Uber And Lyft Drivers Reveal Just How Annoying Ride-Hailing Passengers Can Be

According to Uber, there are nearly 4 million drivers providing ride-hailing services across the world, which means that they can’t help but run into all types of passengers, some of which can be quite annoying.

Recently, Business Insider spoke with over 20 verified drivers for both Uber and Lyft (as well as other services), in order to find out what types of problems they’ve encountered with regards to their passengers.

For example, one unexpected minus is having to drive people around who have just gotten takeout food.

“You get to eat your takeout when you get home, but the smell can linger into the next trips,” said Michael, an Uber driver in Virginia. “It’s not a huge deal, but if it’s something strong it can be annoying. It’s also bad when I’m hungry.”

Also read: Female Uber Drivers In Saudi Arabia Can Request To Have Only Female Passengers

Meanwhile, Matt from Wisconsin says that he doesn’t mind helping passengers get food, but only on one condition: “I tell them, ‘We can absolutely go to Taco Bell or KFC or whatever, but you have to wait to open it until I drop you off.”

Smells are an issue

Another similar problem involves Marijuana, which can actually get you in trouble with whichever platform you operate on.

“If you smell like weed, I have to air out the car before picking up the next person,” said Mahmoud, who drives in Los Angeles. “I don’t care necessarily, but I have to protect myself. The person who gets in next could complain or say I was driving under the influence.”

Such a complaint could automatically get you removed from the Uber platform, resulting in a temporary interruption in your income.

“I’ve had this happen to me too many times to count,” said Toni, who operates in New York.

Manners matter

Seen as how most Uber and Lyft drivers are using their personal vehicles, it’s no wonder that passengers who do things such as slam doors can easily get under a driver’s skin.

“There’s only one thing that really gets under my skin, even if it really shouldn’t, and that’s slamming my door,” said Frank, who drives in Palm Springs, California. “It’s probably less than 1% of passengers who I’ll never see again, but it’s still one of those things.”

“Do not be rude to the driver,” said Toni. “Everyone has a bad day, but you are in someone’s personal vehicle.”

Speaking of manners, there’s a real issue as far as female drivers are concerned with regards to their physical and emotional safety. Many female drivers who spoke out said that they only work during the day in order to avoid uncomfortable nighttime encounters.

“I get rude and harassing comments from men in the day, so I don’t even want to know what it would be like at night when people are drinking,” said Jenny.

Other issues include people using an incorrect or inaccurate pickup point, arguing over GPS routes, vaping, not being ready to go and of course not tipping their driver, although the latter is still a controversial talking point.