How to Be a 5-Star Uber Rider

By Raizel Albano
How NOT to be an Uber rider.
How NOT to be an Uber rider.  Daily Mail UK.

Uber has changed the way people ride and drive 'taxis' (owing to disputes on Uber being called a 'taxi', single marks are placed around the word), with now hailing for authorized Uber cars as easy as accessing the app and requesting for a ride. Gone are the days where people wait in long queues on taxi stands, or having to storm through traffic and bad weather when desperate to get in a cab.

Since Uber was founded in 2009, the company has faced many issues on racial and sexual discrimination, sexual assault, and damages on both drivers, passengers, and properties. While Uber maintains a hands-off stance on many of these issues insisting the company is only a 'middleman', it has taken a step to make the new cab experience more pleasant for everyone.

Many may not be aware but Uber has a list of community guidelines for its riders up on its website and on the app, which also pops up once a new user signs up, or when updates are made. Understandably, people hurrying to get Uber rides do not bother reading the long fine print and instead hit on "Agree."

Here instead is a guidelines digest with a list of Must Do's that Uber passengers should adhere to at all times:

1. Be respectful: Respect racial, cultural, religious and sexual differences.

2. Be on time: The driver's fee does not increase when he/she has to park and wait for the rider. Show respect by not letting drivers wait at their inconvenience.

3. Care for the car: Uber drivers use their own cars, so help them with the upkeep.

4. Give people space: Sometimes drivers have to pick up several passengers into one vehicle, so be aware of other riders, too. If one's bag is too large making the seat space uncomfortable, place it in the trunk.

5. Follow local laws: Never ask a driver to speed up just to get in time for an appointment. Do not drink alcohol in the car, and do not do other things that will bother not only the driver, but also the community.

Rachel Holt, head of Uber's North American operations, says, "Most riders show drivers the respect they deserve... But some don't... Whether it's leaving trash in the car, throwing up in the back seat after too much alcohol or asking the driver to break the speed limit so they can get to their appointment on time. This kind of poor behavior is not OK, which is why we will take action against passengers who are rude, abusive or violent."

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