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Unsung Heroes: An Uber driver talks how to get the VIP treatment and be a better traveler in 2021

Andrew KuneshSenior Reporter, Cards & Loyalty
Andrew Kunesh is TPG's Points & Miles editor. He has been active in the points and miles space since 2014, using them to travel far and wide around the world. He is originally from Chicago but moved to New York City after graduating from DePaul University. His work is featured on Credit Karma, UpgradedPoints, ValuePenguin and various other travel and finance publications. He currently holds Delta Diamond Medallion and Marriott Titanium status, and 20+ credit cards that each have a special place in Andrew's wallet.

May 23, 2021 • 7 min read

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Quick summary

A Pittsburgh-based Uber driver shares insights into her flexible work schedule, motivations and experiences transporting passengers around the city.
She highlights the importance of flexibility, community connection and the unique opportunities the job provides, such as discovering new neighborhoods and helping with essential trips.
The driver notes that respectful behavior and thoughtful pickup locations can enhance the experience for both drivers and riders.
She emphasizes that small gestures from passengers, like choosing easier pickup spots, can lead to a smoother, more VIP-like ride.

What to consider

Some drivers may be unable to assist with loading or unloading items due to physical limitations, though many are willing to help if able.
Busy or difficult pickup locations can create challenges for drivers, so selecting accessible spots is appreciated.
The driver’s positive experience is partly due to not relying solely on rideshare income, which may differ from others in the industry.

What you'll miss from the article

Personal stories and practical tips from a seasoned rideshare driver on how to improve your travel experience and get better service.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Uber drivers are one of the unsung heroes of the travel world, whether you're at home or in a new city. You can always count on your local Uber driver to get you from point A to point B safely and without worrying about a metered fare. Just request a car and you're on your way.

Many Uber drivers have worked through the pandemic in order to provide transportation to essential workers and get the most vulnerable to their vaccine appointments. And now that things are slowly going back to normal, we're again relying on these drivers to get us to the airport, to our hotel or anywhere else you may need to travel.

For more insight into the life of an Uber driver, we're sitting down with Pittsburgh-based Uber driver Diane Bushman on this edition of Unsung Heroes. Here, you'll learn a little more about the job and how you can get the VIP treatment the next time you need a ride.

Unsung hero: Diane Bushman, Uber driver

TPG: How did you get into becoming an Uber driver?

DB: Well, I was an empty nester and I wanted just a little job. I'd been home with my kids for 25 years, so I was reluctant to commit to a job that would demand me being there at some time. So flexibility was tremendously important. My daughter had a baby, so I could go and spend a month and a half with her without having to tell anyone. That flexibility was really important.

And also: I love to drive. I always say that I would drive four days instead of fly four hours. So it's like a little road trip every day, but I get to sleep in my own bed.

TPG: How long have you been an Uber driver?

DB: It'll be three years in July.

TPG: What does a typical work week look like?

DB: I typically drive three days a week, sometimes four. I usually go out in the afternoon just because that's what best fits my personal clock. I also find that it's busier and there's very little downtime, but currently, there's never any downtime because I think there's a nationwide shortage of drivers.

So, I usually go out around 4 pm and usually come home around 9 or 10 pm. I used to drive later, but recently there was an Uber driver killed in Pittsburgh...so that has made me a little bit nervous.

TPG: What is your favorite part of the job?

DB: I love almost everything about it. I wake up every day and think that driving sounds like a good idea. I like driving around and seeing what's happening in the city and chatting with my passengers. I like feeling like a part of the community. I sometimes see a neighborhood I've never been to before, even in 30 years of living in Pittsburgh.

Roberto Clemente bridge (right) and Andy Warhol bridge (left) spanning over the Allegheny river with Pittsburgh skyline on background right before sunset, Pennsylvania, USA

I love the gamification aspect of the app too. It's like a treasure map I follow to make money. Even though I don't fully depend on my Uber income — which is another thing that makes it less stressful for me — it's still fun to make money that way.

TPG: What is your least favorite part of the job?

DB: You know, I don't really have that many complaints. I have very few people who aren't clean, you know, just basic hygiene. And most people are very respectful of my car and of me. It's just been overall a good experience in most ways.

TPG: What’s something anyone can do to be a better traveler in 2021 and beyond?

DB: If they need to stop somewhere along the way, it doesn't really bother me, but it probably does bother a lot of drivers. Even though I don't mind stopping and helping people out in that way, I think a lot of drivers are frustrated with that sort of mentality.

Also, I am personally unable to help people load things or unload things because of a condition with my hip. Most people are very understanding about that. I think many more fit and able Uber drivers would be happy to help though.

TPG: What is something a traveler can do to get the VIP treatment from you?

DB: There are places in Pittsburgh where it's difficult to pick people up or double-park. If passengers know they live in one of these areas, if they can somehow make that easier and pick a different nearby pickup area, that is helpful.

I picked up a gaggle of college girls recently on a very busy street. I was there double-parked and waited some minutes, and everybody who passed me was mad. So, pick-up spots are one way.

TPG: How does working in the hospitality industry change your idea of travel, or going on vacation?

DB: For me, it makes me realize there are all types of situations that Ubers can be used for. For example, I recently picked up a sample from a veterinary clinic. I took it to Ohio and it was a four-hour round-trip thing. Things like that are now possible — and sometimes practical with Uber.

When traveling to New York in the past, cabs were always an option and a necessity. But Ubers can make all kinds of things possible in other markets. The door-to-door aspect of it, and being able to be picked up in any neighborhood at any time opens up all kinds of possibilities in terms of getting where you need to be.

TPG: If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation, where would it be and why?

DB: I have an interest in going to Africa right now. That is because of a series of books I read called the 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' and it just sounds like such an idyllic place with wonderful people.

Italy also has a piece of my heart since I lived there for a year and a half and it's always a wonderful place to go.

TPG: Tell us about the best vacation you’ve ever taken, or the best place you’ve ever traveled.

DB: Maybe my tenth anniversary trip to Italy with my husband. We went to Rome and Tuscany and then went down to Pompei.

Bottom line

Diane is an unsung hero who loves her job, and it's great to see. A little flexibility on the riders' part in terms of pickup locations can go a long way, especially when in need of a minute or two to get ready or are requesting a ride on a busy street. Follow that advice, be respectful and chances are you'll get the VIP experience on your next Uber ride.

Safe travels!

Feature photo by Hrach Hovhannisyan / Shutterstock.com

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.