As Uber and Lyft drivers, what are your pet peeves about your passengers, and what do you do about them?

pet peeves…hmmm!

Well, I don’t like someone taking their shoes off, especially when it smells like something died. Keep your shoes on buddy and if you’re gonna pass gas, have the courtesy to crack the window.

I don’t like teenage college kids that are drunk, especially girls (18–20). Possibly the most obnoxious group as a whole (and possibly the nastiest talkers bar none). I’ll work a college campus; but, not after 10pm. If I never hear the word “like” again in my lifetime, that would be okay with me.

Yeah, people who say they are going to tip and don’t. We don’t expect you to say it, so why lie. You got to hope maybe they just forgot. Rather than just being a jerk.

Someone who does not speak or show common courtesy, like I am a servant or beneath them in some way. I have people on their phone when they get in, stay on the phone the entire time without a word to me and get out still on the phone. No Hi, Bye or kiss my Ax…

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pet peeves…hmmm!

Well, I don’t like someone taking their shoes off, especially when it smells like something died. Keep your shoes on buddy and if you’re gonna pass gas, have the courtesy to crack the window.

I don’t like teenage college kids that are drunk, especially girls (18–20). Possibly the most obnoxious group as a whole (and possibly the nastiest talkers bar none). I’ll work a college campus; but, not after 10pm. If I never hear the word “like” again in my lifetime, that would be okay with me.

Yeah, people who say they are going to tip and don’t. We don’t expect you to say it, so why lie. You got to hope maybe they just forgot. Rather than just being a jerk.

Someone who does not speak or show common courtesy, like I am a servant or beneath them in some way. I have people on their phone when they get in, stay on the phone the entire time without a word to me and get out still on the phone. No Hi, Bye or kiss my Axe. Come on people, I can appreciate your busy lifestyle; but, I am human too.

People who do not show respect for my vehicle. Eating greasy chips and wiping their fingers on my seats or dropping trash on the floorboard. People seem to like to hide trash rather than put it in the ashtray. They push gum and candy wrappers into or between the seats. Or even worse, throwing trash out the window can get me a fine.

Couples who carry on their fight like I am not there. Can it not wait ten minutes?

A back seat driver! “Car coming””Okay that light is yellow””Easy, easy on this corner””Okay, we are going to be turning left, hit that blinker””Holy smokes, easy on the brakes, you wanna snap my head off”” I KNOW there is a faster route than this””Do you think traffic is moving fast enough?”(a hint to speed up)”Other Uber/Lyft drivers drive so much smoother!” (These are all comments I have heard as an Uber/Lyft driver. geeez!! I know. Makes you wanna go postal. LOL) I am not sure why, but gay men seem to have the best zingers to put you down or establish their command of your vehicle. You can’t make this stuff up and some of it is so hilarious I write it down in the hopes one day a sitcom/RealityTV will be made.

People who poor mouth you about not being able to afford the fare (this is usually the lead up to why they don’t tip, cuz they’re too broke you know), then want you to do them a favor, stop here stop there, take them through drive through, pick up a friend, wait ten minutes at their destination so they don’t have to pay another pickup charge. People clearly do not understand the financials of an Uber/Lyft driver and seem to think we are living in tall cotton to ask all these “favors”. I mean if you were my brother, sister, associate or long time friend I can see it; but, you are a stranger…wanting favors (and it’s not like you can or even will ever “return” the favors!!) More than once I have had a poor mouther cry about their financial woes and then go through a drive through and order $50 plus tax of food or stop at the Red Dot store for a carton of cigarettes and a bottle (at least $85-$100).

NOTE: To those it matters, the best remedy for a poor mouther is to poor mouth them back. “I know, I know, it is so bad I am down to one sheet per wipe””man my kids are so thankful for the Walmart sale on cat food. If you drain off the slimey gravy, the bits and morsels are right tasty.””Well, congratulations are in order, my wife and I just had our 13th healthy child” “at our house we have six double bunks for all the kids, this one will have to sleep in the tub” “I know man we haven’t had power for almost a week now, the wife is cooking on open flame in the barbecue pit” One time I so out poor mouthed a poor mouther that after he had left the vehicle and I was pulling out, he ran over and handed me a $5 tip. That’s one of those little challenges that make being an Uber/Lyft driver fun.

Yeah people can be people; but, I draw a line in the sand. Thanks for your upvote and please share!

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I love the comments on here as I have many of the same complaints. One that i dont see or maybe I missed it. My biggest pet peeve although only had this problem 3 times is the idiot parents who expect you to drive their child with no car seat. WTH is wrong with these parents? Drivers could suck at driving, be tired, high, drunk (i would hope not) etc and you are going to risk your toddlers life to get somewhere. I've had one parent who understood. One dad on the 4th of July  had 4 yr old, when I pulled up and explained I couldnt take them he replied "she will be fine". Yes she will because I am not driving her. (Didn't say that to him)When i still refused he cussed me out then precceeded to say ill get her seat. No thank you because if I put you in my car now definately 1 star and probably a report to go with it with some lie. What makes me laugh he had a seat he couldve taken but didnt because it was to much trouble to protect his daughter. Last night same situation I pull up se…

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I love the comments on here as I have many of the same complaints. One that i dont see or maybe I missed it. My biggest pet peeve although only had this problem 3 times is the idiot parents who expect you to drive their child with no car seat. WTH is wrong with these parents? Drivers could suck at driving, be tired, high, drunk (i would hope not) etc and you are going to risk your toddlers life to get somewhere. I've had one parent who understood. One dad on the 4th of July  had 4 yr old, when I pulled up and explained I couldnt take them he replied "she will be fine". Yes she will because I am not driving her. (Didn't say that to him)When i still refused he cussed me out then precceeded to say ill get her seat. No thank you because if I put you in my car now definately 1 star and probably a report to go with it with some lie. What makes me laugh he had a seat he couldve taken but didnt because it was to much trouble to protect his daughter. Last night same situation I pull up see 3 yr old and calmly and nicely say I cannot take her without carseat again parent says "she will be fine" I reply I am really sorry but cant do it. Then she gets nasty of course, cuss words and attitude with me.  Now here is the best part. I offer to cancel so she doesnt get cancellation fee. She is so pissed and enraged she cancels me. So guess what I got cancellation fee and sent message to Uber how rude she was. I drive up the street and request comes in its her again. Lol You wouldve thought she wouldve seen it was me again. I am thinking she seen that she was charged and hoped I would come back and get rid of cancel fee. Dont think so shut app off for 5 min. then went on. It was only an 8.00 fare but so not worth a childs life. She is all ready at a 4.5. I know why the hell did I even accept her request? Was going to let it time out but was doing something else on phone and hit accept. I was dreading the whole way there because to date the lowest I picked up was 4.6 and lucked out  she was a sweetheart. It felt good to get last laugh. I only drove 5 blocks to get to her 5 blocks back 3.75 5 min. I'll take it. 

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Well, since you asked:    

There will always be things people consiously or subconsiously do that we don't like.  It is to be expected in any service industry.  In dealing it is always best to weigh the significance or threat, remain level headed, and try to come to an amicable solution. (Also, to decide if you are the one being unreasonable.)   Always be nice, until a line is crossed.  For most of us, the line is different.  I try to keep the line as distant as possible.  We all have buttons, but still, it is best to breathe, remain calm, stay respectful, be considerate, and be pleasant.   In service, it is not about the person providing the service, it is all about the person paying and their experience.

1) People who soak themselves in perfume to the point where I can no longer breathe, or I get a little dazed.  To add, people that have just smoked 5 cigarrets and put the last out as they get in the car.   These people smell …

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Well, since you asked:    

There will always be things people consiously or subconsiously do that we don't like.  It is to be expected in any service industry.  In dealing it is always best to weigh the significance or threat, remain level headed, and try to come to an amicable solution. (Also, to decide if you are the one being unreasonable.)   Always be nice, until a line is crossed.  For most of us, the line is different.  I try to keep the line as distant as possible.  We all have buttons, but still, it is best to breathe, remain calm, stay respectful, be considerate, and be pleasant.   In service, it is not about the person providing the service, it is all about the person paying and their experience.

1) People who soak themselves in perfume to the point where I can no longer breathe, or I get a little dazed.  To add, people that have just smoked 5 cigarrets and put the last out as they get in the car.   These people smell so strong it has taken a day to get the stink out... even after washing the seats (a block or so away from the drop off.) - Which I have had to do... a lot.

Dealing:  I have started asking if I may open the windows for a while, at the start of the trip... as it has been a necessity to continue the ride.  Most do not seem to mind.  If there is resistance I may tell them that I cannot tolerate it or breathe and it may not be safe to continue the ride.  Some people cannot tolerate fragrances.  (Yes it is true and and million dollar lawsuites have been won.)  I think people are beggining to realize how bad perfume can hurt people... and chronic smokers realize how bad they can stink up a room.   I would even go so far as to say that some people appreciate the chance to air themselves out a little.

Two people have put on perfume IN the car.  That should be an absolute no no.  I have let them know it was unacceptable.  Once I washed the seats three times yet it was still like a perfume store. The Another it took over three days for the smell to dissapated.

So far, I have not had to deny anyone a ride... but I fear the day is comming when I will not be able to tolerate it.

2) Slamming the doors: only because its effects are cumulative.  My car is light, not an SUV.  People can be brutal:  One opened the door so hard, I thought the hinge had bent.  

Dealing: On occasion, I have jumped, cringed, and then politely aksed for them to please be more gentle with the doors. 

One guy (in a bunch of rowdy young guys) slammed the door so hard... without thinking I turned around, looked him in the eye, and said "Respect the car!"  He apologized, we laughed it off and had a very fun ride.

Most likely: if you put love into your car, people can tell, appreciate it, and will actively refrain from doing harm.  At least they will understand when you ask.

Inversely: If you dont care about it, why should they?

I hate to put up signs to be gentle with the doors, but I may have to consider it.

3)  No baby seats or underage kids,  Customers who put me in an uncomfortable position where I have to deny service: They are asking me to do something that would risk my job.  Most know this... they deny it, but you can read it on their faces.  Also, there are a lot of kids that miss the bus and try to take Rideshares to school.  It is terrible getting pulled 15 minutes away to a ride we cannot accept.

Dealing: Politely: "I cannot risk losing my license as this is my only source of income at the moment."  Even when frustrated, I never show anger or disrespect... only dissappointment that I cannot help them.   For older kids, it is a shame we cannot give teenagers a ride and I don't make the rules.  I ask if they are 18, if they say yes they get a ride... unless it is obvious they don't.

3a) Open alcoholic beverages.  (actually this has not been a problem)

Dealing:  With a make no mistake attitute:  "Sorry, I don't want to be a downer, but I cannot risk losing my dirver's license as this is my only source of income.  I will wait while you finish it or we can cancel the ride."   I have only had one person call another car.  

4) People that disrespect the car.  Mine is immaculate.  8 years old and it looks brand new.  Some people could care less and have no manners... unless it is brought to their attention.

Dealing:   No eating in the car, no open beverages, no smoking.   If you are dirty, wet, or have a sympathy or service dog that is not exceptionally clean:  I have beach towels in the trunk, as well as a small tarp in case it is really bad or a grease monkey expects a ride.   No one has ever gotten mad for me pulling out a beach towel, and I am not afraid to use it.  My car, my investment.  Ultimately it is my way or the highway. 

5) Asking me to wait, agreeing to tip, then not tipping.

Dealing:  On a one to one basis.   I tell people "I will not wait for more than two or three minutes unless there is compensation.  We make less than $4 an hour sitting on the clock.  Others have stiffed me... so I can drop them off and they can start a new trip if it is going to be long..."   I have not gotten stiffed since I am upfront and stern.  I am careful to watch my tone of voice, and do this gently, respectfully, but firmly.   I never pull a rap like tone of resentment or imply that they would do the same.  I just have to protect my interests.

Rideshare companies: Sorry, 7 cents a minute is not enough for a long wait!!

6) Wrong phone numbers, pick up locations, ID pictures, drop offs.  These are increadibly annoying and can be challenging.   

There should be a place where we can let the rideshare Co's know that the phone numbers are no longer valid.   I absolutely hate it pulling into a driveway in the dark, with no light on with no way to call the rider and verify the address.  Often - the call is ignored... or worse; the number is no longer valid.  (I have actually had someone open their door with a shotgun asking my why I turned into his driveway.)  All too often there are no numbers on buildings or homes.... and the GPS is absolutely useless!

Dealing:  Honestly... most people know their phones are no longer associated with their accounts.  I will mention that many drivers will just leave.  If the wait is too long and the phone does not work, I will leave, but have only had to do this once.  Often I mention the situation casually and move on.   if it is really bad, I may explain and reccomend a course of action.  If I had the time and a very good memory, I would fix the records... it is possible to fix google anyway.   If the destination is wrong, I correct it.

I would really feel safer if the rideshare companies had a little more control over peoples pictures being correct and their phone numbers being correct.   It actually feels a little scary when they are not.

Furthermore, their home addresses should be easy to put in.  They should be in before rider even asks for a ride from home... and not send us to a neighbor two houses down.

Always keep a cool head, be polite and smart about things.  At least until it is time not to be and try not to let that time come.   NEVER escalate.

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Passengers tend to assume that the GPS is a kind of god that knows everything. I have to explain to them that it is about as good as the camera in the My Little Pony camera from Mattel Toys. It is amazing that it works at all, but routinely being off by a half a block to three blocks is common. It cannot distinguish one side of the street from the other and passengers are frequently not where they are "supposed to be". I once had a passenger berate me for not picking her up at the pier in Redondo Beach California when I was waiting for her at Pier 39 in San Francisco, some 300 miles north.

Most passengers are completely ignorant as to why their rides are so cheap and I have to explain to them the economics of why a taxi costs more, and that a ride share car is cheap because it is heavily subsidized by the venture capial firms on the one hand and by the drivers on the other hand, who are not being paid fairly for the extreme depreciation of their cars. This is the consequsence of bein…

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Passengers tend to assume that the GPS is a kind of god that knows everything. I have to explain to them that it is about as good as the camera in the My Little Pony camera from Mattel Toys. It is amazing that it works at all, but routinely being off by a half a block to three blocks is common. It cannot distinguish one side of the street from the other and passengers are frequently not where they are "supposed to be". I once had a passenger berate me for not picking her up at the pier in Redondo Beach California when I was waiting for her at Pier 39 in San Francisco, some 300 miles north.

Most passengers are completely ignorant as to why their rides are so cheap and I have to explain to them the economics of why a taxi costs more, and that a ride share car is cheap because it is heavily subsidized by the venture capial firms on the one hand and by the drivers on the other hand, who are not being paid fairly for the extreme depreciation of their cars. This is the consequsence of being unregulated and taxi's are regulated. You would think I might be an enemy of the taxi indusstry but I am not.  I drove a taxi for ten years and know quite well the part of that industry that deserved the slap in the face they got from the new paradigm and also know full well what it is that they do better. Most passengers think the taxi's are some how for some reason "evil" and ride share cars are the salvation of humanity and both are wrong.

THe other peeve is the arrogance to imagine that ANYONE is going to make the world a better place with their app. In the sixties people thought putting LSD in the reservoirs would make everyone love each other, end the war and bring on endless free love. How's that working for you? A modicum of humility rather than hubris would actually make the world a better place for everyone, in my inconsequential opinion.

And then there is the endless chattering about what ever new gadget, the boys babbling about getting laid, the girls going out together to get drunk and see if there are any eligible men and all the new bars and restaurants and the endless displays of entitled behavior of the over paid and hopelessly naive. All this is simply the human condition in this little spot on the globe. For me, it goes in one ear and out the other, I play mellow jazz which often gets me compliments, I now the city better than the GPS becasue I was once a taxi driver and as much as I hate to admit it, I am actually a professional, I don't take shit from anyone and as a result, almost no one gives me any, I generally just ignore it unless it's in my face somehow. Even if they throw up. I drop them off, I take pictures, I turn them in on the spot and instanctly begin to clean the car because I carry supplies in the trunk and then I usually go home and have a glass of wine.

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The parents of babies, toddlers and those 6 and under who expect me to take them and the child "just down the street" without the appropriate car seat upset me.  They just do not want to be inconvienenced by having to cary the seat around at their destination.  Well booo hoo - take a bus!  I will not break the law or the rideshare policy for them.  Most of all I will not risk having some fool hit us and me have nightmares of that sweet child going through my windshield.  No never will take them!  And Yes I will report them to Uber/Lyft for having asked me to do it. 

I do not like anyone eating ANYTHING in my car.  I have had folks get in with open mugs of coffee or tea and I have to tell them it is not safe - sudden stop could scald them or me and mess up the car.  I have also had a rider offer to share her bagged left over pasta dinner with a companion in the back seat.  Also NO WAY!  I have told them if they are starving to get…

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The parents of babies, toddlers and those 6 and under who expect me to take them and the child "just down the street" without the appropriate car seat upset me.  They just do not want to be inconvienenced by having to cary the seat around at their destination.  Well booo hoo - take a bus!  I will not break the law or the rideshare policy for them.  Most of all I will not risk having some fool hit us and me have nightmares of that sweet child going through my windshield.  No never will take them!  And Yes I will report them to Uber/Lyft for having asked me to do it. 

I do not like anyone eating ANYTHING in my car.  I have had folks get in with open mugs of coffee or tea and I have to tell them it is not safe - sudden stop could scald them or me and mess up the car.  I have also had a rider offer to share her bagged left over pasta dinner with a companion in the back seat.  Also NO WAY!  I have told them if they are starving to get out and eat then call for a ride, but absolutely no eating in my car - after all it is my car.

Not too crazy about the very strongly scented body washes or perfums either.  I do open the window explaining that I do have asthma and a bunch of very nasty allergies and if they want to arrive safely in a timely manner the windows will be open.  

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