Tips to become an Uber/Lyft five-star passenger

If you are an Uber or Lyft passenger, then you most probably know of their rating system. If you are not an Uber/Lyft passenger but want to become one, then you have to read this article and learn what it takes to become a five-star passenger.

The reason you want a higher rating is that the lower the rating, the less chance you have of getting a ride. Uber and Lyft drivers look at all their fares ratings, even if it’s a quiet day and you are the only passenger request, they will still look to see what kind of passenger you are.

Here are some tips to raise your rating

  1. Pickup Issues: Think of the driver, he is not a taxi service and is not a chauffeur, he is a rideshare driver, offering you his personal car as a service. When you call a driver, think of where you want him to meet you for a seamless pick-up. Look at the area around you, your address, and pick an easily accessible spot where the driver does not need to go around the block just to reach you. Also, make sure you are facing the direction you want to go to. Otherwise, the driver will have to either turn around or drive you around longer than needed. Make sure you pick a pick-up spot that will not endanger the driver or yourself, and also, don’t pick a spot that is not legal so that the driver will not be possibly fined.

  2. Cancellations: Try not to cancel too late. Remember, the cancellation fee might not mean much to you, but the driver has wasted time and energy to reach your destination, it is possible that the driver chose you out of some options. So please keep your mind on the order, and if you think you have to cancel, cancel it as quickly as possible.

  3. Information: When you place the order, input your exact location and if possible (it always helps) input your destination. Drivers find it hard to navigate if you don’t put in an exact location, and regarding the destination, sometimes drivers pick up passengers based on destination more than location.

  4. Accuracy: If you don’t think you will be able to be at the pick-up location on time, let your driver know.Don’t let the driver wait, the longer the driver waits for, the more frustrated they get and most drivers will wait the recommended time but will drive off if you don’t notify them. It would be a shame for both of you if you missed your driver by a minute.

  5. Speed: When your driver arrives, don’t waste time, first check to see if this is your pick-up, if it is, gets in quickly and just let the driver drive off.

  6. Picking your seat: Yes, this might sound weird, but there is a whole culture behind seat choices. If you sit in the front, you will most probably want to talk to your driver. If you plan on sleeping or doing your own thing, working or chatting online, then it would be better if you sat in the back. If you have a pet with you, sit in the back, pets are not allowed to sit in the front. If you accompany a minor, sit in the back of the car with them. If you accompany a drunk or ill person, sit in the back. If you are getting into a multi-passenger car if the front seat is empty, but you prefer to sit in the back, before you get into the back, ask the passenger if they don’t mind.

  7. Respectability: When entering a rideshare car, (or any car in fact), don’t eat, especially not smelly or dripping food. Ask first if the driver allows it. The same goes for hot drinks. Never smoke in a car, unless your driver smokes too, but even then, the probability is that the car is a smoke-free zone since most passengers don’t like smelly cars. Before you enter the car, make sure your cologne or perfume is not overpowering and don’t spray it on in the car, the smell is subjective, and not everyone will like your preference. Regarding climate control and music, you must ask the driver if they can adjust the temperature to your liking, as well as music, not everyone likes loud music, and not everyone wants to freeze. While you are paying for the ride, it doesn’t mean you can do anything you want.

  8. Sociability: When talking to your driver or other passengers, always be polite.Note if they want to talk, maybe the passenger doesn’t feel like talking. When using a cell phone, don’t shout at it and try to keep chats as short and concise as possible.

  9. Langauge: When talking, try not to talk about sensitive subjects, also, when talking, try not to use abusive language, even when joking.

  10. Navigational Aid: If you know the route perfectly because you have taken it every day for 50 years, then tell the driver that you can direct him better than we or google maps, the driver may listen to you. No matter what the situation, let the driver do their work. If you think the driver is making a mistake, you can broach the subject gently, don’t get angry or nervous, just tell the driver what you think and it is possible that a great discussion and new route will follow.

  11. Tip, rate, and thank: If your driver did a good job, tip him/her, also thank them for the ride, even take their card if they have one and don’t forget to rate them. Rating drivers are important for them, and it will lead to a reciprocal rating.