If you regularly use Uber and want to carry on doing so you need to start behaving better. This is because Uber has announced it's going to start banning riders who maintain a bad rating. Which would prevent you from using Uber the next time you need a ride.

Uber Asks for Safety and Respect for All

In a post on the Uber Newsroom, Uber has announced a new effort to ensure "safety and respect for all". This essentially involves Uber refreshing its Community Guidelines, and insisting everyone confirm that they've read and understood the rules.

However, beyond educating people about the behavior expected from people using the service, Uber is also introducing "Ratings-Based Rider Deactivations". Which, as the name suggests, introduces the possibility of riders being deactivated for low ratings.

Drivers and riders both have ratings assigned, with riders rating drivers and vice versa. Drivers have always faced the risk of being deactivated due to low ratings. However, riders haven't really faced any punishment for maintaining a low rating. Until now.

Ratings-Based Rider Deactivations

Uber states that, "Riders may lose access to Uber if they develop a significantly below average rating." They also "expect only a small number of riders to ultimately be impacted by ratings-based deactivations," but maintain "it’s the right thing to do."

Riders won't suddenly get banned. Instead, they'll "receive tips on how to improve their ratings" and "will have several opportunities to improve their rating prior to losing access to the Uber apps." Not that anyone should need tips on how to behave in cars.

What Not to Do to Get Banned From Uber

There are various reasons for being awarded a low rating by your Uber driver. These include being rude or abusive, leaving trash in the car, being so drunk you vomit, and asking drivers to exceed the speed limit. Which are all things people know to avoid doing.

Assuming you regularly use Uber to get around, here's a brief guide to Uber's ride types and options, and here's how to find out how much you spent on Uber last year. Even better, if you use Uber Black you can now ask your Uber driver to be quiet.

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