An Uber driver? I hadn't even thought of it but the idea was intriguing. I was looking for a second job and wanted something flexible. I had just started enjoying the fact that I had a life after a very consuming job ended and was in no hurry to lose my freedom.
Signing up was relatively simple. I had to wait a couple of weeks to be approved, but my driving record was clean so I wasn't worried. While I was waiting, I cleaned my car!
When was the last time you looked at your car like an objective outsider? It's really amazing how much dirt, hair, and random junk can end up in there! After taking a vacuum cleaner and some seat cleaner to it, I felt like my cleanliness ratings would be alright.
Speaking of ratings, do you know that along with rating your driver, we rate you? Riders are rated on behavior and if their rating is low enough, they will be kicked off the app.
So before I launch into my Ubering adventures, I thought I would give you a few insights about what the view is like from the front seat.
1) Please be patient.
The app is constantly being updated to be more efficient, but it still only gets us to within 50 ft. of your location before telling you that we're "here". In the middle of the city that might not mean much. I've ended up in a lot of back parking lots and had to call riders for help. They're usually just around the corner, but it's nice when they're understanding about it.
2) Please make sure the address for pick-up is actually where you are!
Drivers go to the address we are given. I can't tell you how many times I've driven to the address I've got, only to call the rider and find they're someplace else. The only way to fix this situation is for the ride to be canceled and ordered again. That new ride doesn't necessarily come to me so I've just wasted a trip. It can be extremely frustrating!
3) We're not deaf!
I'm so glad that riders feel comfortable in my car. On the flip side, you'd be amazed at the conversations I overhear. I've heard a pending break-up, a woman discussing egg donation, and some extremely drunk Harry Potter discussions. Most times it's really fun, but it can be awkward once in awhile.
4) Along those same lines...please remember that it's my car
We take great pride in our vehicles. I usually vacuum out my car every time I'm getting ready to go on the road. Please take any trash with you and if you need anything or want to change the music, please ask first.
5) Tipping
I get asked this every once in awhile and it's always nice to know that people are thinking about it. You don't have to tip your Uber driver, but there are several instances where it is very appreciated. If your trip was really long and it's going to take me awhile to get back to my usual hub, a tip is very nice. Also, if your party was particularly rambunctious or demanding, a tip would go a long way towards making sure that I give you a good rating!
6) Lastly, please understand that we must follow all laws regarding how many passengers we can take.
In my state, I can only take as many riders as I have seat belts for. My riders don't have to wear them, but I have to have them available for everyone. I've had riders give me bad ratings and be extremely nasty because I wouldn't let them squeeze more people in. Please understand it's not my choice to make. If I get pulled over not only could I lose my driving privileges, but I could lose my license.
Alright, enough lecturing! Ready to hear some stories from my Uber travels? I'll be posting about my more interesting experiences and hope you enjoy the ride! Literally
