By: Ellie Hawkins

Have you ever had issues with normal Boston cabs? We can all admit that we have had that cab driver who gets mad because we did not have cash, did not tip enough, or refused to take us to where we wanted to go. This has all changed with UberX.

UberX is an app for smartphones that lets the user pick a car in the area to pick them up. One can choose the car’s color, size, and type with this app. This new service was launched in March 2013 and has been growing ever since.

As a college student, it is not an ideal position to always be taking cabs. Fortunately, UberX is 30 percent cheaper than normal taxis. All the drivers are professional drivers and the company is completely safe.

How the app works is that you link your debit card or credit card to the app. You can estimate your fare by setting a pickup location, tapping the fare quote button, and then entering the drop off location. It is an extremely simple process and the person getting the ride does not have to tip. The company tips the drivers based on how they are rated by their passengers. It is also convenient that the passenger can request to split the fare with a friend if they have the app as well by clicking on the “split fare” option.

This is a great opportunity for students who forgot or lost their wallets and will never have to worry about having cash when using this service; this can help one save money by avoiding ATM withdrawal fees. UberX is affordable, classy and sophisticated. I have used this app twice so far and I love it. The drivers are always nice and friendly. When I went, my friend and I were in a small Toyota Corolla. The driver opened our doors for us and had no problem letting my friend off in Beacon Hill and then taking me to my apartment in the North End. I have heard of other students using it and they like how they do not have to stand outside and hail a cab. I’ve heard people say they enjoyed being able to stay wherever they are until the UberX car comes to their block. They expressed that they will enjoy this even more when it starts snowing.

Some other perks that I have heard include students getting a new pack of gum and water bottles when they enter their UberX car at no extra cost.

I know in the future that I will not be taking any other cab besides UberX because I do not want to deal with the rudeness of taxi drivers or trying to hail one on the side of the street. Plus, it is cheaper than other companies. I like feeling safe when I take a cab home late at night and I know I have not always felt safe with normal cab drivers.