Uber has updated its Community Guidelines in order to inform riders of the rules they need to adhere to if they want to keep using the service. And as breaking any of these rules could see you banned from using Uber ever again, regular Uber riders should probably take notice.
There have always been Community Guidelines for both Uber drivers and Uber riders alike. However, while the rules for drivers (who you still can't officially tip) were available for all to see, the rules for riders have never really been spelt out in an official capacity. Until now.
Uber's New Community Guidelines
Uber's new Community Guidelines are mostly common sense, with Uber advising riders to be respectful, be on time, take care of the car, give people space, and abide by the law at all times. So far, so reasonable.
However, Uber has also taken the time to detail some of the ways riders could lose access to the service. Which are as follows:
- Damaging drivers’ or other passengers’ property.
- Physical contact with the driver or fellow riders.
- Use of inappropriate and abusive language or gestures.
- Unwanted contact with the driver or fellow passenger after the trip is over.
- Breaking the local law while using Uber.
These five golden rules cover activities including spilling food and drink, vomiting in the car, asking overly personal questions, texting the driver after the journey has ended, flirting with other passengers, and engaging in sexual activity of any description.
Reducing Bad Behavior to a Minimum
You wouldn't think spelling out the rules in such an obtuse manner would be necessary in this day and age. However, there are plenty of examples of Uber drivers and riders both engaging in bad behavior. Drivers have harassed and assaulted their riders, and riders have harassed and assaulted their drivers.
For the uninitiated, Uber employs a rating system for both drivers and riders alike. Which means the better you behave the higher the rating you'll maintain. By detailing just what is expected from both parties, Uber should be helping keep bad behavior to an absolute minimum. Fingers crossed.
Do you use Uber on a regular basis? If so, have you ever witnessed bad behavior from a driver or rider? Have you ever had a driver complain about something you're doing in their car? If so, we'd love to hear the story, so please let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: John Bastoen via Flickr