heading the same way as us to the train station.

        The police may have set up the full block as part of teaching people a lesson

  • itschrisraymond on 06/03/2018 - 00:01
    +2

    Pointless post to be honest.

    Not sure if OP is actually taking the piss or not.

    You got pissed but made it to work on time? Quit complaining and let people do THEIR job so they can EARN money too.

    • nomoneynoproblems on 06/03/2018 - 07:19

      Read the post again, he was paying for driver to fill up. He may have got to work on time but he could have been earlier and payed less.

      • itschrisraymond on 06/03/2018 - 21:49
        +1

        And saved $1? Was it REALLY worth posting about? Didn't think so.

        • nomoneynoproblems on 06/03/2018 - 23:43
          +2

          How did you deduct it was $1? That's besides the point, the driver costed him money and time that shouldn't have costed him anything in the first place. You're a new uber driver. Here's a tip, if you want 1 star ratings, do this. Because this is how you'd get 1 star.

  • Gnosh on 06/03/2018 - 00:16
    +8

    I had a similar(ish) experience with Uber.

    It was late at night and the driver mistook a green arrow for a green straight signal and flew through the red. A highway patrol car travelling through the intersection almost hit the passenger side door, and of course put the lights on and pulled my driver over.

    Then we waited awkwardly in the car for at least 10 minutes, still shaken from the near miss, while the officer told the driver off and issued fines.

    Not only was it a bad experience but the fare was significantly higher. I asked Uber nicely if they could offer any remedy and they said that they were sorry, but as the ride was within the trip time tolerance, they wouldn't be doing anything.

    • payless69 on 06/03/2018 - 07:26
      +1

      can't see any similarity! I had rider asking me to hurry so I drove like any taxi here, got pulled over and had to wait 30sec for the breathalyzer to warm up. The rider had his ride surging a few cents then complained to uber that I was an unsafe driver so I went back to my pc and gave him a 1 star. Ah for ah in my opinion.

  • watwatwat on 06/03/2018 - 03:24
    +5

    Funny thread. It's quite surprising how so little people here understand how uber works and that the customer is paying for time.

    Sounds like uber could have give you a partial rebate but unfortunately couldn't because you happened to have a lucky journey that got there quicker than expected.

    Take this as a lesson to say "no" in the future, when the driver wants to fill up and make you pay for it with your money and time for the pleasure.

  • MagicOZ on 06/03/2018 - 03:43
    +1

    Better question is how as Uber driver he have money to buy gas?

  • nomoneynoproblems on 06/03/2018 - 07:17
    +13

    Wow is this an alternate ozbargain reality or did the uber shills come in and astro turf the joint. Op was paying the driver the time it took to refill, money and time he won't get back for a problem that wasn't even his. The driver chose to accept the fare knowing full well he was low on fuel and took the mickey out of op. You can't pause trips so the metre would have added a significant amount to the final price. This is something you'd expect a dodgy cabbie to do to a tourist (or here!). I'm siding with the op on this one.

    • watwatwat on 06/03/2018 - 07:34
      +10

      Yeah either shills or people are really uneducated in how Uber works.

      So weird how people are so supportive of this driver wasting the customer's money and time.

    • picklewizard on 06/03/2018 - 14:36
      +6

      Yeah, I don't get it, hey. A forum dedicated to professional tight-arsery, and everyone is saying the OP is entitled, is complaining of first-world problems, etc.

      The driver made a decision - skip the next fare and fuel up off-meter, or stick the customer with a higher bill by fuelling on-meter. This wasn't a mistake, it was a deliberate action.

  • random101 on 06/03/2018 - 07:35

    I was thinking of this the other day. I’m pretty sure cab drivers aren’t allowed to stop for fuel or if they did the trip is free. Then again just do a 800km trip and it’s a free ride yeh?

    But seriously I’m sure I read somewhere they can’t do it. I would be hell pissed off. I’ve had cab drivers try it in the past I just laughed and said yeah right.

    If it happened to me now. I’d take the gamble of running out of fuel before we stop for them to fill up fuel.

    Also pretty shit effort on Uber’s part with the shit customer service.

    Uber has gone rapidly downhill - it isn’t even that cheap.

    I wish lyft was here.

  • random101 on 06/03/2018 - 07:37

    Or maybe the majority of OzB users are Uber drivers?

  • snajper on 06/03/2018 - 08:10
    +1

    Not a big deal.. first world problems….. cheap price = cheap service…you lost more time writing this post

  • gimme on 06/03/2018 - 08:45
    +2

    Some ppl in this country need real problems. Life seems too easy

  • TRAVELO on 06/03/2018 - 08:54

    Unethical unless the driver paused the fare. You may lodge a complaint with the Point to Point Commissioner. https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/point-to-point… and also with fare disputes with NSW Fair Trading at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Online_servic…

    • payless69 on 06/03/2018 - 09:03
      +1

      yeah waste a million of tax payers money for a 1 dollar issue

      • TRAVELO on 06/03/2018 - 16:56
        +1

        It's the principle of the matter and from Uber's poor response to the end-user, I would lodge a complaint against the ride-sharing provider. Why should the client be paying for an unauthorised detour by the driver? Why should the client be paying for the time the driver is refuelling his vehicle? The driver should not have accepted the job knowing he was running low on fuel, he should have paused the fare or waited until the fare was completed before refuelling. Vehicles can still go a long way when the vehicle says empty.

  • Rhubarb Jones on 06/03/2018 - 09:30
    +1

    So are you going to call their bluff and delete your account?

    Isn't this how you get your just desserts.. by not giving Uber anymore of your money, by not using them again?

  • akanub on 06/03/2018 - 09:35
    +2

    Do I get paid for my time wasted reading this post?

    • OzzyOzbourne on 06/03/2018 - 15:29
      +4

      Account deleted, no more time wasted

  • cyrax83 on 06/03/2018 - 09:37
    +6

    Complaining about arriving on time in an Uber
    Whinging about not being able to get in to your driveway when the guy is parked legally on the road
    Wanting a $1 partial refund on an office cake fund pool

    I feel like some people in this community are unbelievably retarded

    • gimme on 06/03/2018 - 09:51
      +2

      This is what happens when we raise entitled kids and top it up with inordinate amounts of guilt driven parenting. Waiting for the inevitable reality check.

    • misu p on 06/03/2018 - 12:10

      The issues here are getting dumber and dumber that is for sure.

  • timcc0208 on 06/03/2018 - 09:49

    What a complain.
    You clearly get what you pay for.
    I would complain it if this happens for taxi.

  • berger on 06/03/2018 - 10:01
    +2

    My Uber got petrol once and I asked for a Powerade.

    I got my Powerade and he got 5 stars

    You were on time, get over it. Bigger issues in the world

    • payless69 on 06/03/2018 - 11:31

      I once had 2 virgin riders who asked me to go slow to max their first experience. Since my tank was quite low and the only discount station on the way I asked them for permission. They insisted to experience a real uber life including refuelling. Gave them a gold coin for the possible extra charge but they were so happy they put it back onto my dash.
      60% of my riders say they do prefer rideshare over taxis for the better service.

  • myusername on 06/03/2018 - 10:10
    +1

    wow first world problems

    is this really a big deal?

  • [Deactivated] on 06/03/2018 - 10:15

    Customer is always right. Uber should listen to the customer admit they are wrong and upgrade their system to allow the time based meter to be paused for unscheduled stops.

  • Mr Spud on 06/03/2018 - 10:20

    This happened to me as well, same situation, late night shift at work.
    Hop in the uber and get the "I am low on petrol, do you mind if i fill up"
    On the return leg after work, i asked the new uber driver if it was common practice to fill up during a fare.
    He was shocked by the situation.
    Resulted in me leaving a 3 star review after the trip.
    Passive aggressive.

  • Deridas on 06/03/2018 - 10:28
    +9

    I'm not sure why there is so much hostility towards the OP. It seems like a lot of people don't understand how Uber works. The OP had to pay extra for a detour, then waiting time at the servo. It's not about "entitlement" or that the OP made it on time, it's about unexpectedly paying extra.

    This IS a bargain-related website. Most of us don't like paying more than what is expected.

    I think OP perhaps comes off as a whinger as he actually didn't highlight well the real reason why a partial refund is nessassary - that the driver took a detour and charged the OP for it.

    The way Uber responded (as per OP's post) was as though as long as a driver arrives by the estimated time, the driver is entitled to do as many redundant laps on the highway as much as he likes and charge the passenger for it. It's not right for them to reply like that.

    I think perhaps a TLDR summary would've been a lot more helpful for the OP.

  • kooljp on 06/03/2018 - 10:43
    -1

    I hope the driver is reading this and re-rates you 1 star just for being the lowest of low cheapskates.
    Uber is a cheap service. Want a limo, order a limo.

    • illumination on 06/03/2018 - 10:48
      +1

      What would the 1 star rating for the rider be? Don't think you can justify that by "being the lowest of low cheapskates."

      Uber is a cheap service, but I don't think the expectation is for a customer to have to pay for a driver to refuel.

      On "being the lowest of low cheapskates" by the way, if there's any place that it's ok to be the "lowest of low cheapskates", it would be Ozbargain.

      • kooljp on 06/03/2018 - 12:35
        -3

        Hmm, not acceptable for a driver to stop for gas, but a passenger stopping at KFC, Hungry Jacks, Coles, 7-11, Mcdonalds, etc, is OK?? After all they do pay the drivers big bucks , right?
        Uber got it right, if the rider got to their destination within the ETA, they don't have much to cry about

        • aleayr on 06/03/2018 - 12:46
          +1

          but a passenger stopping at KFC, Hungry Jacks, Coles, 7-11, Mcdonalds, etc, is OK??

          Of course it is, it's a passenger service, the passenger is paying, the passenger decides where they want to go.

        • illumination on 06/03/2018 - 13:29

          but a passenger stopping at KFC, Hungry Jacks, Coles, 7-11, Mcdonalds, etc, is OK??

          Yes it is, because the passenger pays for the time spent at these additional stops.

          Uber got it right, if the rider got to their destination within the ETA, they don't have much to cry about

          Clearly - this is exactly what has happened, but whether this is right or not? I personally don't think so. It's just that Uber don't have the resources to analyse every single disputed trip individually, so their "go to" is to look at the estimated time.

    • dbui8743 on 06/03/2018 - 17:41

      I am gonna enjoy seeing this getting negged.

  • AussieMark on 06/03/2018 - 10:53
    +2

    What if the driver offered you $5 for your time? Would you feel happies then?

    • Lv80 on 06/03/2018 - 17:06

      That's the stupid thign about the system. A driver should be able to change the cost to RETURN money. I get you don't want them to be able to do it to charge more…not without the passengers consent….but it should be easy enough to allow drivers to revise down a cost.

      For reasons like this….or even ones that are unforseen, like a spider on the inside of a car (bloody heck stop and let me out) an accident, flat tire, wrong turn, etc etc

  • sakurababydoll on 06/03/2018 - 11:27

    random question… but was it was a black suzuki kizashi?

    • Mr Spud on 06/03/2018 - 14:03

      haha..

      Mine was a black Subaru XV Crosstrek.
      1.Either these Subaru uber drivers feel a sense of entitlement to take fares and think about petrol afterwards
      2.Subaru does not make for a good uber vehicle
      3.Black is a gas guzzling colour

  • SlickMick on 06/03/2018 - 11:34
    +1

    I would have taken the job, asked you to wait while I fuelled up, and ended the ride 5 minutes before destination so you saved both time and km charges. (I also would not make enough money to pay for the car.)
    Would I have got 5 stars for saving you money or 1 star for making you wait?
    Would you still have posted here? Still about the wait time, or what a compassionate driver?

    People are really hard to please. I want my computer job back.

  • h4zey on 06/03/2018 - 11:44
    +1

    so let me get this clear..

    Driver asked for your permission and you had a choice to either go with it or cancel and wait for another one uber/taxi but you decided to go with it, you waited 5-10 mins however you still arrive in your destination on time.

    Now you feel like you deserve a partial refund because of the trouble you went thru. Just out of curiosity, have you read the terms and condition when you accepted it? Did they mention somewhere that driver is not permitted to refill the petrol during travel or whether the passenger entitled for a refund if this situation were to occur?

    My best advice is to get rid of uber so you will never have to experience this again.

  • ozzpete on 06/03/2018 - 11:55
    +3

    That certainly is not fair or right, for you to pay for detour because driver did not have enough fuel already.
    Similar thing happened to me recently, driver stopped for fuel (his escuse was "I just started") . Driver did attempt to pause the meter in uber driver app, but seemed to be unable to pause it.
    He then said he would stop meter a bit before we arrived at destination to account for the extra fee charged in fuel stop.
    I did react in such a way I was obviously not happy to pay for fuel stops on my short journey. I may have even said something to that effect .
    When it seemed we were close to destination (saw signs for turn into zoo we were visiting) I then hinted to driver "should you stop meter" and he did.
    If driver had not offered some sort of reimbursement to me for the extra charges on my account due to unwanted stops, then I would have felt ripped off. In my case, the driver did appear to make a genuine attempt to pause meter, but it seemed he couldn't work out how to do this in uber driver app.
    I think since it was a significant detour, the driver in OP' case should have paused meter/trip until after the refuelling was complete. ie. Not be charged from the moment driver realises he hasn't got enough fuel, until the moment refuelling completed (then restart meter).
    PS. Uber customer service seems to have behaved terribly in OP' case. Lets hope taxify and other competition forces uber to either lift their game, or go out of business.

  • lysp on 06/03/2018 - 12:18
    +1

    Call your credit card company, dispute the charges and ask for a partial charge-back.

  • Lv80 on 06/03/2018 - 12:53

    First world problems. Yes 10 minutes. And the system should have to cater for this and refund any additional cost in time/distance.

    As others have said. Leave a 1 rating. He shouldn't have taken the fare…but still got you to where you need to go on time. Ratings count

    • Ridiculous Panda on 06/03/2018 - 13:28
      +2

      Be a bit more considerate with the rating though. 1 star could really hurt the drivers. Uber require them to maintain 4.6 or get the sack which can be hard with a few 1 stars. (Just imagine 50 5-star rating and 50 4-star ratings leave the driver with 4.5 which is not good enough for uber). You have a 1 to 5 rating system. Rate appropriately. 1 star should be used only in extreme situations.

      • idonotknowwhy on 06/03/2018 - 16:39

        Uh, the driver chose to fill up on OP's time, that's a 1 star rating.

        I had a driver sit outside my house for just under 1 minute, to get the counter to increment the 'waiting time', and then he press the button to accept the fare. He effectively stole $0.55 off me for no reason. He got a 3 star rating because of that (still got me to work on time). Would have been 1 star and a support sulk from me if he stopped for fuel.

        It goes both ways, I give drivers cash tips if they're beyond 5-stars.

        • Lv80 on 06/03/2018 - 17:03

          Fair call…but then if we want to be pedantic…it's ok for you to waste the drivers time, but not the reverse?

          Small win and losses here and there.

          Rate and move on. At least Uber drivers don't charge you $10 to put a back seat down like they did in Adelaide!

  • minniethemoocher on 06/03/2018 - 12:53

    Give the driver an appropriate rating. Enough low ratings and the driver will not be able to drive for Uber anymore.

    • myusername on 06/03/2018 - 13:52

      do you complain everytime the wind changes direction?

      • Lv80 on 06/03/2018 - 17:04
        +1

        That's what the rating system is for. If it's a once off then it won't matter…but if the driver consistently disrespects the passenger, then he doesn't deserve to drive, while others that do and go well beyond what is needed get more work.

        TRUE capitalism

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