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."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo