What are your pet peeves about people who ride in your car?

Friends putting their feet on the dash is one of mine.  Friends putting their knees on the back of my seat is another one of mine!

Ridesharing has taken the world by storm and even though it is technically a Cab, it is different than a cab.  This, in NO way, is taking away from actual Cab Drivers, though what is going to be discussed should apply to cabs as well.

So, as a rider, their are few things that, I hope, can help ensure a quality experience when using any of the ridesharing services.

1. Remember it’s the Driver’s personal vehicle. – Treat the car like you would your own.  The drivers are putting their vehicle at risk with all of the people that come in and out of the car.  Don’t SLAM the doors when you get out.
2. This is NOT a cab company. – Drivers for ridesharing are sharing their “ride” with you!  There is no glass separating the rider from the driver and even though you are paying for this ride, it’s like giving your friend gas money for a ride to the mall.
3. Please don’t be rude. – Most drivers want to provide a comfortable experience for their riders but it is impossible to read every customer, or as I like to call you, Client.  Before I can even finish the words, “Hello, welcome aboard,” some clients are quick to demand which way I have to go to get them to where they need to go.  How about a little “Hello”?  How about “Can you please use this route?”  I like to have a little friendly conversation, but if you don’t want to, just let me know.
4. Some drivers have perks. – Some drivers have water, candy, mints, chocolate or other treats.  If you take some, please don’t litter in the vehicle.   It takes time from us picking up the next passenger.  I look back in my car and find rappers and garbage that my kids wouldn’t dare to leave in my car and I’m supposed to accept it from strangers.  Would you?
5. PETs aren’t always welcome. – If you have a pet, be prepared to be rejected.   I had one client with a small dog.  The client held the dog on her lap until I got her to her destination.  There was hair all over the seats and I had to stop and clean it off.  The dog was shedding every time she petted the dog.  It wasn’t a big deal because it was a tiny dog, but had it been a huge dog, I don’t know.  Service animals are excluded.
6. Carpooling can take longer. – I appreciate the desire to save money but in ridesharing, you have the potential to save money in exchange for a quick ride.  That’s right!!!  Uber Pool and Lyft Line are cheaper than UberX and Lyft, but you won’t get to your destination faster.  The driver has to follow the route according to the APP, which means it is not the most direct route to your destination.  You may save money, but won’t save time!  Also, if you use the Uber Pool or Lyft Line, you only get 2 seats, you and one guest.   Total amount of passengers is two.
7. Passenger Side of the vehicle. – If you are the ONLY passenger, please sit on the passenger side of the vehicle.  Drivers want to feel safe as much as the clients.  Please sit where we can see you.  Some drivers will let you sit in the front some wont but please sit on the passenger side of the car when riding alone with a driver.  We can make better eye contact with you through our mirror or by looking back at ya!
8. Tipping – There are a lot of people that use the ridesharing service and do not tip.   I would never expect a tip and I am not saying that you have to, but at the same time, you are paying almost 50% less than using a cab.   You are riding in someones personal vehicle.   The following is the cost a driver may incur in order to legally drive you to your destination.   Insurance:  Driver’s are required to purchase insurance for their vehicles for rideshare use at a cost of $100-$200 per month.  Fuel:  Drivers have to fill-up their tanks before each shift they work so they don’t get stranded with a client.  At $25 per tank, that’s about $100 per week.  Car Cleaning:  The car needs to be clean if a driver wants 5 stars.   At $15 per wash(Inside/Out), that’s about $75 per week.  Maintenance:  If something goes wrong with our cars, we have to fix it.  Preventive maintenance and regular maintenance requires money!  Tipping is not expected but it is accepted!   Thank YOU!!!

I hope this is helpful in some way.

If you’re a driver and have other suggestions, please comment below.

If you’re a rider, please comment below!