I take Uber on a daily basis, and really appreciate the service. While there are some horrible drivers in the system, for the most part I’ve found Uber drivers to be exceptional, and so much better than what was available in the taxi industry before.
I’ve read all kinds of stuff on the internet about “pet peeves” that drivers have about passengers, most of which seem warranted. As a passenger I have one slightly unusual annoyance that I have to get off my chest.
Let me start by saying that I do everything I can to be respectful of Uber drivers — I’m always polite, I almost never talk on my phone in a car (and when I do, I ask the driver if it’s okay and keep it very short), etc.
But what is it with some Uber drivers getting involved in passengers’ conversations? Don’t get me wrong, I can imagine that sometimes Uber drivers have to smirk or laugh at something being said, as I’m sure they hear some crazy stuff, and don’t fault them for that. But every so often I get an Uber driver who just jumps into every conversation.
For example, Ford and I are in South Beach right now, and last night called an Uber to dinner. Even though the ride was just a few minutes, the driver managed to get involved in our conversations three times, before we learned to just be quiet. Not only that, but just about everything he said was inaccurate.
I asked Ford what time our reservation was at the restaurant we were going to, and he said 7PM. The driver jumped in, “oh, I don’t know if they’ll take your reservation, I’ve heard they’re really strict if you’re late.” Our scheduled arrival time was 7:02PM — I think we’ll be fine (and we were).
Then I was reading Ford some hilarious texts from a friend who was at a fancy restaurant having a tasting menu, and the driver jumped in and said “are you talking about New Years Eve at Fontainebleau?”
“No?”
“Yeah, Justin Bieber is going to be there and tickets are a minimum of $50,000 per person.”
“Wait, really?”
“Yeah, and they sold thousands of them.”
Of course that sounded way off, so a quick Google search revealed this:
“Ticket prices start at $350 for one (1) general admission ticket, and range up to $50,000 for a stage-side private space for up to 25 guests. All packages include premium open bar from 9 PM until Midnight.”
Thousands of people supposedly paying $50,000 per person is slightly different than the most expensive tickets costing up to $2,000 per person. 😉
A moment later I was telling Ford something about a friend in Dubai, and before I could finish my sentence the Uber driver chimed in “I’ve heard Dubai is amazing.”
After that I learned my lesson, and we just didn’t say anything for the rest of the ride.
As I said above, I imagine some Uber drivers must get bored, and I have no issues with them occasionally chiming in on something or laughing. But to get involved in every aspect of a conversation is annoying as hell.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation, and if so, how do you handle it?
I do understand the annoyance. I was once riding in an Uber with a friend and our driver kept interrupting our conversation to start his own conversations with us. I don't mind talking with my Uber driver, but this guy just kept talking over us while we were clearly having a conversation. I didn't give him a bad rating, as he was friendly and the ride was quick and safe, plus maybe he just needed...
I do understand the annoyance. I was once riding in an Uber with a friend and our driver kept interrupting our conversation to start his own conversations with us. I don't mind talking with my Uber driver, but this guy just kept talking over us while we were clearly having a conversation. I didn't give him a bad rating, as he was friendly and the ride was quick and safe, plus maybe he just needed someone to talk to that day, but it was annoying and I would not want to ride with him again.
I worked in the service industry for years and learned to read customers- sometimes people want to make a connection and it's great. Other times, people just want to get their business done quietly, and that's ok too-I don't take it personally. As an aside, I will say that I was once given a bad rating (I previously had 5 stars as a rider on Uber and it went down to a 4.98 after that ride) just because I was exhausted and upset about a personal issue, so I didn't chat much with my driver, despite his attempts, so remember that the rating does go both ways. Overall my message is this- be polite and curious with each other and don't give anyone (rider or driver) a bad rating for something trivial because you don't know what is going on in their lives.
Jms, excellent point. And it’s also *my* right to give entitled drivers like you who refuse to shut up one star — as I’m sure many of your riders have done.
Why???? Because you're in my new car that I pay for, I paid for the insurance the maintenance, 100% of the fuel costs and my iwn taxes. Essentially you're on my turf. my property. I am not an Uber employee I am a subcontractor so if I feel like asking you a question when I feel like it that is completely normal occasionally, as you're in my space that I am 100% responsible for -...
Why???? Because you're in my new car that I pay for, I paid for the insurance the maintenance, 100% of the fuel costs and my iwn taxes. Essentially you're on my turf. my property. I am not an Uber employee I am a subcontractor so if I feel like asking you a question when I feel like it that is completely normal occasionally, as you're in my space that I am 100% responsible for - even your safety. Also please don't sit in my front seat and not say a word the entire trip it's creepy!!!! Let's face it the people that complain about this sort of thing they usually complain about everything everywhere or they're so narcissistic that they think that someone even talking to them means that they're hitting on them give me a break!
I'm on day four as a driver. I used to be Man With A Van in Boston, so driving Uber and Lyft is almost an extension of that without the need to levitate sofas. I attempt to gauge people with pleasantries. Personal questions are awkward. If it's Saturday night, a fair question might be, "headed out for a good time?" If they are, they probably have people waiting for them and they'll be texting, doing...
I'm on day four as a driver. I used to be Man With A Van in Boston, so driving Uber and Lyft is almost an extension of that without the need to levitate sofas. I attempt to gauge people with pleasantries. Personal questions are awkward. If it's Saturday night, a fair question might be, "headed out for a good time?" If they are, they probably have people waiting for them and they'll be texting, doing their own thing, but they may want to chit-chat a bit. It's an art.
"Coming from work?" can be a fair question. Sunday morning, picking someone up from a commercial industrial type building. He was a robot builder printing parts for one of his machines. The key is I'm looking for an opportunity to let someone share something if that's what they want to do. Otherwise, mellow quiet music...
I'll greet people by asking, "would you like a white knuckle ride or, or a regular ride?" People with a sense of humor might say... "oh definitely, the white knuckler..." Or I'll explain, "it's a trick question, I try to make every ride a regular ride..."
I ended up here googling for some perspective on passengers yakking on their cellphones. As a driver, I feel like I'm providing a service which should be delivered with courtesy and respect. I do hope to receive the same in return.
As far as tipping is concerned, I'll never post a sign, ask or expect a tip, but people do tip me, they compliment me on my car, they smile as they exit and I try to do the best I can to provide competent, congenial service.
To all you losers out there complaining that we Uber drivers talk tooo much. Maybe y’all should learn to STFU while in the car then.if it’s a fee for transportation service and not ‘customer service’, then STFU. I wish that I could have you in my car one night. I’d knock your lights out. Peace.
My app stopped showing the fare when I book a ride. It does not show up until after the ride is completed and the card is charged. I wonder if anyone has suggestions how to fix it. I've stopped using Uber because of this. I wrote to them but they have not fixed my app.
@ Applejax says:
December 29, 2016 at 7:47 pm
I totally agree! Well said!
Update of previous comment. Uber drivers are consistent and polite, classy and don't have road rage. With pooled rides, I've shared rides with other passengers who were downright scary. Such as gang members describing prison time and exploits involving bodies found in trunks with several bullet holes. Maybe they were trying to impress myself and the driver. Hats off to Uber drivers who risk their lives every day and have little control over who they...
Update of previous comment. Uber drivers are consistent and polite, classy and don't have road rage. With pooled rides, I've shared rides with other passengers who were downright scary. Such as gang members describing prison time and exploits involving bodies found in trunks with several bullet holes. Maybe they were trying to impress myself and the driver. Hats off to Uber drivers who risk their lives every day and have little control over who they pick up. No more pooled rides for me.
*appointment
*relative
*been
Sorry for the typos.
I often ride Uber with my husband. A little conversation ("How are you doing?", "The weather is nice today, isn't it?") is fine but it is annoying when the driver gets too nosy to the point of being rude and pushy. Some drivers love to talk non stop and ask a lot of questions about where we are going, why are we going there, where we live, where I am originally from (I have an...
I often ride Uber with my husband. A little conversation ("How are you doing?", "The weather is nice today, isn't it?") is fine but it is annoying when the driver gets too nosy to the point of being rude and pushy. Some drivers love to talk non stop and ask a lot of questions about where we are going, why are we going there, where we live, where I am originally from (I have an accent), etc. It's none of their business. One time my husband and I requested an Uber ride to get home from the hospital because I had an appintment there and the driver straight up asked us in the first minute once we got into a car what we were doing in the hospital. My health history really isn't her business. Plus it could have been a sensitive topic, what if we would have ben visiting a dying relate or something like that - we didn't, I just want to point out that it's not always a good idea to be nosy and inappropriate.
I'm a polite passanger. I always put in the right address, I don't make the driver wait, I always introduce myself in a polite and friendly manner before I get into the car, I don't make a mess in the car, I'm never drunk, I don't slam doors. I don't expect to be offered chewing gum, candy, water, or anything, I don't care about the color and model of the car, as long as it's clean and safe. I just want to get safely from point A to point B.
Entertaining blog. I'm old school and avoid carrying on personal conversation with my friend when in an Uber. I also avoid talking on cell. Because I dislike when taxi drivers handle all their personal business when driving. So I extend same courtesy.
One of my first uber drivers insisted I sit up front, told me about her 3 deadbeat exes, talked non stop then asked for a tip. And called me "dear."
All...
Entertaining blog. I'm old school and avoid carrying on personal conversation with my friend when in an Uber. I also avoid talking on cell. Because I dislike when taxi drivers handle all their personal business when driving. So I extend same courtesy.
One of my first uber drivers insisted I sit up front, told me about her 3 deadbeat exes, talked non stop then asked for a tip. And called me "dear."
All I wanted was a quiet ride from hotel to bart, 15 minutes. $15. I thought that was standard Uber treatment until I took a few more rides, sat in back, conversation more restrained and less personal.
Heaven forbid that an Uber driver wants to be friendly. Society is full of people who feel "entitled" to treat people like garbage. It's passengers who are the problem. I always gauge the person I'm driving. If they don't want to talk, I don't talk, but it's very awkward. The world is a place which was designed for people to talk to one another. If you ask me questions, I'm going to answer them, and...
Heaven forbid that an Uber driver wants to be friendly. Society is full of people who feel "entitled" to treat people like garbage. It's passengers who are the problem. I always gauge the person I'm driving. If they don't want to talk, I don't talk, but it's very awkward. The world is a place which was designed for people to talk to one another. If you ask me questions, I'm going to answer them, and honestly, so don't complain about my friendliness. As for ratings, if you rate your driver any less than 5 stars, then you're a 1st Class jerk. Unless the driver was an asshole, then try to respect that this is their business, they are trying to accomodate YOU, and they have to put up with horrible people every day. And if you don't tip, then you are just a cheap S.O.B., period. Drivers deal with passengers who give wrong addresses, don't answer their phones, are rude in their cars, cuss in their cars, and throw up when they're drunk! (In their cars). Try to understand this is their own PERSONAL vehicle, don't be rude, appreciate the awesome service you get (I even provide candy, gum, mints, and water), engage in conversation as that is what decent human beings do, and above all, don't be an asshole.
I don't think I rude for talking on my phone. I speak softly and politely. If I need or want to talk to a friend or a colleague, I'm not going to let the fact that I'm in an Uber stop me. It's all about mutual respect.
Not an UBER specific behaivor, annoying nonetheless. The beauty of UBER/Lfty is you can still give the driver an excellent rating but then in the comment section mention the situtation. They'll get the feedback and you haven't damaged their rating.
Ever
ur correct I got one Uber diver on his first day another showed her how to use her phone .It's people who are the asses not U guys then they put U in a dead zone @ BNA .TAXIS suck and are crooks .CHEERs
Let me start by saying that I do everything I can to be respectful of Uber drivers — "I’m always polite"
One should always be polite it is good karma. The fact you have to mention that you are is a sad reflection on society, and American in particular, that you have to state this!
Am I the only no Yank who finds service in the US generally crap? Don't even mention US airlines!
I am an Uber driver, but I am a lot more professional because I've done some limo service before. I ask 1-2 questions usually just to not be weird and not say a single word during the trip. Then it's up to them to engage in conversation if they want.
The high majority of riders are interested in what I do, how it works and the people I meet, so they almost always want to...
I am an Uber driver, but I am a lot more professional because I've done some limo service before. I ask 1-2 questions usually just to not be weird and not say a single word during the trip. Then it's up to them to engage in conversation if they want.
The high majority of riders are interested in what I do, how it works and the people I meet, so they almost always want to talk.
Usually when there are 2 or more riders, they tend to talk to each other (and sometimes to me) and I don't ever interrupt their conversation unless it's specific to the trip, like further directions.
However, as a rider, you must be respectful of the drivers time. A couple weeks ago I accepted a ride, drove 15+ mins to the pick up location, she took 7-8+ mins to finally come out the door (after I texted her) and the drive was only about 4-5 mins. How profitable was this ride?
And for the person above that commented about a driver canceling on you, I've drive 15+ mins to pick someone up and then they cancel. Yeah, it goes both ways.
@Ever You seem like the most ideal Uber driver! And people like you are thankfully the majority with regards to ride sharing and thats why the few uncomfortable experiences don't stop me from using it as my preferred method of city transportation. Thanks for your insight on this, its good to have both perspectives!
@Alex & @Lucky
I agree! There is a huge difference between pleasant conversation and invasive or integrating interactions with strangers! I am personally a private person and I understand that not everyone has that same personality and doesn't understand that unwanted questioning or unprompted opinions I'm not asking for makes me uncomfortable. I am usually good about turning the conversation away from me and on to them (people love to talk about themselves) But...
@Alex & @Lucky
I agree! There is a huge difference between pleasant conversation and invasive or integrating interactions with strangers! I am personally a private person and I understand that not everyone has that same personality and doesn't understand that unwanted questioning or unprompted opinions I'm not asking for makes me uncomfortable. I am usually good about turning the conversation away from me and on to them (people love to talk about themselves) But I'm finding that hotels are becoming increasingly nosy I recently asked a check in person at a Fairmont if they were writing a book after literally feeling as if I was under a bright light being interrogated! Like what's with people generally (Not just Uber) not understanding personal boundaries? I mean I don't want to explain my whole life story to some nosy stranger!
Uber DO train their drivers, albeit online. And the rating system DOES weed out the wrong drivers, at least it does in Sydney where UBER is legal and their are many thousands of drivers. I should know, I both ride (use) UBER and drive for it. As to overly chatty drivers, rather that than the ultra annoying and rude habit of some drivers who talk to their family WHILE driving! That gets a downgrade from me, and it is rare on UBER but super common in taxis.
Omg last time I took an uber the driver got lost, missed several turns, made us late, he didn't pay attention to his GPS, so at the end I just guided him to my destination.
Nice people Uber good local stuff may keep U Safe.
As above, I don't understand why this post is about Uber drivers. This can happen anywhere in the world in any taxi... it's hardly an Uber specific thing. It's the same with barbers or hairdressers. Often known for being chatty but some clients just don't like that...
You're taking literally the cheapest means of transportation and complained about it. If it means that much, maybe you should spring for limo service. When you get into an uber, you should consider yourself as a guest, not their employer.
An Uber driver once saved me and my girlfriend from wasting time visiting a very boring area in Singapore by breaking in to our conversation :-) I'm still thankful for that!
You want the driver to drive you for a loss, and still too stuck up for conversation. You wonder why English is not even a requirement on Uber......and you want manners too? Lmao
UberX is a coach experience. When flying coach you pay to be taken to a destination, but do you get a lot of personal options? And for the most part we take what we can get when we want to go to Rome. So you put up with the fat smelly guy next to you until you land. Same with UberX. You will have to listen to my music, smell my smells and listen to my dumb ramblings. Don't like it, spring for Uber premium and get the first class treatment you pay for.
@ Alvin -- It was an UberLux...
And how is this any different from what you may encounter with a taxi driver?
I don't think it's unreasonable to tip an Uber or Lyft driver. I would tip person driving a shuttle to the airport, a taxi driver, a limo driver, etc. I also tip food delivery people (for pizza, subs, etc.) Yes, people choose to work for these companies. But this service is saving you money and giving the driver a $2 tip isn't going to change that - but it will make a huge difference in...
I don't think it's unreasonable to tip an Uber or Lyft driver. I would tip person driving a shuttle to the airport, a taxi driver, a limo driver, etc. I also tip food delivery people (for pizza, subs, etc.) Yes, people choose to work for these companies. But this service is saving you money and giving the driver a $2 tip isn't going to change that - but it will make a huge difference in their hourly salary.
And for the record, you sound very petty in your post. How dare someone below your perceived social standing socialize with you!
If you want a genteel, well-trained driver who speaks when spoken to, pay for that luxury.
Perhaps the coach class quality of UberX is not for you.
I love your blog, but you seem to be whining a lot lately.
More airline reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!
I drive for Uber and Lyft. The problem with whether or not to talk with the passenger is that some think it's rude if you do and some think it's rude if you don't. Someone jumping into a conversation is a different story - not an uber driver issue - this can happen in line at a store, at a restaurant or bar, at church... basically anywhere people talk. I try to gauge whether or...
I drive for Uber and Lyft. The problem with whether or not to talk with the passenger is that some think it's rude if you do and some think it's rude if you don't. Someone jumping into a conversation is a different story - not an uber driver issue - this can happen in line at a store, at a restaurant or bar, at church... basically anywhere people talk. I try to gauge whether or not a lone passenger wants to talk by asking a simple question. If it's more than one person, I let them include me in the conversation if they want to. If not, I'm happy in my own head.
As far as taking on your phone, if you aren't being offensive or overly loud, talk all you want. If you feel the need to drop bad language a lot or your topic is in poor taste, hold your conversation until you get to your destination - this goes for a conversation with another person in the car too.
I'm providing a service and I don't expect or want a personal relationship of any kind in return. As you make your comments and write your articles though, please remember that to provide you with the service you requested I have literally invited you into my own personal property. A little courtesy in both directions goes a long way.
Totally unrelated to your post, but while you're in south beach prime 112 is a MUST. Hands down the best meal I've ever eaten
How do you feel about Uber drivers wanting to be tipped now? I hate it! They use the logic "You tip your taxi driver, so you should tip your Uber driver!" First off when I do take a taxi (rarely now that there is uber) if I'm paying cash I round up maybe tipping a few bucks. Uber is cashless and uber does not have a tipping option as part of their app so not...
How do you feel about Uber drivers wanting to be tipped now? I hate it! They use the logic "You tip your taxi driver, so you should tip your Uber driver!" First off when I do take a taxi (rarely now that there is uber) if I'm paying cash I round up maybe tipping a few bucks. Uber is cashless and uber does not have a tipping option as part of their app so not only do I not feel obligated but I also feel like it totally defeats the purpose of not having to carry cash! I've read that some uber drivers will give you a bad rating if you don't tip and I've recently seen signs in Uber's saying they want a tip! This really bothers me, uber drivers are self employed and you are never obligated to tip a business owner either! Tipping has gotten way out of hand! In my opinion I like to tip and I like to tip well for certain services and for when someone goes above and beyond but this obligatory tipping really bothers me! What do the rest of you think?
I usually like your posts, comments and insights but think you are way off base here. The driver was just trying to be friendly.
Chatty drivers can be a pain, but my biggest bug bears are:
1. When you check how long the Uber will take to get to you and it says 3 minutes... 15 minutes later you are still waiting with the waiting time continually changing. Even better is when they then cancel.
2. When you order a short Uber trip (10-15 mins drive, often with luggage) and the Uber driver whines the entire time about how...
Chatty drivers can be a pain, but my biggest bug bears are:
1. When you check how long the Uber will take to get to you and it says 3 minutes... 15 minutes later you are still waiting with the waiting time continually changing. Even better is when they then cancel.
2. When you order a short Uber trip (10-15 mins drive, often with luggage) and the Uber driver whines the entire time about how short the drive is and how little they're making. I get it, but that's what you signed up for. I would have usually tipped you for your trouble, but whining all the way is a sure fire way for me to not tip.
I drove for Uber for the first half of 2016. While I get this driver was annoying there are plenty of pax who want to engage in conversation and I was always happy to do so. It's hard sometimes to read people and determine who wants to chat vs who wants a quiet ride - I'm sure at times i've gotten it wrong.
I consider this a minor annoyance since Uber rides are relatively short and so is the problem. My annoyance with Uber are the drivers who are super impatient and obnoxious in traffic, just shy of road rage. It's actually scary given that people are getting blown away in road rage incidents with increasing frequency.
So Uber and Lyft drivers are basically just regular folks on the street trying to make a living. To them it's more like giving a friend a ride. I would expect them to be involved in most conversations at least indirectly. I also wonder if it would matter if the driver would have been correct about the comments. I assume this was just one example. Taxi or Sedan company drivers are trained differently I assume.
Hahaha don't ever get a black cab in London Lucky. I don't think you will have a good time. (But why would you? Uber is way cheaper).
Think the comments just show that you have a lot of introverts who follow/comment on this blog haha.
Almost same situation here!
I was in the Uber Black LUX car @London last month.
The driver picked me up from the Conrad St.James (after meeting with a client) then off to Mandarin Oriental (where I stayed/drop some boxes to the bellman to delivered up to my room) & off to Harrods to pick up a friends then to a restaurant nearby.
Uber Driver: You stay at The Conrad?
Me: No,...
Almost same situation here!
I was in the Uber Black LUX car @London last month.
The driver picked me up from the Conrad St.James (after meeting with a client) then off to Mandarin Oriental (where I stayed/drop some boxes to the bellman to delivered up to my room) & off to Harrods to pick up a friends then to a restaurant nearby.
Uber Driver: You stay at The Conrad?
Me: No, Business meeting
Uber Driver: What kind of Business do you do?
Me: Hmm, Finance
Uber Driver: Do you have a branch or office at the Conrad?
Me: NO
Uber: Then where do you guys have meeting?
Me: The hotel have a meeting conference room
Uber Driver: Your business must be good because this hotel is very expensive, your lucky man! (Mandarin Oriental)
Me: **smile**
Uber Driver: The person you are picking up is your girlfriend?
Me: A big your pardon? Well YES and she doesn't like to talk or joke with any one so if you don't mind after when you pick her up, you don't talk.
Can you really blame the drivers? Some of the best networking opportunities can be found o Uber rides.
I drive for Uber on the side and feel that it is generally my "job" to judge if someone wants to converse or not. "Butting in" to other peoples conversation is a sign of poor social skills in general. I can't blame you for being annoyed by this.
Finally, talk on your cell phone ALL YOU WANT. I am providing a service to you which means that you should be able to continue with your work/life while I am driving. That is one of the benefits of taking Uber.
I had a limo pick me up in Boston and take me to NH last weekend. The driver would not shut up and was telling me the creepiest stories about how he found out his wife was cheating on him, how hung his step son was (really), and how many sexual escapades his step son got into. How many sexual acts he has seen happen in his limo, etc. It was an hour drive. The...
I had a limo pick me up in Boston and take me to NH last weekend. The driver would not shut up and was telling me the creepiest stories about how he found out his wife was cheating on him, how hung his step son was (really), and how many sexual escapades his step son got into. How many sexual acts he has seen happen in his limo, etc. It was an hour drive. The guy was like Jabba the Hut. Had a bag of Taco Bell in the front seat. The ride back to BOS was with a different driver, and much more professional. My uber drivers usually are quiet or we share stories about what countries we are from.
Your conversation with Ford sounds very effete
"I can’t imagine how a conversation with that guy and a possible muslim guest would end."
The Muslim person standing on the side of the road?
Go easy on the driver. He did not say anything rude to you.
Uber rides, like everywhere in life, contain all kinds of people. The world would be a better place if we all tolerated and accepted each other more, no matter how weird or annoying a person may seem.
As I driver, I was definitely not the type to jump into passenger convos. Even so, I experienced plenty of condescending, cynical attitudes from passengers. Unless he or she is being truly rude or inappropriate, I'd advocate...
Uber rides, like everywhere in life, contain all kinds of people. The world would be a better place if we all tolerated and accepted each other more, no matter how weird or annoying a person may seem.
As I driver, I was definitely not the type to jump into passenger convos. Even so, I experienced plenty of condescending, cynical attitudes from passengers. Unless he or she is being truly rude or inappropriate, I'd advocate for having mercy on your driver and treating them kindly.
Sorry for the novel!
Well I once got a catholic guy holding a speach about how terrible Islam is and that it's a religion only about hating... blablabla... And this for 15 min straight. I myself am not very religious but always am trying to be respecteful with ppl holding other opinions. But at some point I just gave up trying to answer all of his arguments and sat still for the rest of the drive while he was...
Well I once got a catholic guy holding a speach about how terrible Islam is and that it's a religion only about hating... blablabla... And this for 15 min straight. I myself am not very religious but always am trying to be respecteful with ppl holding other opinions. But at some point I just gave up trying to answer all of his arguments and sat still for the rest of the drive while he was still ranting further.
I can't imagine how a conversation with that guy and a possible muslim guest would end.
+1 for this post. I genuinely do not like the overly involved driver. I've found the UberBlack drivers to be far more professional about jumping into conversations versus UberX. It's not a social exchange program. You are paying a fee for a service and the service is transportation. I already get creeped out getting picked up at home for a night out, essentially advertising to the driver no one is home. While the majority of...
+1 for this post. I genuinely do not like the overly involved driver. I've found the UberBlack drivers to be far more professional about jumping into conversations versus UberX. It's not a social exchange program. You are paying a fee for a service and the service is transportation. I already get creeped out getting picked up at home for a night out, essentially advertising to the driver no one is home. While the majority of Uber drivers are great, a single exception to this rule -and there have been countless publicized cases- could be costly. I now have learned to keep my mouth shut, nor do I take calls in the Uber. I have been very lucky, however, as I often get the same
Uber drivers who know me -and I live in LA. Miami is the worst city for Ubers, and their management in the city seems to lack. Had an Uber who didn't know how to get to MIA -nor speak English. Despite being bilingual, I ended up at the cargo terminal - inputed the address correctly too...
I hate it. But it's not limited to uber drivers. You get a buddy or you get money, not both.
That said, you can't have it both ways. If you're the type who, when alone, tries to strike up a conversation with the driver, you're just as bad. Maybe they enjoy it. Maybe they are just being polite for a tip or five stars and wish you'd shut up. As a passenger, you get a...
I hate it. But it's not limited to uber drivers. You get a buddy or you get money, not both.
That said, you can't have it both ways. If you're the type who, when alone, tries to strike up a conversation with the driver, you're just as bad. Maybe they enjoy it. Maybe they are just being polite for a tip or five stars and wish you'd shut up. As a passenger, you get a ride not a friend. If you adhere to that, but only if you do, then you can complain about talkative drivers.
In markets where there is less of a history of executive travel or taxi service (Miami may fit this description, I'm not sure), you will have more casual Uber drivers who may like to get involved in the conversation. In New York, the black car drivers that do airport rides and other types of rides for firms generally are trained by dispatchers to not get involved in conversations. Taxi drivers generally follow this as well...
In markets where there is less of a history of executive travel or taxi service (Miami may fit this description, I'm not sure), you will have more casual Uber drivers who may like to get involved in the conversation. In New York, the black car drivers that do airport rides and other types of rides for firms generally are trained by dispatchers to not get involved in conversations. Taxi drivers generally follow this as well (sometimes). Uber doesn't train its drivers to do anything, so diver behavior will be inconsistent in this regard. If the driver keeps interjecting, just be quiet or use one word answers with the driver. If it's more of an issue, just give a low rating
@ Beachfan -- That not only drives me crazy, but also terrifies me. I have been told by drivers that uber stopped providing a mounting kit. Sounds like a class-action lawsuit waiting to happen.
use Lyft instead. :-)
@ Joe -- I vote for truly crazy.
"Uber is smartphone technology socialism"...
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Um
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That you can and do boil everything into politics means you're a troll, or you truly are crazy.
Uber is smartphone technology socialism. It's a rotten business, it should be banned worldwide. But, but, but, those really "kind" drivers will start to cry, give 1 star ratings, and cyber-bully. Waaaaa.
I've had a driver fall asleep in the car so..could be worse! :) But yeah, when you get 'one of those' it's really frustrating. I usually roll with it and just leave myself satisfied that the guy is a knucklehead.
I sympathize but it's minor compared to my pet peeve.
Drivers who hold their smart phone in their hand and use it for directions. Eyes off the road every couple of minutes. Use a dash or window mounted holder for your phone so you don't have to look down.
That's not my biggest pet peeve. What I hate is when the app says driver arriving in 6, then 4. Then 12 and count down to 3, then 9 minutes!
WHO IS FORD???
This is also an announce for me. A natural minimal involvement in the conversation is perfectly fine but recently in Scottsdale it was all too intruding. We were talking about a friend's cat to which the driver interrupted with, " you guys like animals?"
Us: "Um.. yeah sure"
Driver: "you see that tree over there?" (This being in the desert, there are not many trees, The tree was about 500 yards away from...
This is also an announce for me. A natural minimal involvement in the conversation is perfectly fine but recently in Scottsdale it was all too intruding. We were talking about a friend's cat to which the driver interrupted with, " you guys like animals?"
Us: "Um.. yeah sure"
Driver: "you see that tree over there?" (This being in the desert, there are not many trees, The tree was about 500 yards away from the highway in which we were traveling about 80mph) "there are birds that live in that tree there" ...
We didn't talk for the rest today the ride.
I agree with Lucky. A little conversation is fine. Some drivers maybe are lonely and crave human interaction, which is why they drive. Love meeting new people and having conversations. But interjecting and interrupting your passengers' discussion unnecessarily and then making false statements is really annoying.
@ Ben -- Kinda agree with Mitch on this one. This post doesn't reflect well upon you My comment probably doesn't reflect well upon me either, so no biggie. :) Thank God for texting, though!
The lowly driver wanted to make conversation? Heaven forbid.