If you rely on Uber for rides, you better be nice. Uber drivers are giving you a passenger rating, and it could impact whether you are picked up on time or left waiting on the curb.
Uber hasn’t been secretive about assigning its riders a score. It describes its ratings system here. It’s basically a five-star system, with 1 as the poorest experience. According to Uber, “feedback is a two-way street,” where riders can rate their drivers and vice-versa. The ride-sharing company further explained:
Have partner drivers been deactivated for consistently poor ratings? You bet. Have riders been given a temporary cooling off period or barred from using the app for inappropriate or unsafe behavior? Yes. The system works to make sure the most respectful riders and drivers are using Uber.
TV news producer Emily Torran of San Francisco told CBS Los Angeles that she’s on Uber’s passenger blacklist.
I asked the driver what was going on. And he basically told me I had a really low Uber rating: under three out of five.
Torran said she thinks she’s on the list because she doesn’t talk to her driver during rides, instead opting to work on her phone.
“I feel really judged for being blacklisted for not being really friendly,” she added.
Although your rider rating isn’t displayed on the Uber app, it’s not a secret either, Uber said. All you have to do is ask.
“We’re exploring ways to show the rider’s rating in the next generation of the app, but in the meantime, a user’s rating can be obtained by simply asking the driver or contacting support,” Uber explained.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your rider rating, click here for some (mostly common-sense) tips from Uber, including:
- Location. Make sure your pickup location is accurate.
- It’s not a clown car. Don’t try to shove as many people as possible into the vehicle. If there are four seat belts in the car, then the vehicle can seat four people. It’s simple math.
- Be respectful. Treat both your driver and their vehicle with respect (no eating, drinking or smoking).
- Be punctual. No one likes waiting around. Be ready to be picked up when the driver arrives.
Do you use Uber? Share your experiences below or on our Facebook page.
If you’re looking to earn some money on the side, Uber and such similar services as Lyft may be the answer. Check out this video to find out how it works:
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