Navigating a New Experience: My First Uber Ride!

Posted on March 2, 2026

Whenever my car has a mechanical issue, I take it to a small auto shop just 2 miles from my workplace. Two miles is quick work on a bike, and not terrible for a solo walk to work while my car gets repaired. Both forms of transportation are free and good exercise. However, when I dropped my car off THIS winter, I didn’t consider that the sidewalk would be completely covered by tall snowbanks. On a bike, sharing the road with high-speed traffic in the bike lane isn’t all that intimidating. But being completely exposed to the same traffic in my meandering squishy human body was a little more jarring. My peaceful, solitary walk turned out to be too close to the whizzing of high-speed cars to be relaxing or comfortable. Not only that, but I was tasked with managing the shifting weight of my work backpack while death gripping a hot plastic to-go mug filled with coffee in gloved hands. It was in instances like this that I really wish I had experience using the Uber app.

Uber, for those unfamiliar, is a “ride share” app. That means it is a smartphone app that connects passengers with drivers in a safe and seemingly convenient way. It’s super popular, and I have definitely seen people using it and lived to tell the tale. Still, I’ve never felt like I could muster the courage to try it alone. I had downloaded the app many times before and had even set up everything I needed for my account, but I was always hesitant to pull the trigger. Unlike walking, Uber would cost money and involve heavy interaction with (and reliance on) a stranger. My therapist has me tip-toeing out of my comfort zone for things quite often. At one point, I mentioned to her that I walk to and from car appointments, and I wish I weren’t so scared to use the Uber app. For my own peace of mind, we agreed I would try it out before I find myself in an emergency situation where I might need a ride and can’t walk or bike. We talked about using the app for my next car appointment. My therapist even pulled up the app to explain how it works in more detail. I vowed to figure it out the next time I was car-less.

Unfortunately, about a week later, my 16-year-old car required another trip to the mechanic. Dropping my car off was not an issue. Even though it was a little far for him, my father took me to work. He was being adventurous that day, had already tried out a new gym, and was able to grab me post-workout in his free time between errands. I always admire his tenacity and ability to roll with the punches, no matter where he sets foot. After this quick stop, he planned to check out Wegmans before heading back home. It would be more than unreasonable to ask Dad to stay all day, plus I had work to do, so my solo, short-distance Uber experiment fell perfectly into my lap. It was only two miles away; worst-case scenario, I figured I could tuck and roll out of the scary Uber and walk the rest of the way.

Upon receiving the call that my car was done. I reopened the “Uber” app. At the very top was a simple text box asking me, “Where to?” I punched in the mechanics’ address. My phone’s location services already let the app know where I was, so there was no need to enter my pickup location. There were rides available with no premium charge within 15 minutes. There was even a selectable option for

“Women Drivers,” to EXCLUSIVELY pick up women passengers. This made sense for my maiden voyage, as the idea of getting into a strange man’s car only added to my nerves. There were a couple of other safety features, including an automated text sent to an emergency contact while you were on route, and the ability to keep a secret PIN that only your ACTUAL driver could confirm.

Uber let me know my driver was named “Harpeet.” She was female and would be around shortly. I positioned myself as close to the road as possible, scanning the nearest intersection for my driver. Surprisingly, Harpeet’s car arrived BEHIND me (I am overall very directionally challenged), but she still saw me in my bright pink coat, clearly looking in the opposite direction. I opened the unlocked back passenger door and slid onto the leather seat. Nervously, I blurted out that it was my first time taking an Uber. She laughed softly, then asked me for my PIN. Oh yeah, that’s right, I set up EVERY SINGLE SAFETY FEATURE, including the PIN number option. I read her the PIN, she entered it, and we were on our way.

The 2-mile ride was short and pleasant. I scooted myself as far forward as I could get on the edge of the backseat to anxiously stare out the windshield with wide, nervous eyes. I was so out of sorts that I forgot to put on my seatbelt. It took a bit to pull out onto the busy road, and I might have even suggested this road is a pain. “It’s okay,” was all she said with a friendly and engaging grin. I didn’t know if I was supposed to be talking or if my driver was, or what, so there was just a lot of smiling and awkwardness floating around the car’s interior. Her car was incredibly clean and had minimal accessories. Obnoxiously, I pointed out our stop as soon as I saw the sign for the mechanic (again, am I supposed to do this? I’m not sure) in the distance. She swiftly maneuvered me into the parking lot, and out I popped, ready to return to my own vehicle. There was an option to rate Harpeet, along with some fun little icons. I gave her as many stars as humanly possible and tipped her $5 (she deserves all good things for dealing with my neurotic tendencies).

I haven’t had the chance to tell my therapist that I tried Uber yet. Overall, the experience was pricey but positive. If you’re feeling intimidated, it might cost less than $10 for a short trip to help boost your confidence before an actual emergency arises. I counted this experience as a “Try Something New” square on my BINGO card. It’s only February, and I’ve already done something completely new?! GO ME! While I’m not sure when I will take an Uber again, I’m glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, should I ever need a ride in a pinch.