It starts with the first ride . . .

Make the first ride count!

Driving a passenger who was on his first ride with Uber this afternoon I got to thinking that there are probably a few things every driver should tell first time passengers.  We have a lot of new passengers in my area mainly because Uber is still relatively new here.  Helping riders become 5 star passengers is an important job!  If you can start your passenger off with the right info about ratings, tips, surges, expectations etc you'll do yourself and all the rideshare drivers a huge favor.

According to a recent study by Pew Research, only about 15% of people have ever ordered an Uber.  Ridesharing is still a new concept worldwide so  new riders are frequent and eager to learn about Uber.  By giving a little info on that first ride, you can help them become 5 star passengers in the future.

Here's what I tell all passengers who are new to Uber:

• Feel free to sit up front. This is ridesharing, it's a step up from taxi service and we like to get to know our passengers. If you don't want to talk, just start messing with your cell phone - it's a sure sign - or just let us know that you don't feel like talking. Or, of course, you can sit in back just please, not in the creepy seat.
• We're happy to make you comfortable on your trip no matter how long or short.  Many of us have water, mints etc.  Just let us know if you need anything.  If you would like different music or if you are too hot / cold just say so, we're happy to accommodate.
• Riders get ratings, you're starting off with 5 stars!  I sometimes show them the ratings on the app.  Keeping the 5 star rating will assure that you get drivers who want to pick you up quickly. I have a great story about a passenger who was rated 3.7 that I am able to share here to help illustrate the point - most drivers have some sort of funny story about a poorly rated passenger.
• Drivers get ratings too - after your ride you'll get a chance to rate us. You should know that anything less than 5 is a fail so let us know what we can do to make your ride great!  I let passengers know that drivers can be deactivated or "fired" if their score drops below 4.6 to help them understand our position.
• Tips are not included, not necessary but if you think we did a great job, please feel free to give us a tip.  We're in the service industry like waiters, valets etc.  We appreciate tips.
• I also tell them how to get their favorite driver or schedule a ride in advance with UZURV - a new reservation app we have in our area.

Then I ask them if there is anything they want to know. Usually they want to know plenty!  Top questions:

• How long have you been driving for Uber?  Do you like it?
• Do you do this full time?
• What's the farthest you've driven someone / largest fare?

Just getting everyone off on the right foot makes it easy for drivers to get the good ratings and helps passengers understand how the process works.  Sometimes I even take the time at the destination to show them how the ride is ended, and that they are rated.  I've even waited patiently while their phone gets the final "end of ride" screen to show them how to use the ratings system.

These extra steps are worth it for the first ride and for every driver who meets the "first timer" on his future rides. If you want to know more about how to work with passengers consider signing up for mentoring

Uber on!

Click here to contact me with your questions :)