Uber has always seemed like a big city thing, something that would never make it big in Des Moines, where rush hour is laughable compared to Chicago or New York City, and people can get around the metro area in about 15-to-20 minutes usually. At first I was completely and totally against this idea of a random person driving me around in their car. Some people may argue that taxis are basically that anyways, so what’s the big deal? Taxis always seemed like a better option because they are largely labeled, and the drivers undergo major background checks. Uber does background checks too, but I was still uncertain.

Des Moines isn’t even really big on taxi, I see a taxi probably once or twice every two-to-three months. This company was obviously something that was meant for big cities, at least that’s what I originally thought. This summer’s craziness may have changed my mind ever so slightly though to more open mindedness about the company. With the three jobs I had my parents had to constantly drive me around, and because we live out in the country my friends often didn’t want to come drive out and get me just to hang out. I became a bit of a burden, so when my mom suggested I try out Uber with a friend sometime, I wasn’t completely against it.

I haven’t tried it yet, mainly because I have yet to go anywhere, and like I said, Des Moines is small. But as I go into my junior year and seek out more independence, it may become an option. Our bus system is not that reliable, and it only runs in certain areas, definitely not out where my parents live. These facts make me lean more and more towards using the service. It is safe, and besides, I’d have my phone with me at all times. The only thing that is really stopping me now is the money situation. Uber can be pretty expensive, whereas my parents offer me rides because they love me. And who would pass up time with their mom and dad, especially as we get older and rely on them less and less. Soon I will be married and moved somewhere else, so I have learned to cherish those brief moments with them when I can still be their little girl who needs a ride to the mall.

When I move to a bigger city I am sure I will be using Uber on a regular basis. For right now, while my small, little world still consists of mostly just the Des Moines area, I am able to avoid the service. When I get in that car for the first time, I’m sure it will be quite an experience, simply because I will have been thinking about it for a while. I have learned though to be more accepting in a world that often does not do that, so that I will be willing to get into that car when the times comes.