Note: This is just a rant, but I think there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind (and for Uber to ponder about) here. Read on if you have the time.
Let’s first begin with a question that I enjoyed asking, after repeatedly trying to highlight some issues and not getting the answers. You will probably enjoy reading the answer.
Arun
29 September 2017 at 16:05
To: Uber Support
Alright. Here is one more question. Since I am receiving the same copy-paste replies without addressing my problem or concern, I was wondering if these questions are answered by humans or robots? Would look forward to hearing on this.
And here is the response from Uber.
Hi Arun,
I’ve done complete research and can inform that the airport charges on your trip are correct.
Tolls, fees, and surcharges can apply in different situations, but are most common around bridge and tunnel crossings, highways, and airport. You can know more about tolls/airport fees here I was charged a toll, surcharge, or fee.
As the charges are correct for your trip, I’ll not be able to make any adjustments for your trip.
For further questions, please write to us and Uber will be glad to assist you.
Your understanding is highly appreciated.
Sent by <Uber Support Person> on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 10:59:35 AM
Now let’s get into the details.
On my many journeys to the airport and back in Bangalore, I was used to booking Uber for the journey. I once used the comfortable BMTC buses, but due to some logistical inconveniences with it, I got used to plying on Uber in the last year or two. Until a recent experience made me switch again for good.
I was visiting Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last week and stayed in the city for four days. Everyday, I was surprised how much this city resembled Bangalore–the city of my residence–in many ways. Back home, I decided it is worth making a list of things that I found very similar in both the cities. They are not necessarily nice things, but similar, nevertheless. Here they are.
1. Tree lined avenues. Both cities have many tree lined avenues, and there has been an attempt to continue the tradition. Bangalore was once famous for its trees which are slowly getting the axe, thanks to growing traffic and subsequent widening of roads. Nevertheless, you can still see saplings on both sides of the road in new localities and new roads. Thankfully, the trees in Phnom Penh continue to stand tall. But they are seen more in numbers in older areas near the Royal Palace and closer to the river. I have seen saplings planted along the road in some newer parts as well. In both cities, trees also frequently dominate the footpaths and force the pedestrians into the road.
2. A traffic dominated by two-wheelers, and chaos. Two wheelers make up for a significant part of the traffic on the roads in Phnom Penh as well as Bangalore. As in Bangalore, drivers and riders of Phnom Penh strongly believe that road rules are meant for other people. The best way to cross a road is to continuously watch out in all directions. Never make the mistake of believing that traffic in certain direction sticks to certain side of the road (left in Bangalore, right in Phnom Penh). Bangalore’s traffic these days is increasingly seeing more four wheelers, but not so much in Phnom Penh. Another dominating feature of Bangalore is the auto-rickshaws, whereas remorks (tuk-tuk) takes that position in Phnom Penh. Whatever constitutes the traffic on either cities, you are assured of chaos.
It had been a while since I have photographed landscapes. I have spent a lot of time photographing landscapes in the past, and was keen to get back to doing it. A few of us headed out this morning and our destination was Manchanabele Dam, just outside Bangalore. We did not expect to see or shoot much, as these are cloudy monsoon days that may not always offer the best possible lighting. Here is what we saw.
