The Dos and Don'ts of UberPool

First time taking an UberPool? We're here to help. Here is a list of guidelines for what to do, and what not to do, when riding in an UberPool. Keep in mind that these guidelines also apply to other shared ride services such as Lyft Line!

DO:

Leave yourself enough time. Taking a carpool service often requires your driver to take you a bit out of the way to pick up other passengers. The driver may not always take the fastest or most direct route to your specific destination when there are other stops to be made along the way.

Socialize, but not too much. UberPool is a great way to network and meet new people. Feel free to communicate with other passengers, introduce yourselves, and make the shared ride a bit less painful by breaking the awkward silence. However, be careful not to flirt, because Uber has a strict policy for using UberPool as a dating application.

Watch what you eat. You should always be mindful of what you are eating in any Uber vehicle, whether it’s UberPool or not. It is especially important, however, when you are sharing the ride with other passengers. You never know what allergies your fellow passengers may have, and it is rude to bring smelly or messy foods into a shared car.

DON’T:

Bring a pet. Although there is no formal rule that doesn’t allow pets in an UberPool, it is something that you should consider. Small dogs that can fit in a carrier may be appropriate, but if you were considering bringing a larger pup with you, you may have more difficulty. The decision to let a pet into the car is up to the driver, so if you do decide to bring any type of animal in your UberPool, make sure to follow these instructions ahead of time.

Carry excessive amounts of luggage. Similar to the pet situation, bringing luggage with you into an UberPool is something you should consider before you request your ride. The car will likely have room in the trunk to store your suitcase, but you should think twice before you bring your two checked bags, your backpack, and carry-on into the UberPool.

Be too demanding. Especially when sharing a car with other passengers, it can be overwhelming for the driver when you have too many requests, such as changing the music, opening windows, turning up the AC… each passenger will have their own preference, and the driver simply can’t accommodate everyone. A good way to ensure the ride is enjoyable is to have the driver decide on the radio station.

Felicia is a Multimedia Guru at RideGuru. She recently graduated from Bentley University with a B.S. in Marketing and minor in Computer Information Systems. She is an avid rideshare user who enjoys both domestic and international travel.