Jason Kazar had a big weekend March 5, 2016, but not in the same manner as most people. Rather than celebrating Fake Patty’s Day, Manhattan’s largest made-up holiday, participating in the political process by caucusing for the Kansas Republican or Democratic Parties’ candidates for U.S. President or enjoying the unusually warm weather for early March, Kazar spent the day inside his Toyota Corolla moving people across Manhattan. Kazar is a driver for Uber, the popular online ride-hailing service established in larger U.S. cities that just arrived in Kansas last year. He started driving for Uber three weeks ago, even then looking forward to the opportunity to cash in on the service’s demand on this particular Saturday while helping others remain safe. Fake Patty’s Day was the service’s biggest and most successful day of the year in Manhattan, as ride fares surged to over four times the base fare as people turned to Uber to be their designated driver. Starting at 9 a.m., Kazar criss-crossed Manhattan many times shuttling Fake Patty’s Day-goers to and from Aggieville and house parties until the wee hours of the morning.
Join The Collegian as it shows a glimpse into the lives of an Uber driver and his passengers on Fake Patty’s Day.
