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This Mother’s Day, we want to thank the mothers who make Uber the community it is — the moms who drive with Uber while arranging their time to spend more time with their family; the ones who ride with Uber to pick up their kids at school; or the ones who let their kids ride with us.

Please meet one of our favorite mommy riders & drivers: Claire & Fatima, and read their stories about Uber.

Mommy riders

To celebrate Mother’s Day, we met Claire Slootheer, succesful businesswoman, full-time mom and Uber rider. A conversation with a wondermom of modern times.

Claire is  33 years old and mom of 2 beautiful daughters of 4 and 1 year old. Together with her husband and daughters she lives in the city centre of Amsterdam. As a mom,  owner of PR agency Iconic Studio’ and half of the DJ duo Cat Carpenters she travels a lot and her life is full of surprises.  ‘Every day is different and you never know what to expect.’

We asked her some questions about her experiences and fun facts in her life while using Uber.

When do you use Uber and how often a week?
I use Uber about 2 to 3 times a week. I often use it when I have an appointment outside of town, or at night after DJ’ing of when my bike has a flat tire and I need to rush.

What are your personal advantages of using Uber?
I love the fact that I can go through a presentation during the trip, or that I can update my email. However, I always ask if the driver minds me calling in the car. One time I fell a sleep during the trip, a delightful 20 minutes of extra sleep. The app always works perfectly and I always have a friendly driver.

Can you describe a situation in which Uber was ideal for you?
When I’m in a rush and it’s raining and my bike is where I left it yesterday evening and I have to drop off the kids at school. It is at this moment that I order an Uber, when I have just finished making sandwiches putting on the kids’ coats and shoes, and then the Uber arrives. Love it!

What is your most fun or crazy experience you had during an Uber trip?
All my trips are fun or crazy in a way, shape or form. The drivers are always kind and polite. But the trips I love most are after a night of DJ’ing and I tired and can’t wait to get home. That moment that my Uber arrives, thats a little moment of happiness.

What is your travel tip for all mums in Amsterdam?
Treat yourself to an Uber every now and then. When trying to juggle and keep everything going in our family, it can make life much easier.

 

Mommy Drivers

Fatima is 35 yrs old and lives in Amsterdam together with her husband and two kids of 6,5 and 3,5 yrs old. We are very curious what she likes the most about being a driver for Uber and how this works in her life as a busy mom.

What kind of work did you do before this, and why did you stop?
For 7 years I was a tram driver in Amsterdam. The rosters were not flexible at all and taking off days for holiday was nearly impossible. A job with no room to combine it with 2 young kids is terrible, so I started to look for a new job with more flexibility. The good thing is that used to dream of being a taxi driver.

Can you describe a situation in which, being an Uber driver was ideal?
The fact that I can choose my own hours is the best. I can work whenever I want. Nowadays I start working after I have dropped my daughter off at school. Before class starts I read a book to her and then when the teaching starts, I leave and start up my Uber app. The freedom is perfect.

What are your personal advantages of using Uber?
One of the reasons why I am so enthusiastic about Uber is the freedom it gives me and my children every single day. I log in, whenever I want to Uber, and go offline when I’m done. This is very pleasant for my husband and children. Once I took a day off to go shopping with my husband. Normally I only saw him at night. An uncle of mine invited me to dinner last week. All these things used to be impossible because my work roster was strict and non negotiable. So it’s nice for everyone around me.

What is the biggest struggle?
I Uber 5 days a week, so I think you can say that discipline is no issue. Sometimes, I Uber 4 days a week, because I have other errands, but then the following week I will Uber 6 days to make up for the lost day. Even when it’s lovely weather you can find me in the car. Sometimes the roads in Amsterdam can be tricky, but when you get the hang of it and know the roads it’s easier to anticipate.

What is your golden tip to all the mothers who love the idea?
Just do it. You won’t regret it. I have much more time with my kids due to the flexible schedule and it gives me a very relaxed feeling.