I didn't enter the prmo code when I signed up so I contacted support and they gave it to me.
For everything except in town rides they are cheaper than my local taxi. A 12.00 regular taxi ride only cost $8 something with uber -TIP Included is what the driver told me! The only time I wouldn't use it is within my town. The local taxi is $5.00 a flat rate within the city limits (3.5sq miles.)
In NYC Uber is more expensive than a yellow cab.
UberX - $6 base fare $0.75 per minute or $3 per mile.
Yellow cab - Standard City Rate (Rate Code 1)
$2.50 upon entry
$0.50 for each additional unit
The unit fare is: one-fifth of a mile, when the taxicab is traveling at 6 miles an hour or more; or
60 seconds when not in motion or traveling at less than 6 miles per hour.
Also Uber charges the rate by minute if you are going less than 11 MPH instead of 6