When it comes to Uber, the reviewed is also the critic.
It’s well-known that you’re able to leave your driver a rating upon completing a journey with the cashless taxi service.
What people might not be aware of is that your driver is also able to rate you.
Wondering why you’ve been stood outside a nightclub on a Saturday night, shivering and crying into your pizza as the tiny taxi avatar does everything it can to avoid you? It might be because one too many drivers have taken issue with your incessant requests to play DJ in their cab.
Perhaps one of their colleagues has reported the wild goose chase he had to go on just to reach your location, only to find that you’d jumped on the bus instead? Maybe you’ve unwillingly become known as “the Putney puker”?
Luckily, Business Insider has put together a handy guide on how to ensure you get a good passenger rating. It asked Uber drivers for their tips, so take heed and you’ll have stars coming out of your ears.
1. Give out five-star ratings
You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. Uber drivers need those glowing reviews to stay in a job, so if you’re kind to them they could well return the favour.
2. Be ready and on time
There’s nothing a taxi driver hates more than waiting around for a no-show. When you request the car, make sure you’re waiting at the correct pickup address at the time you’re supposed to be there. Do that and you’ll be top of the taxi class.
3. Tip!
The whole point of Uber is that its app-based service removes the need for cash. But this doesn’t mean the drivers won’t appreciate a good, old-fashioned tip. If you’ve particularly enjoyed your ride home, slip the driver a few coins and they’ll probably give you the highest rating back.
4. Don’t overload the car
Everyone enjoys a drunken taxi singalong with their mates, but it’s actually breaking the law to try and fit more than four passengers into one vehicle. If your party is larger than that, book an XL or second car.
5. Be respectful
Taxi drivers have to deal with mouthy d*ckheads every day. Don’t be one of them. Don’t smash up the car, don’t demand a ten-minute stop at Burger King, and don’t light up a cigarette on the sly.
You might be paying this person to take you home, but that doesn’t mean they have to just tolerate people taking the p*ss. Act like a washed up rockstar and you’ll probably be reviewed as such.
Be nice, and drivers will make sure it pays off.
