Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

Hi Guys, 

As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage sites and museums in the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.

September is a month of profound cultural significance, culminating in the nationwide celebration of Heritage Day on September 24th and Uber is thrilled to be a part of this celebration and to leverage the cultural momentum that surrounds it. During the activation period, everyone who would like to explore the history of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy discounted rides to some of these cities’ most iconic Heritage sites and museums:

• Johannesburg: Constitution Hill, South African National Museum Of Military History, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Mandela's House, Apartheid Museum.
• Pretoria: Union Buildings, Melrose House Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, Voortrekker Monument.
• Durban: Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre, The Durban Central Post Office, House of Chief Albert Luthuli, The Old Durban Railway Station, KwaMuhle Museum.
• Cape Town: Iziko Slave Lodge, Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Robben Island.

"For over 10 years, local and international tourists have relied on Uber to enrich their sightseeing experience. We want to continue leveraging the power of our platform to connect them with South Africa’s history and culture. By making it easier and more affordable to visit these iconic sites, we hope to encourage exploration of the rich tapestry our country’s past and present has to offer,” said Kagiso Khaole, General Manager at Uber in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How does it work?

• Open the app.
• Enter the promotional code for the city you are in:
• a. Johannesburg and Pretoria: HERITAGE1
• b. Cape Town: HERITAGE2
• c. Durban: HERITAGE3
• Enter your destination among the selectable sites and museums in each city and enjoy two trips at 50% off.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

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Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

Uber Launches A Suite of New Product and Safety Features Across SSA #UberSSA @Uber_RSA

Hi Friends, 

Today Uber announced the launch of multiple new products and features which are going live this month in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The launch, which took place simultaneously across various locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), also showcased Audio Recording, the latest addition to its suite of safety features.

Speaking at the event, General Manager for Uber SSA, Kagiso Khaole said the brand is pleased to be expanding into eight more cities during September across Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

“As we gear ourselves to mark our 10th year anniversary next year, we are excited about moving into more cities enabling people to go anywhere and can get anything. Our commitment to raising the bar on safety remains relentless and we continue to work hard to grow the over 3 million earnings opportunities we have created thus far.”

Eight new cities and counting

Uber will now be operational in Owerri and Akure in Nigeria; Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya; and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana. These expansions are a testament to Uber’s commitment to the region and signal more opportunities for more drivers to earn, while riders have convenient and reliable travel options at the tap of a button. In these expansions, Uber brings a diverse product mix that is able to best serve the needs of the city residents.

More economical options for riders

To help reduce costs for riders and increase demand for drivers, Uber is launching UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya. Uber’s shared rides offering allows riders to save up to 30% of the trip fare when matched with a co-rider heading in the same direction, and where a match is not possible, they will still be able to save 5% from their ride.

“The introduction of UberX Share allows us to proudly demonstrate the power of our platform, understanding the ability to match rider destinations while delivering convenience and affordability. We are a global company that builds locally; and in Ghana, we tapped into the local culture of car-pooling when moving around, which makes this product a great fit for the market,” says Khaole.

Travelling across the city with an entire crew has never been easier, with the launch of UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya. This option provides seating for up to six people which is great for airport and business trips where extra luggage space may be required. In South Africa, riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.

Uber Comfort, which is currently available in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, will now be available in Ghana. This bespoke offering is designed for riders looking for an upgrade to their everyday ride with extra comfort. Drivers on Uber Comfort are known to provide excellent service while exhibiting friendliness, courtesy and professionalism.

Uber Connect, one of the app’s most popular products available in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana; will soon be available in two additional cities in Nigeria. Uber Connect is an on-demand delivery solution that allows users to send and receive packages with speed. The feature comes built-in with a PIN verification providing users peace of mind that their package is being delivered to the right person.

Taking a stand for safety

“Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users”, says Khaole.

Audio Recording pilot in South Africa: Uber will now allow riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in the case of a safety incident - something that drivers have been asking for based on their feedback from roundtable sessions. This new opt-in audio recording feature, which is being piloted in Pretoria and Johannesburg, has been successful in the US and Latin American regions where Uber has a presence.

In-app emergency service in Nigeria: Uber is working with Sety in Nigeria, to provide on-demand security and medical response for riders and drivers while on a trip. This collaboration will also provide access to a private security response unit closest to their location, using a connected device.

Safety Check Up across SSA: This feature encourages riders to complete their safety profile by turning on and utilising the available features such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification and RideCheck. This is available in all the countries within SSA where Uber operates.

Delivery innovations

At the launch, Uber Eats reinforced its aspiration of building an app of the future by creating a virtual mall experience that goes beyond just food. “Other categories we have ventured into include convenience stores, pharmacy outlets, alcohol and retail and this shows us that the possibilities are endless,” says Cikida Gcali-Mabusela, Head of New Verticals for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa.

Uber Eats continues to push beyond boundaries with the adoption of the growing trend of dark stores, which gives non-traditional merchants opportunities to tap into unchartered markets that they wouldn’t have easily accessed.

Uber Eats currently operates in South Africa and Kenya. Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya says, ‘With a 67% year-on-year growth of subscriptions on Eats, we are humbled and encouraged by the expansion that we have seen in the South Africa and Kenya markets.

“The future of logistics and technology in emerging markets looks promising. Our overall vision continues to be to build locally using global experience and become a one-stop shop for delivery needs. Not only is Uber Eats creating unique earning opportunities, but our operations also have a positive knock-on effect on restaurants, merchants, and delivery people. Looking ahead, we are committed to leading the category by investing in product and access, while leveraging the power of the platform,” concludes Kui.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #10YearsofTheLifesWay. Support me if you want with USD 10 - https://www.patreon.com/TheLifesWay Namaste!

3 Million Pageviews on www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Friends, 

3 Million Pageviews

8.5 Years of Blogging

300+ Brands and Companies

770 Posts Self-written content

The Life's Way started on 27-December-2012

1 Million achieved on 21-July-2016

2 Million achieved on 8-August-2018

3 Million achieved on 16-May-2021

2281 Total Blog posts on Lifestyle and Technology

www.thelifesway.com

It all started with a dream to take care of my free time and to get involved in some kind of creative pursuit so that I can find my mojo and also get into something which can take me places around the city as well as the world. I have been able to enjoy my life in the truest sense of The Life's Way and also thankful to all the brands, companies, PR agencies, People involved in all these creative industries to give me a chance to perform and be myself and promote their products from time to time. I am sure some of them I have failed, some of them are indifferent and some of them must be happy too. Over the years, I have met some people who were really happy to meet me in person and it used to astonish me as to what special I have done in their lives. I also got the opportunity to eat in certain restaurants where I would not have normally gone and also maybe won't be able to afford a meal or two but because of TheLife'sWay I was invited and enjoyed some vegetarian delicacies. I might have not drunk alcohol but if it was gifted to me some of my friends must be happy for that day when he drank that wine or champagne or whiskey. 

The power of social media platform I understood in my first year of participating in the Facebook contests and then migrating to the Twitter contests soon thereafter. With a strong presence in both these platforms, I was set to achieve something big when I started my blog inspired by the journey my friends took in their collaboration with the Indiblogger platform. I wanted to win some Soul by Ludacris headphones and that was the whole purpose of starting in the blogging industry but I could not win them since today. Though I got to win a lot of prizes on the Indbiblogger platform from earphones to headphones to laptops to cash to gift vouchers and build up my creative instincts as well as knowhows of blogging and in the process meet the biggest celebrities and eat at the 5-star restaurants in India. 

When I came here just before the first anniversary of TheLife'sWay, I came upon a different kind of struggle. The internet data was too expensive and I had no social media following locally as I created another Twitter handle @thelifesway to be using especially in South Africa only. I didn't know any PR companies and any brand and even when contacting those brands they were saying you only have 62 followers. Then slowly and steadily I built up my following and after more than 6 months (Nov-2013 to Apr-2014) of struggle, I got my first chance from Sony South Africa who was instrumental in putting me with Primedia to review each and every movie released in their theatres. Throughout my next many years, I continued to watch each and every movie twice a week non-stop unless it's some kind of load-shedding happening in the area. 

The second thing that happened around the same time was the Mission Samsung's Blogger Challenge Campaign for all the residents of South Africa and it was my dream to be winning one or at least be a part of the challenge. It came in newspapers and on Twitter handles and on their website - I read through the Terms and conditions as I wanted to win the same and put in a lot of effort to get to know about the challenge. It was their collaboration with Webfluential as well as SA Bloggers by Sandy. This contest really gave me a boost as it became my passion because I had missed the opportunity to become Samsung Blogger in India as I started my channel a little late and the contest was over by then where they chose certain bloggers who will get their products and will be getting invited to all their launch events. It was a really big dream for me to get involved with all the technology brands. 

I don't remember now when 1 Million and 2 Million pageviews were achieved but I will dig deeper maybe to check on the same. So after a lot of digging, I got the answer to the 2nd Million was done on 8 Aug 2018 after 5.5 years of blogging so it took me around 3 years to reach the 3 million mark. That's a lot of effort guys. The first million I was subscribed to a service where I paid the money annually to do the tweets which used to bring me a lot of traffic on the website and I used the service for 2 years. But I had to disconnect as many of the users blocked me as it was never-ending tweets about the same content again and again. The first million was achieved on 21 July 2016 as I used to tweet the daily progress of my blog those days. Such a time waste if I think about it. I think when I stopped posting that number for many years, people who used to follow me kept asking me how's your blog doing? I never understood the reason for their ask but now I am getting it as to why they used to ask me this question. 

So the fastest growth seems to be between the first and the second million pageviews as after the same, I started rejecting many brands who were just making use of my time and efforts and not giving anything in return at all. I have considerably reduced my time to be spent on my blog since the birth of my second child in January 2018 and focussed more on other social media platforms once again. My still belief is that I have got much more goodies from my social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as compared to the blog which means that I have won several contests giving me much bigger prizes as compared to the goodies gifted by PR companies and Brands at their launch events. But this post is to celebrate the overall crossing of three million page views on The Life's Way and what it means to me? 

3 Million is just a number and I hope to reach 5 Million soon in some next years and I will continue to write the new articles and blog posts. I will also focus on shooting video blogs that will go on my Youtube Channel. If you have not followed me on the channel, kindly do so as I am still far from the first 1000 subscribers and just need around 228 new subscribers to reach that landmark. This can be done in a single day by my readers around the world. Kindly follow the link and subscribe to the TheLife'sWay Youtube channel, please. Your help will be greatly appreciated in this regard. 

I would also like to mention what I have received in terms of goodies or media gift pack during all these years from all the brands I have supported on my blog posts - 

1. Samsung South Africa - 139 Posts - Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (Won), Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (Gift), Samsung Powerbank 8700mAh (Gift), Samsung Launch Event trip to Cape Town for Note4, Samsung Launch Goodies - Snacks Packs (Gift), Samsung NX300 (Community Challenge Winner) Won, Samsung 65'' Curved UHD TV (Mission Samsung Grand Finale Winner) Won, Cape Town Trip for Grand Finale Mission Samsung

2. Huawei South Africa - 136 Posts - Huawei FreeBuds3 (Gift), Huawei Watch GT2e (Gift), Huawei FreeLace (Gift), Huawei Watch GT (Sponsored), Huawei Bands (Gift), Huawei Wifi Dongle (Gift), Huawei Gift pack and accessories, Huawei Tshirt and Shorts (Gift), Huawei Hoodie (Gift)

3. Montecasino, Johannesburg, South Africa - 85 Posts - I have shared so many posts for Montecasino and most of them are for the event tickets and never got any stay at any of their hotels or properties. I was recently again invited for their movie launch event where I won Tomato Watches and also some Coca-Cola goodies which I have made YouTube videos about. 

4. Indiblogger - 83 Posts - I have participated in a lot of their contest where sometimes I won Flipkart vouchers, sometimes goodies were sent to us, some of the posts were for cash also and overall it was a joyous collaboration with this blogger network in India. I have bought a lot of stuff using those Flipkart vouchers for sure. 

5. Disney South Africa - 68 Posts - Other than their annual showcase goodies along with movie tickets from time to time the gift packs includes generally some books, notepads, Mickey Mouse Volkano Bluetooth speaker and recently in 2021 time National Geographic Astrum Bluetooth Speakers which you can watch on Youtube channel. 

6. Acer South Africa - 67 Posts - R500 gift voucher to buy stuff from Shop.acer.com (used thrice), Acer Launch goodies like Pen drive 8GB, Paper stand, Typo calculator, pens and diaries. 

I have stopped sharing for Acer South Africa as I didn't get anything worthwhile sharing all their press releases and doing product reviews though I used to get invited to their local launch events and also some products to review. 

7. Sony South Africa - 53 Posts - Sony MDR-XP450AP Extra-Bass Wired Earphones (Gift), Diary, Pen, Sony Xperia XA Ultra, Sony Xperia XZ Premium

My love for Sony products is such that I bought so many products in London along with my earlier collection of products that when I came back to India, the Indian Country Manager of the Sony Headphones division wanted to visit my home and gift me with a new product but that couldn't happen as I travelled to South Africa before he could plan a visit. Anyhow, it remains my favourite company as I have kept hold of my old portable e-Reader, old noise cancellation headphones along with various other Sony products from Cassette player to MP3 Players to Portable CD player. I will start showcasing them on my Youtube channel soon. 

8. Silverstar Casino, Johannesburg, South Africa - 48 Posts - Silverstar Casino Marketing team provided me with a lot of staycations which I won during their several events and got to stay in their Presidential Suite also twice or thrice. I have got pen drives, Champagnes, Pens, Diaries, Casino vouchers, hotel stays, free movie tickets, Picnic sets, beach mats, Cheese cutter, Coffee maker and so many fun activities to be part of in terms of their event tickets. I am not getting invited anymore to their launch events but I have had a great run with the brand and I am so grateful to them. 

9. SterKinekor South Africa - 39 Posts - Movie tickets mainly and some launch events. 

Sterkinekor was the first company if I remember correctly to invite me to a movie night and gave my first goodies bag in South Africa which was a Diary and a Pen. I still have not used any of the items and kept them safe. 

10. rAge Expo South Africa - 36 Posts - rAge Expo Tickets, rAge Expo media goodies like Lego blocks or some kind of other goodies like caps, t-shirts, carry bags from their sponsor like MSI Gaming etc. 

It's always a pleasure to receive an invite to their expo which is a mad mad time to enjoy the best of the best games, memorabilia, gadgets and other technology-related products and goodies. I have been part of most of them since I came to South Africa and over the years the thing that remains with me is MSI  Lucky Dragon Bag which is a perfect fit to carry all the groceries and vegetables from the car to the home. All my 3 bags collected over the years are now at the end of the road and I need some new ones to carry on showcasing them in my shopping trolley. 

11. ZEE South Africa - 28 Posts - No benefits at all other than 1 invite to go to Zee launch event in a Chauffer driven limousine which was an experience in itself. That's my only experience in life to sit inside a limousine. 

12. LG South Africa - 25 Posts - Macaroons, Mobile Stand, Pendrive, LG X Screen, Mobile Photography Class at Vega 

13. Lenovo South Africa - 24 Posts - Lenovo Pen drives, Diary, Pen, Customised Laptop Sleeve, Yoga mats, Tshirts full sleeves, Lenovo Wireless Mouse

14. Microsoft South Africa - 23 Posts - Pen drives, Poncho, Scarf, Brainstorm magazine, Pens, Invite to their CIO-CTO Event, Cap

15. Uber South Africa - 21 Posts - Tshirt, Discount voucher (never used), Mobile Stand

So these are the top 15 brands in terms of the number of posts done and some of them I have also marked as brands that just wanted free promotion and vanished once I asked for something in return so there are around 60+ posts belonging to those brands. So this is the current number of posts for all these brands and maybe or not there will be more for them or not depends on the respect I get in return for my time and efforts. Here I have not talked about the thousands of tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram posts for all these brands which come along with attending the event, or sharing blog posts or receiving the goodies. Overall, it's has been a great journey so far and I generally do publish the yearly posts too which you can read and enjoy too. Thanks to each and every pageviews reader to make it happen! Thank You! 

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

Charging Change in Safety with Technology @Uber_RSA #Tech4Safety

Hi Friends, 

Key highlights from Uber’s Tech for Safety Summit 

Returning as master of ceremonies, Redi Tlhabi together with Sub Saharan Africa’s finest industry specialists, start-ups and innovators came together on 22 October for Uber’s second annual Tech for Safety summit to unpack and critically discuss how technology may be leveraged to create innovative safety solutions. 

The summit, which had an in-person element, followed all COVID-19 protocols necessary to ensure the safety of its guests, was for the first time available virtually. Thousands of individuals now had access to the summit, being able to partake live and engage with the panels and speakers. 

Catalysing constructive conversation 

As the pandemic continues to unravel at both corporate and citizen safety, each summit panel provided a platform for critical conversation around the threats towards employment, health, travel, business and personal safety. 

Given Africa’s growing infrastructure and developing road network, the first panel spoke through how technology has enhanced safer more affordable travel. Key insights uncovered include the importance of using data to identify key insights into what puts commuters at risk, especially the youth who are most vulnerable to vehicle accidents. 

Learning to adjust to the new normal requires everyday technology to become a way of life. The summit’s second panel unpacked the challenges and opportunities that come with this new normal. UJ’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tshilidzi Marsala says that the university spends in access of R6 million per month on just data to ensure students remain connected, however, Gretchen Wilson-Prangley (Co-founder and CEO of Play Africa) emphasized how this allowed for immediate collaborative learning that connected students irrespective of distance. 

The panel further explained how a lack of basic care when active online allowed for phishing emails to be among the top courses for cyber-attacks while having an online presence helped Africa Management Institute assist more than 10 000 start-ups who were previously inaccessible. 

Regarding community and personal safety, A21 reported a 1000% increase in vetting jobs available locally to reduce the risk of human trafficking and that feeling safe alone was consistently infringed on according to Safer Spaces. Community surveillance, facial recognition and connecting local biometrics to a nationwide ID database were among tech-driven solutions that can help create a safer society, according to Nigeria’s Sihle Owoka of Smile Identity. 

Frans Hiemstra, GM for Uber SSA & MOC Redi Tlhabi

Focused on start-ups 

A major focus for the summit this year was to empower start-ups across Africa. Venture capitalist, Michael Jordaan delivered the keynote address highlighting how passion, need fulfilment and skill are the mandatory requirements for a successful start-up. Start small and scale suitably are among his best advice, telling the audience that research is essential for relevance and brand longevity. 

This year, the Pitching Den returned providing start-ups with the opportunity to pitch their ‘Tech for Safety’ ideas to a panel of accomplished judges and potential investors. Driven by Innovate Durban, the winner Keletso Lekwakwe creator of Password Kid, a South African start-up, wins a 1-year fully-immersive support programme with Innovate Durban. 

Commitment to change 

The well-being of its users continues to be a top priority for Uber, including road, health and interpersonal safety. The app which offers over 20 enhanced safety features, having Uber’s Head of Product Management, Akankshu Dhawan announce at the summit that the app had completed over 100 million successful face mask verifications during the pandemic globally. 

“We’ve set out to create a platform that encourages engagement and feedback, to expand on our conversation around how technology and infrastructure may collaborate to create safer communities across Africa,” says Frans Hiemstra, General Manager of Uber Sub Saharan Africa.

A continent on the nexus of its greatest technology evolution deserves a platform worthy of its potential. Uber’s Tech for Safety Summit, provides just this, to empower, enrich and further commit to the locals of Africa.

As the goodies bag, I received an amazing phone stand which is going to last long due to its thick plywood built as well as some amazing breakfast muffins and lunch and evening tea and snacks from Uber Eats. 

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

Public or Private transport? Factors to consider…#ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

For many people, using public transport is a part of daily life. Even if the opportunity is there to purchase their own vehicle – many choose to rather stick to the public transport option. There are various reasons for this decision, one of which is that, for them, it remains the most cost-effective option. 

In the 2018 General Household Survey (GHS), findings obtained revealed that 54.2million minibus/taxi trips are undertaken by South Africans on a monthly basis. followed by 11million commuters using bus transport and commuter rail operations are made up of 6million. [1]

Cost, location and lifestyle – are some of the primary factors to consider when selecting the best mode of transport, and whether to buy a car or utilize public transport.

Cost

Cost is the biggest consideration when deciding on a means of transport. One needs to weigh up the cost of buying a car vs using public transport.

There are direct and indirect costs which should be taken into consideration for private transport:

• Direct costs:
• Financing
• Interest on a bank loan
• Monthly installments
• Warranties and insurances
• Indirect costs:
• Vehicle maintenance
• Vehicle depreciation
• Fuel consumption

Public transport costs vary depending on the mode of transport (bus, train, taxi, and the more expensive Uber) and where you live, but it is most often significantly more cost-effective than private transport.

Location and convenience

The main factor when considering transport options is the area you live in and the proximity of where you live, vs where you work.

The convenience factor can be affected when you look at transport outside of working hours when the options decrease. Most buses and taxis only operate until a certain time, and then there are options like Uber which offers the convenience and flexibility of private transport, but it is not as cost-effective as the previously mentioned options.

Lifestyle

Owning a car offers you a lot more freedom and flexibility over your own life, but besides flexibility, there are still other factors to be taken into account like:

1. Do you need to transport goods or people?

2. Is it safe for you to use public transport in your area? OR Can you afford a safe and reliable car?

3. Do you need to travel out of normal public transport hours?

4. How much mobility do you require? (private transport offers maximum mobility whenever you need it).

5. Can you afford to purchase a car AND the monthly costs associated with owning a car

Should you establish that the time is right for you to purchase a pre-owned car, do some research on what is available online. You will find some amazing options through Imperial Auto.

Here are 5 tips to help you when making your car purchasing decisions:

1. Make sure you research first! Establish what kind of vehicle will best suit your needs AND fall into your affordability bracket

2. Work out your budget, taking long term monthly costs into consideration – and stick to that budget

3. Understand financing options

4. Visit a reputable dealership

5. Test drive the vehicle

For more useful tips on purchasing your first car, join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperialauto.co.za/

Ref 1 https://www.southafricanmi.com/Transport-per-province-27jun2018.html

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Would Your Mom be Proud of Your @Uber_RSA Rating? #UberESCAPE #MothersDay

Hi Friends,

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Uber has decided to tweak the celebrations and reconsider the gifting. A mother’s best gift is her kids and what better gift to give a mum, than another reason to be proud, and yes, maybe boast a little! Uber wants all parents to be as proud of their kids, as they are of their riders.

Your Uber rating says a whole lot about you before you even meet your driver, and in this world, first impressions stick. So why not take a few simple steps to improve, boost or just simply maintain the 5-star rider that you know your worth:

Hello… Is it Uber you’re looking for?
Ensure that the pin dropped is where you need your driver-partner to pick you up. This will allow your Uber driver-partner to easily pick you up on time, because an adult game of hide-and-seek, isn’t a valid excuse for being late to a meeting.

Say my name, say my name
Next, it’s a greeting, because besides being an icebreaker, it’s the first step in creating a conversation and introducing yourself ensure that it’s the right Uber you are getting into. Don’t forget to also check the license plate number and vehicle color on your app before getting in.

All settled in and buckled up? Okay then, the journey has begun. An Uber driver-partner understands that sometimes you need to make those last minute changes to a presentation before your meeting, so rather select a playlist that you both like and the driver-partner can enjoy in silence. However, if you aren’t busy working, Uber encourages you to engage with the driver-partner. Most drivers would love a conversation that isn’t just made from song lyrics as it makes the drive feel shorter and more pleasant. To help with this, why not check out the driver-partner profile, for some fun similarities and conversation starters?

What is mine is yours
Driver-partners take great care and pride to ensure that the vehicle you are traveling in is both pristine and of quality, so they give you the best experience. So please ensure that you would treat their vehicle like you would your own. You can’t a mess and expect to be treated like an A-lister. Treat your driver’s vehicle like it’s your own. Driver-partners often use their own vehicles, so please do your best to ensure that the vehicle is in the same condition when you get out as it was when you got in.

Ready or not, here Uber comes
Time is money, and at Uber, that’s the currency we use, so please do be mindful of your driver-partners time. If you’re requesting for a group of friends, gather up your crew before requesting.

Lastly, it’s all about respect, because mama ain’t raise no disrespectful child. Before you know it, you are at your destination, and it felt like asking a friend for a favor, rather than requesting an Uber.

And there you have it, these tips should give you a 5-star rating and one your mom will certainly be proud of.

For questions visit www.uber.com

Cheers!!!

Contact me at editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on paid/sponsored campaigns. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

@Uber_RSA Driver-Partners Shares the Most Popular Destinations in #CapeTown and #Joburg

Hi Friends,

Since Uber’s launch in Johannesburg in September 2013, there have been over 969 000 active riders and 12 000 active drivers using Uber app in South Africa alone…that’s a lot of trips! With so many trips taking place each day Uber began to wonder… which places are the most popular for international visitors and locals?

Uber is in the business of connecting people to places and we know that drivers know a thing or two about where locals and visitors like to go in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

• Most popular eateries in Cape Town - Tortilla Modern Mexican, Cubana Latino Cafe & Cigar Lounge - Somerset Rd
• Most popular hotel in Cape Town Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel
• The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Michelangelo Hotel and Raphael Penthouse Suites are the most popular in Johannesburg
• Johannesburg most visited eateries are Lobby Bar and Faces Lounge

Cape Town
Cape Town has unique and vibrant eateries that have become a hit with riders in the Mother City. They often get requests to destinations such as Tortilla Modern Mexican, Cubana Latino Cafe & Cigar Lounge - Somerset Rd, Obz Square as well as Arnold's Restaurant are the most requested destinations amongst Capetonians. Hotels, as well as Business Parks such as the Wembley Square Offices, The Boulevard Office Park and Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa, are also popular in the city with many of their riders requesting these destinations on a daily basis.

Collin, one of the Uber drivers we spoke to said that he absolutely loves the views that he gets to see while on a trip in the city or while waiting for riders and can never get enough of the beauty of God's masterpiece that Cape Town is.

Johannesburg
From the feedback Uber received, Joburg drivers mentioned that they noticed a trend of business people using Uber, especially in Sandton with the most popular destinations including The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Michelangelo Hotel and Raphael Penthouse Suites. The drivers were all in agreement that Sandton is a convenient place for business people but also has the trendiest spots for food and drinks, such as Lobby Bar and Faces Lounge, which are the most visited places for Uber riders traveling around Sandton.

Another driver that Uber chatted to, Keegan Lessing, explains that he enjoys showing international tourists around the city and says that it makes him feel like he is representing the country as a tour guide.

With the above destinations, it’s not hard to see why riders find the app convenient as it offers a stress-free option of traveling to and from various destinations whether for business or leisure.
 

Whether you are looking for a top-notch restaurant, accommodation for business or want to explore South Africa's cultural destinations, Uber drivers are your best option for getting around efficiently and seamlessly.

 

Cheers!!!

 

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Did You Know #UberEats Has These Cool Features? @Uber_RSA #SmartphoneApp

Hi Friends, 

Uber Eats has broken the common stereotype of what food delivery service is. With new useful features being introduced such as in-app messaging, which makes it convenient for eaters to communicate with their delivery partner seamlessly, they are able to deliver on their promises of selection, speed, and service.

In-app messaging is not the only feature to make ordering easier. Here are some of the other unique technology features built into the Uber Eats app:

Personalised recommendations - What do other eaters love? Uber Eats uses machine learning to help surface recommendations such as popular options in the surrounding area based on past orders, 30-minute delivery options, and details like time of day and delivery location.

Filter for the right food - Are you a vegetarian? The app allows eaters to select meal options that suit their lifestyle whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free there is something for everyone. The app also allows eaters to look up restaurants according to specific criteria like speed, price, dish information and average prep time.

Thumbs up or thumbs down? - The same way Uber uses the five-star rating for driver-partners, the Uber Eats app provides rates of restaurants so eaters can see how others in their city rate their service. Eaters can also rate a specific meal with a thumbs up or thumbs down, which helps the restaurant to improve its experience.

Order customization - Not a fan of onions or tomatoes? No worries! The app allows eaters to let the restaurant know what ingredients not to include.

Customise the drop-off location - Stuck in a meeting? Eaters can provide specific instructions to delivery partners, for example, telling them to leave the food order at the reception.

Schedule orders - Do you have guests coming over and haven’t prepared food? No sweat, the app allows eaters to plan ahead and make orders in advance. eaters are able to schedule an order anytime up to an hour before the desired delivery window–and as far as a week out.

Order tracking - Wondering what’s happening with your food? Eaters can select “track your order” in-app and watch in real-time as their food is prepared, picked up, and delivered to them.

Simultaneously use Uber and Uber Eats - eaters can pop open the Uber Eats app while in their Uber to the office or home to order food before they arrive. This way eaters can find their food waiting for them when they arrive.

In-app support - Yes, mistakes can happen such as your food arriving cold. In this instance, eaters can use this feature to get a prompt response to their queries in the shortest time possible. The in-app support “Help” service can be accessed within the Uber Eats app by tapping on your profile icon on the bottom right of the screen, then tapping the help icon which will provide you options of issues you can select in order for it to resolve. This helps provide feedback to the restaurants to ensure they improve their service.

Uber Eats has transformed the way traditional restaurant work and are fostering experiments that offer an insight into the future of food delivery.

About Uber
Uber Eats is an on-demand food delivery service powered by Uber. Uber Eats partners with the best local restaurants to get people the food they want - delivered faster. Uber Eats is currently in over 200 cities in over 21 countries and launching more every week. To request a meal, download the free application for Android, iPhone or register at www.ubereats.com. Social Media: Facebook: /ubereatsrsa Twitter: @Uber_RSA Instagram: @Ubereats_sa

Cheers!!!

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Your guide to Becoming A Pro-Rider - 8 #Uber Features You Didn't Know @Uber_RSA

Hi Friends, 

Whether you’re new to Uber, or an Uber VIP, there might be a few features that you don’t know about. We’re here to tell and remind you about some of Uber’s key features you may have missed, which will make each ride more reliable and convenient than the last.

Below are the 8 features you might have missed:

 
Multiple destinations - stops when you need them
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend away and want to grab your friend en route to the airport, or going home after dinner and need to drop off the party on the way, it’s easier than ever to pick up and drop off your friends while on a trip. Uber has introduced a feature that makes it easy for you to add multiple stops along your route, which means you no longer have to edit your destinations while on a trip.

To access the feature, choose your adventure, tap the “+” next to the “Where To” destination box to add a stop(s) at any point before or during your trips. You can also add, change or remove the destination from the on the trip screen accessible on the app.

Uber Gift cards - a gift that will never collect dust
Whether it’s a ride across the city or your favorite Uber Eats meal delivered at Uber speed, we’re making it even easier to get what you want, when you want it with Uber Gift cards.

Gift cards are available at Checkers, Shoprite and Pick n Pay stores nationwide and are available in R100 and R200 denominations and are directly redeemable through the app. How much easier could it get?

In-app support - access to 24/7 support all over the world.
Did you know you can get a prompt response to your queries at the tip of your fingers? You have access to global network of support centres to provide 24/7 support all over the world.

Whether you are having a technical issue, you were charged an incorrect fee or left something in a vehicle, your issue can get resolved in the in-app help section, which can be accessed within your Uber app by tapping the menu icon (three bars) in the top left-hand corner of your app. You can then proceed to navigate and tap on the “help” icon, scroll down and report the issue at hand.

Compliments - Make someone’s day at the tap of a button!
We want to give you the opportunity to thank and recognize your driver for the things they do to make your experience more memorable and fun. When you leave a compliment ㄧ say, for your driver expertly navigating winding city streets, or for simply striking up a great conversation, a notification will show up on the driver’s home screen to let them know.

In-app chat - making connections easier
Every great ride starts with the pickup, which is why we have added a way for you and drivers to chat right in the Uber app.

To chat with your driver en route to collect you, go to the Uber feed and tap “contact” and then “chat.” When your driver receives a chat from you, it will be read aloud to them. Drivers can acknowledge receipt with one tap to their app to send a “thumbs up” to your app.

uberX VIP - we’re making your loyalty count
We believe that our top riders deserve a top Uber experience. This is why we launched uberX VIP, which allows a select few in South Africa to unlock a unique vehicle view!

UberX VIP matches loyal riders with top-rated driver-partners in your city, giving you the chance to enjoy premium service at no extra cost. To qualify as an uberX VIP rider all you need to do is take at least 20 trips a month and maintain a rating of 4.5 or more.

Schedule a ride - plan ahead
Whether you’re catching an early morning flight, going to an appointment, or planning the perfect date, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance to 15 minutes ahead of time for the most important events in your calendar.

Here is how:

• Tap the car icon to schedule a ride.
• Set your pickup date, time, location, destination, ride type, and get a fare estimate.
• Confirm the details of your upcoming trip and tap Schedule. Edit or cancel anytime before your ride.
• Enjoy your ride - We’ll send you reminders the day of the trip and notify you when your ride is on the way. We’ll also let you know if pricing changes.

Request a ride for a loved one
We’ve all been there. Those moments when your grandmother needs a ride to the shopping mall while you’re stuck at work. Or, the last minute Friday night request from your friend for a ride home from the airport.

The good news? You can easily request a ride for a loved one directly through the app! When you set the pick-up location a fair distance away from your current location, we’ll automatically ask whether the ride is for a family member or friend. You can then select the rider from your address book, set their destination, and request the ride on their behalf.

Once the driver is on the way, the rider will receive a text message with the driver’s details and a link to track the driver’s route. They’ll even be able to contact the driver directly. The driver will see the rider’s name, and be able to contact the rider directly, too.

 

Cheers!!!

 

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How to Use Uber Effectively - Guidelines for Your Next @Uber_RSA Ride

Hi Guys,

Uber is committed to providing a service that is seamless and efficient for both riders and drivers. Part of creating this seamless experience is providing guidance on how drivers and riders should behave and treat each other during a trip. That’s why Uber has released their updated Community Guidelines, this guide is not only a ‘how to’ for Uber driver-partners, but one for Uber riders too.

This is the first time Uber is publishing a policy explaining why riders can lose access to Uber. This is important because when drivers use Uber they do more than simply drive: they’re sharing their own car, space and time with passengers. And while most riders show drivers respect, unfortunately this is not always the case.

Uber’s updated Community Guidelines help explain what’s not OK on an Uber trip. Many of these are obvious to most of us but they should be noted - whether it’s throwing up in the backseat or leaving rubbish in the car, the below list of guidelines is one that everyone using Uber should understand - drivers and riders as well as those travelling with other riders / friends.

Respect each other
Mutual respect is key, under no circumstances should riders or drivers disrespect the other. Vehicles used on the Uber app belong to the driver-partners and they take pride in keeping their vehicles in good condition for riders to be comfortable. Riders should therefore respect the vehicle they are in and should leave the vehicle in the condition in which they found it.

Unruly behaviour such as damaging the vehicle is not tolerated. Using bad language is also not allowed. Being aggressive or discriminatory can also get a rider banned from using the app. Uber does not discriminate against gender or race and any rider that does not share the same sentiments is not welcome on the app.

Give riders and drivers some personal space
Although friendly conversation doesn't do any harm during a trip, respect should be upheld at all times. Both riders and drivers should give each other space and should not make each other feel uncomfortable. Uber has a ‘no sex’ rule, meaning there should be no sexual conduct between drivers and riders. That includes flirting and touching from both parties. Other physical contact such as hitting or attempting to hurt a driver is also forbidden.

To ensure anonymity and to maximise safety, Uber does not allow riders and drivers to view each other’s personal details, such as cell phone numbers, via the app. Sending an sms, calling, or visiting someone in person after a ride has been completed is not allowed. Personal space needs to be respected.

Safety first
Getting to a destination safely is a top priority. This is why drivers need to adhere to the rules of the road for example, by sticking to the speed limit, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not texting while driving. Drivers should always take a break if tired.

Riders should play their part by wearing their seatbelts and not trying to cram in extra people when there aren’t enough seat belts. Riders also need to refrain from bringing alcohol or banned substances into the vehicle and should not ask a driver to go faster than the speed limit.

Children must be supervised
Those under the age of 18 can take an Uber with adult supervision, but cannot have an Uber account themselves. Parents or guardians need to accompany children at all times.

Going forward, if Uber finds that an unaccompanied minor is the account holder the account will be immediately deactivated. If Uber finds that the rider is under the age of 18 but the account holder is a third party that is over 18, Uber will remind the account holder of Uber’s policy and deactivate their profile after a second warning.

Feedback makes us all better
Giving feedback allows Uber to know what the rider is satisfied or dissatisfied about, that is why both drivers and riders should always provide feedback post a trip. When people know that they are been rated they become conscious of their behaviour and become accountable for their actions. Accidents, incorrect fair charge or arguments should be reported by simply tapping the help button in the app. There is a customer support team that is always ready to assist.

Upon learning of an infringement Uber will contact the rider to investigate. Depending on the nature of the issue the rider’s account may be placed on hold during the investigation. Should the concern involve a serious offense such as involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity the account can be deactivated and authorities will be notified. Uber will provide any information the authorities require to assist them in their investigation.

Uber strives to create a safe and pleasant environment for both riders and driver-partners. These guidelines are important and are implemented for the benefit of all those that use Uber. Driver and riders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Community Guidelines here as well in various languages namely; Zulu, Xhosa and sesotho.

Cheers!!!

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Sell your vehicle @CarZarDotCoZa and Get @Uber_RSA Trips worth R3000 #CarFreeCareFree

Hi Guys,

Fuel, insurance, tolls and parking fees keep going up - these costs of owning a vehicle in South Africa are increasing making it difficult for some motorists to sustain owning a car. More car owners are turning to alternate modes of transport, that’s why Uber and CarZar, the fastest growing car buying service for the second-hand car market in South Africa, have teamed up to simplify the lives of those wanting to sell their vehicles.

According to a recent Stats SA Survey on domestic tourism, domestic transport costs come in second only to shopping for consumers. This is due to a decline in disposable income, consumers are therefore finding themselves in a spot where they need to reprioritise funds in order to essentially, do more with less.

For those looking to sell their vehicles to reduce some of their financial pressures, Uber and CarZar are taking out the stress and intensive admin of selling a car independently, while providing sellers with a reliable transport alternative once they’re sold their car.

This partnership will bring a sense of relief to car owners who want to sell their vehicles but still want to enjoy safe, affordable and reliable transport while they are looking at their alternative transport options. Uber and CarZar’s partnership is centred around the #CarFreeCareFree movement. With the rise in costs such as fuel, this partnership is set to extend a helping hand to consumers who need one. CarZar has teamed up with Uber and will provide those who sell their vehicles to CarZar up to R3 000 in free Uber rides! This deal is effective as of 29 June 2017.

“Uber’s goal is to help reduce traffic congestion in cities which will, in turn, result less, unproductive, time wasted sitting in traffic. Partnering with CarZar helps us help those who’ve sold their vehicles to understand what a great, hassle-free option Uber is,” says Shavaye Govender, Lead : Partnerships & Uber for Business, Uber SSA.

CarZar CMO, Francesca Berta, says, “We are very excited to be one of the first brands to partner with Uber to promote a car free society.”

She adds, “We look forward to offering sellers a solution to their temporary transport issues once they sell their vehicles to CarZar, and what better way to start than experiencing hassle-free Uber!”

Those interested in taking advantage of this offer can go to www.carzar.co.za for a quick and easy way to sell a car, and experience the benefits of Uber.

 

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !