The Rideshare Experience!

Ok, gang! I wanted to chime in on this touchy subject, because the media has so many ideas on how to receive the most out of the rideshare experience, but they are clueless as usual. Having experience as a rideshare driver, I want to share some of my insight, and this will hopefully expand and improve your experience as a rideshare passenger. Now before we get into what I think could make both the rider and driver enjoy a time between the two, I have to let you know that I only share opinions with you and not factual information. Fear not, what I'm about to tell you will help you and bump your "Rider IQ" up and hopefully a less stressful time.

Identifying riders and drivers! This is the most important because safety is paramount. Unfortunately, there have been some unwanted issues in the past with riders getting in the wrong vehicle and we to decrease those chances by the information I am about to provide. Let's start with this one, shall we! Riders, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop asking who is the rideshare for! Especially if you have a common name, or you are in a highly populated area where there could be a person with the same name, trying to accomplish the same thing you are, to get home safely. The information I give my passengers normally starts with a conversation. After paying attention to the vehicle tag plate and the make and model of the vehicle, if I was getting into someone's vehicle, I greet them and address their name. Normally, the driver will respond with, "Hi (fill in your name), are you going to (fill in your destination)". This approach avoids confusion, and it breaks the ice between two strangers. I cannot tell you how many times a rider has come into my car and say, "Is this for Sue?" and I reply yes, and then Sue is alarmed when I take the wrong turn because I was supposed to pick up another Sue going in a different direction. At lease ask the driver what their name is for confirmation. Yes, there is no perfect formula when rider and driver are identifying each other, but the key is paying attention to our surroundings and most of these apps are fairly accurate in providing driver's information. There have been times when I was dropping off passengers and the next person hops right in my car without saying a word. Now knowing that I didn't pick up a ride, there is always this strange exchange like, what the hell are you doing look I normally give them. Now I'm an average size person and can defend myself, but imagine a female driver, or someone new to the rideshare experience who may feel uncomfortable with someone jumping in their car without notice. Safety goes both ways is my point that I'm stressing here, and it goes a long way. Again, there is no "textbook" solution to this matter of driver/rider ID, the main key is to keep your eyes open, especially at night.

I'm good with these transitions, I should be a writer! My next area of concern, driving and riding at night. Now with the many concerns I have as a nighttime driver, I will only cover two for the sake of this read. Again, safety is the overall concern for both parties. My main concern when driving at night is where a passenger sits in my vehicle. Directly behind me is not a good decision if you are the only on getting in my vehicle. I need to be able to keep my eye on you at all times. As a driver, we can never get too comfortable with who we are letting in our space, especially at night. Remember, safety goes both ways and with strangers meeting for the first time, there is no such thing as a safe ride. Please try to put yourself in the driver's position. After all, he or she is out there trying to make money to make ends meet, pay bills, or just trying to keep afloat in life. Like I said before, there are no "perfect" methods to this is done, we are all trying to get home safe and make a living in the process. If it's from you trying to get to work or a driving trying to make things work, we are all on the same page.

I think I'm going to explore the food delivering experience on my next article. I see a great deal of misunderstandings in that area that needs to be addressed as well. I didn't get to cover a great deal of concerns with rider/driver issues that I might take up on a part two as well. Meanwhile, stay safe and be alert! We are all in this together!