[alasdair_]

> and would often refuse to go where passengers want

This happens to me all the time with Uber when I land at LAX and want to go to Anaheim or I’m in SF and want to go to San Jose.

And unlike a taxi, half the time Uber charges me $5 claiming that I ghosted the driver rather than them refusing to take me, something I don’t always catch.

[SOLAR_FIELDS]

I thought that Uber drivers could not see your destination until they picked you up. Are drivers taking off and refusing at the moment of pickup in SF? Seems like that would be pretty easy to catch behavior.

[pclmulqdq]

In NYC, I had several drivers refuse to let me into the car until I told them where I was going. I never took those cars and made them cancel it (and then reported it). However, it is common practice.

[alasdair_]

>Are drivers taking off and refusing at the moment of pickup in SF?

Yes. Although usually what they do is call first and ask where you are going to.

I've absolutely had times where I've had them refuse either after I got in the car, or they don't unlock the doors until I tell them.

[Chico75]

Does anyone still pick up? After a few calls and cancelled rides, you quickly learn not to answer anymore if you want the car to arrive.

[chii]

i reckon uber could make this a more difficult thing to occur by matching the GPS signals and location data.

If a driver attempts this, they can make it so that the driver cops the fee if the user could either prove that they are near the pickup location, or was able to take a picture of the car (with license plate).

[soco]

I can see this personally happening more and more in Romania when I go visit relatives, and locals confirmed me the trend. At some point soon there won't be any reason anymore picking Uber over taxis.