As much as Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies have caused controversy and gotten bad raps over the years, in general, people have come to embrace the platforms. Sure, there have been annoyances like drivers who try to get one over on customers (remember vomit fraud?) and what Uber themselves try to pull, like that new fee that they claim saves people money. But over time, passengers have figured out hacks like this one to decrease their charges, so maybe it all evens out in the end.
All that being said, being a paying passenger in someone else’s personal car has its own, unique interactions. And not everyone has really mastered the ins and out of them. So as a guide, here are a few things passengers do that Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing drivers wish they’d stop.
Making the driver wait
Probably one of the most annoying things a passenger can do is call for their ride and then make the driver wait until the PAX gets there.
Don’t be that person.
A drivers’ time is just a precious to them as yours is to you. Be considerate and do your best to time your ride so the driver doesn’t have to wait for you.
Sitting in the front seat
Although there are no official rules about sitting in the front seat of your rideshare, it’s generally frowned upon by drivers if you do.
- From a social POV, sitting in the back maintains the professional line – they’re your driver, not your friend.
- Sitting in the front kind of bursts the safety bubble a driver may feel; frankly, it’s intrusive and could make a driver feel more confined or crowded. There’s more of a separation if passengers are in the back seat.
- Sitting in the back is also safer, should there be an accident.
Obviously, if you have more people than you do spots in the back seat, it’s probably OK to sit in the front. Some passengers may also have issues with sitting in the back seat, such as the potential of getting carsick. But always be considerate and polite and ask the driver first; don’t assume it’s OK and just hop in the shotgun seat.
Getting too comfy
Some drivers go the extra mile to make their cars particularly comfortable for your ride. That’s not an invitation to get THAT comfortable.
Don’t take your shoes off. Don’t put your feet (with or without shoes) up on anything that’s not meant for feet (like an armrest). It’s best not to eat in the car but if you absolutely, positively have to, ask first, and don’t make a mess (and if you do make a mess, apologize and clean up your mess). And make sure to take your trash with you at the end of the ride.
Giving directions from the backseat
There are times when you’re very familiar with the neighborhood your Uber is going through. You want to make the trip easier for the driver, so you might suggest a different way to go.
Don’t.
GPS is, of course, amazeballs nowadays. It takes traffic, constructions and other aspects into account. GPS gives drivers the best way to go from your Point A to Point B so although you may want to suggest they take “that little side road,” it probably won’t be in your best interest.
That being said, of course watch where you’re going. We had a driver who took us WAAAAY out of the way of the shortest route in Las Vegas, and wound up doubling our charge (here’s what we did to only pay the originally quoted amount).
Adding stops mid-ride
Before accepting a ride, drivers are able to see the pickup location and the destination, so they can decide if they want to take it. If you suddenly want to stop at the McDonald’s drive through, or to make a quick stop at CVS, that’s going into the driver’s time – they might have accepted the ride if they knew those extra stops, taking X amount of time, would be involved.
You can certainly ASK your driver if they wouldn’t mind making that stop at the drive-through. But if they say no, respect that.
Making your goodbye too long
Some ridesharing drivers, like some bartenders, are really good at chitchat and making you feel comfortable during your ride. And kudos to them! But a great conversation inside their car doesn’t mean you have to have an extended goodbye once the ride is done. The driver (or bartender) isn’t trying to be your friend – they’re just working hard to make you feel ocmfortable and happy and maybe hoping they’ll get a better tip for it.
You undoubtedly have things to do and they definitely want to pick up their next ride. Make that thank-you and goodbye quick, so you can both get on with your lives.
Tipping via the app while you’re still in the car
The option to tip your driver doesn’t happen until your ride is done. And again, time is of the essence for your driver – the more time they have to pick up more passengers, the more money they can potentially make. So taking the time to tip your driver on the app, while still in the car? Not cool.
I mean, if you’re paying them cash, that’s all well and good. But if you’re going to use the app to tip them, kindly do it after you’ve gotten out of the car, so your driver can be on their way, and not have to wait for you to finish your transaction.
Slamming the car door
Of course you always want to ensure that the car door actually latches when you close it. But just like you don’t slam doors shut in peoples’ houses, don’t slam their car door, either. It’s not good for the car.
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