Uber, the ride sharing app that lets you book a cab with just the tap of a button, had a very humble beginning.  Founded by a college dropout, Travis Kalanick, who dreamed of making it big in the world, the app now has a presence in 195 countries!  While there are a lot of things one knows about this startup, there is still a lot to discover. Check out these lesser known facts about Uber here!

1. An iPhone for every driver

In an attempt to unify the drivers with one type of device, the company equipped all its drivers with an iPhone.  Through this phone, the drivers can track and contact users who have booked a ride. However, the phone is locked for personal use and is made available only for people employed by Uber!

2. Uber had a different name when it started

Did you know  when Travis first brought Uber to the public, it had a different name?  Uber was initially called Ubercab. However, the company was issued with a cease and desist order as Travis was operating the company that offered a cab service, without having the required license to do so.  Incidentally, this name change proved to be a blessing in disguise, propelling Uber into a massive superpower!

3. Uber used its equity for its URL

Uber’s unique trademark URL, Uber.com, wasn’t achieved the normal way.  Travis and his team had to trade Uber’s equity to get control of this website and boy, did it work in their favour!  This move came to be after the cease and desist order against Ubercab. However, over the course of time, Travis eventually bought back the 2 % stake for a whopping $ 1 million!

4. Uber cabs can’t be more than 10 years old

Every cab used by Uber drivers has to be no less than 10 years old.  Every car gets upgraded the moment it reaches that ten year mark, making sure all the cabs are in perfect condition when on the road.  Furthermore, all the cars used by Uber are required to have four doors and no less!

5. Uber has four types of drivers

Uber hires and classifies its drivers according to their experience.  Currently, there are four types of drivers on Uber’s roster: Pros, Enthusiasts, Crossovers and Part Time.  In some cases, when inspections of other cabs are carried, the drivers on the top of the chain are the ones who carry out these surveys and checks.

6. Tips are not a part of the bill

Riders are not allowed to tip the drivers.  In fact, as of 2016, drivers were not allowed to say the word “tip” while talking to a customer!  According to the hiring policy, Uber drivers keep 80 % of the money they make while only 20 % goes back to the company.  This ensures equal pay between both the drivers and the parent company, leaving no room for the requirement of tips.

7. Uber drivers are forced to take selfies

While facial recognition software is often used to confirm a driver’s identity, some Uber drivers are forced to take selfies.  Using a tool called Real Time ID check, the cab service Company forces some of its drivers to take a selfie as proof of their identity.  Did you know certain drivers are rejected because of how they look in their pictures alone? Talk about bad lighting!

If you think we missed out on any other facts about Uber, comment and let us know!