Drivers with Uber are accountable for the way they behave with their passengers. If a driver’s average rider rating is on the low side, they can expect to be terminated on Uber. If multiple drivers on Uber give you a low rating, the company may lock up your app and consider the possibility of denying you access to the Uber service. Some reports indicate that when an Uber passenger’s ranking falls below 4.6 stars, they may find that they are locked out of Uber.
If you are an Uber rider who has low ratings, you won’t see the service deny you access to the rideshare service right away. Instead, you will see reminders on your phone about your low score, and tips on how to improve. If you don’t improve, however, you will find your access to Uber denied. If you depend on Uber to get around and would like to make sure that you never get into low-score territory, here are tips.
Treat the vehicle with respect
It’s important to remember when you get into an Uber vehicle, that it’s the driver’s personal space that you’re entering. Make sure that your shoes aren’t particularly dirty before you get in, look for a button to close the trunk, don’t slam the door shut, and don’t eat or drink while in the vehicle. You should also make sure that you don’t leave a mess behind in the end.
Say something friendly
You don’t need to chat with your driver over the entire ride. Asking how your driver’s doing that day, however, and thanking them at the end of the ride, can lift their spirits. It can help you get a better rating, as well.
Don’t make the driver wait
When you book a ride, you agree to be at the pick-up spot when the driver arrives. It isn’t considerate to make them wait for you. Keeping a driver waiting can be a quick way to a low rating. It can help to aim to be early. Besides, passengers are the people paying for the ride.
Tip extra when you believe you haven’t been on your best behavior
Ridesharing can be a great way to make sure that people don’t need to drive when they are tipsy. It’s also important to remember, however, that no one is actually pleased to give a ride to a person who is intoxicated. The following morning, when you’re sober, you may think back on the way you acted, and feel some regret. If you do, you can go back to the ridesharing app and add a big tip as a way to say you’re sorry.
Be sure you know where you need to go
While you do mention where you want to go on the app, you need to be able to tell the driver exactly where you need to get off once you get to the general area. If you’re going to the airport, for instance, you need to tell the driver what terminal you need to be at. If you’re getting off at a large apartment complex, you should allow the driver to drop you off at the first available entrance, rather than at the exact entrance that you need to use. You’ll let the driver accept their next ride with no time wasted.
Be considerate
It doesn’t occur to many people to ask to be excused when they make a phone call in a car that belongs to someone else. A polite request to be excused is in order, however. Conversations should be kept to a minimum, and your voice should be hushed.
If you are bringing a child in a child seat, it can be nice to thank the driver for their patience while you strap the seat up. If you need to lower a window, it’s a good idea to ask for permission.
Order the right size of vehicle
If you’re riding with lots of luggage, it’s important that you order a large vehicle. It isn’t fair on the driver to order a regular-sized vehicle and to then squeeze luggage into every available nook in the car, including the front seat and your lap.
While Uber imposes penalties on riders with low scores, the scores shouldn’t be the primary reason that you consider the feelings of your driver. Rather, you should think about them simply because it’s the right thing to do.