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How To Not Suck As A Lyft/Uber Driver

Some of y'all need to learn.

By Shelby TaylorPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Rideshare tips for all of y'all. 

I've been using Lyft a lot over the past few months, both as a driver and as a passenger, and there are things I've noticed: things that work and things that do not, things that warrant five stars, and things that do not. (But let's be honest — I give five stars pretty much no matter what. If I get there without dying or becoming seriously maimed or getting sexually harassed, you get five stars, even though it's very clear why you're one bad review from suspension, Jason.)

So, here are some things that I have noticed boost the ratings. I'm sittin' pretty at a 4.93 right now, so I feel that I'm qualified to give this advice.

1. Be friendly.

This seems like a no brainer, but I've had a solid amount of drivers who don't say a word to me when I step into their car. I get it — some people don't want to talk — but you should at least put your best foot forward when they hop in. Just a simple, "Hey, how's it going?" or, "How's your night been?" (if they're young, "Sup, brah?") can go a long way.

2. Accommodate everyone the best you can.

Too cold for them? Turn up the temperature. Too hot? Turn it down. Music too loud? Change the volume. At the end of the day, this is a customer service job, and you want your passengers to feel comfortable and safe.

3. Chips earn tips!

I have little bags of sunchips, pretzels, and popcorn in my car, and people lose their sh*t all the time — ESPECIALLY the 2 AM crowd. (I once had a girl get in my car, scream loudly upon seeing the aforementioned chips, and then insist that I turn around so she could take a snapchat of the chips and myself.) I know it's annoying having to provide snacks with your own money, but you definitely will make up for it (and so much more) in tips. I'm telling you — people love that sh*t. Try to have some water bottles in the cup holders if you can, too. Hydrate or die-drate, you know what I'm sayin'?

4. Have a f*cking car mount for your GPS!

I CANNOT stress this one enough. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a driver is looking down at their phone in their hand, taking their eyes completely off the road. You're going to kill me, dude. It makes passengers feel unsafe. Please, for the love of God, that is distracted driving, and it'll eventually get you flagged for safety.

5. Aux Chord

There is nothing more exciting to a group of people who are going out than having the ability to bump their own pre-game music. Plus, I love getting a glimpse into other people's music taste. Just offer it. Worst case scenario: they say, "No, thanks," and you get to keep listening to your own girly, poppy, Ariane Grande- and Taylor Swift-filled playlist (or maybe that's just me).

6. Don't be stinky.

You'd be surprised how many people appreciate getting into a car that smells like flowers. I have a little Febreeze air freshener, and I swear by it. I can't even count the number of people with horror stories like, "The car smelled like body odor/ weed/ garbage/ cigarettes." I've been in a few less-than-pleasant smelling cars as well. Ew. Avoid that.

In summation: Don't be a dick. Make sure everyone in your car feels comfortable and safe. HAVE A MOUNT FOR YOUR GPS. Extra little things like snacks and water go so far, and remember: you're a rideshare driver, not a cab driver. You have an obligation to be better.

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About the Creator

Shelby Taylor

26 year old starving artist. Florida --->; Colorado.

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