Scheduling vs Reservation

There has been a lot of press about the "new" ability to schedule a ride in advance.  First Lyft came out with the option then Uber followed.  The thing is, it's not really any different than ordering an Uber (or Lyft) on the spot.

Here's why:

When you schedule in advance it's like a delayed ping.  The system (Uber / Lyft) registers in the app that you want a driver at a certain time / date. When it gets close to that time (10 minutes or so), the app simply sends out a ping to the nearest driver.  It's as if the rider just hit the "request" button, except the app did it for them.

There is no guarantee, with this system, that you'll have a driver at the exact moment.  If you are in a suburb it's still possible to have a "no drivers available."  Because there is nothing telling the Uber / Lyft drivers that someone is going to want a ride the next morning or in two weeks - that's not how the system is set up to work.

Drivers who have heard about the Uzurv app question whether the "ride scheduling" by Uber / Lyft will make Uzurv obsolete. The answer is no, and if you understand the difference in how the app works versus Uber and Lyft scheduling you'll already know that Uzurv is different.  It's a reservation network app so right from the start it's different.  When you have the Uzurv app you can make an actual reservation for a real person at a designated time and it's all set up and confirmed in advance.

The Uzurv app was built to ride along with Uber/ Lyft - it's not going to go under or quit being used just because Uber and Lyft offer scheduling.  And because Uber & Lyft are transportation networks, they will never be able to offer a fully functional reservation system like Uzurv, it goes against the definition and legalities of being a transportation network company.

Here's the difference: 

When a reservation (via Uzurv) is placed in the system the drivers who are able to accommodate the request respond.  The passenger selects the driver - in advance of the actual reservation time.  Now the driver AND the passenger know about the reservation ahead of time.

The other benefit is that the tip (incentive) is in the app ahead of time.  So the driver knows what they will be paid above the Uber / Lyft fee, for doing this special reservation.

Once the reservation is set and confirmed with the driver, the communication channel is open and both rider / driver can communicate via the messenger app within Uzurv.  I like to let my passenger know when I'm heading their way.

And when the rider is picked up at the appointed time, the fare goes through Uber or Lyft at the current rate - so if there is a surge, it will be surge pricing. 

The other issue that gets posted frequently is the fee for setting or accepting a reservation.  Yes there is a fee, it's a concierge level service.  The passenger is getting to choose a driver and set an actual appointment and EVERY passenger I've told about the service doesn't blink at paying a extra amount to get a personal level of service.

How about the drivers? In my view, this is a lead service.  I am paying for the "lead" or information about the reservation (and face it the software to run the app isn't free).   I have to pay Uber for their software / service - at least this is a set amount that I am aware of in advance.    The great thing is any fee I pay is offset by the "incentive" the passenger pays - that I receive monthly - AND I often get another fare or two right after dropping off the first passenger because I'm out and about in my car.

I will say that Uzurv isn't for every driver or every passenger. Some drivers just can't wrap their head around it.  It doesn't fit the need of every single passenger - spontaneity is a great thing too.  But there are a number of people who find this app very helpful and are willing to pay extra to use the service.

I hope post has explained the difference in the Uber / Lyft scheduling versus the Uzurv reservation app,  If you have questions feel free to comment :)