The private-car-for-hire company is now testing in busy San Francisco an economic availability for passengers to jump into a Uber car that’s already on a scheduled trip. You text or flag down the orange-lighted Uber car, and it drops you off at your destination along the way.

Some reports on Uber have been negative, including complaints from traditional taxi companies. However, we just had a very positive Uber experience. When a family member was recently confined in a big city hospital about five miles from our home, in addition to the cost of gas while using our own car, hospital garage parking fees were $25.

Taking a taxi to the hospital was $25 each way, plus tip. Hailing a Uber ride was $5 each way. Additionally, Uber informed us that the tip was factored into that price.