With the ever increasing rise in ridesharing apps, traditional taxis may soon go the way of the dinosaur. As popular as Uber and Lyft have become, they still require a certain degree of etiquette. I live with someone who previously drove for Uber and Lyft, and some of the stories I’ve been told have been eyebrow-raising, to say the least. With many of you likely to use these services during the holiday weekend, use these tips to make your life and that of your driver easier.
Don’t request until you’re ready. It sucks to have to wait on someone, right? Don’t make your driver wait on you either. Request the ride once you’re ready to go and make yourself visible. If you’re being picked up in an area that’s relatively hard to get to, text the driver and tell them where you are instead of sending them on a bounty hunt trying to track you down.
Stick to names, not locations. When requesting your location, there is no guarantee that Uber or Lyft will share your precise whereabouts. There is perhaps nothing more frustrating for a driver than trying to find someone at an address when the passenger could have simply used the name of the location instead. It makes everything easier for everyone.
Be an adult. The majority of Uber and Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport people around. If you decide to have a bite to eat or something to drink, that’s not a problem, but don’t be disrespectful either. As sad as it might be to have to say it, pick up after yourself. Crumbs, wrappers, pick it up and be an adult. Also, don’t touch! Unless the driver says otherwise, don’t start messing with their radio.
Don’t be rude. Uber recently decided to follow in the footsteps of Lyft and allow passengers to tip their driver. While it is voluntary, consider leaving a small amount if your circumstances allow. It’s always awesome coming upon a driver who goes the extra mile by asking you what you want to listen to on the radio or perhaps tries to engage in polite conversation to make the drive more pleasant. If you can’t tip, then at least give them a good star rating. If you've had too much to drink, try not to be an obnoxious passenger to the driver who could literally be saving your life by getting you home safely.
Ask and you may receive. Sometimes you may need something that’s out of the norm. Perhaps you need to bring Fido along for the ride, maybe you’re jetting off somewhere and therefore have lots of luggage, or you’re traveling somewhere with someone who is wheelchair bound. Do yourself as well as the driver a favor and message them before they arrive so that there aren’t any unwanted surprises.
Be safe this Fourth of July weekend and remember that if you decide to party it up and start drinking excessively, either hail an Uber or Lyft or have a responsible designated driver.
