When you catch a ride with an UberX driver in the Illawarra from Thursday you should be on your best behaviour.
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It’s not just bad drivers that can be punished under Uber’s rules – bad passengers can find themselves kicked off the app as well.
Uber NSW general manager Henry Greenacre - who grew up in Berry – said drivers and riders provided ratings on each other.
“We want every Uber journey to be enjoyable for everyone in the car, and that's only possible when both riders and drivers show respect for one another,” Mr Greenacre said.
“That’s why we have a two-way rating and feedback system for all rider and driver accounts that helps keep everyone on the app accountable for their behaviour.”
Mr Greenacre said the feedback was taken seriously and, if a rider regularly received bad ratings they risked having their phone number blocked from the service.
Uber has released tips on what drivers like, which could help you avoid becoming a bad rider.
These include ensuring you accurately identify the pick-up location, limit the number of passengers to four per car and, of course, be polite.
Being polite includes not encouraging the driver to run red lights because you’re running late.
UberX officially launches in the Illawarra at noon on Thursday and more than 200 drivers have submitted the required paperwork with Roads and Maritime Services for approval.
Now, you might be one of those people who have heard about this “Uber” thing, but don’t really understand what it is.
Well, here’s a quick guide – it’s a service run through an app you download to your mobile phone where you can book a ride with an Uber driver in their private car.
Firstly, you download the app then register with Uber and provide debit or credit card details (Uber is cash-free).
To arrange a ride, either drop a pin at your destination on the map in the app – or type in the address.
You will get a fare estimate and, if you accept that, then request the trip.
Then you will get an estimated arrival time for your ride, as well as the driver’s name, licence plate and colour of the car.
When you get in, ask the driver’s name to make sure you’ve got the right car.
And you’re on your way.