Uber, the ride-sharing mobile application that allows consumers to submit a trip request is now requiring the same good behavior from riders that it has long expected from its drivers. Uber riders have always had ratings, but they were never really at risk of deactivation — until now.
Uber riders in the U.S. and Canada are now at risk of deactivation if their rating falls significantly below a city’s average.
“Respect is a two-way street, and so is accountability,” Uber Head of Safety Brand and Initiatives Kate Parker wrote in a blog post. “Drivers have long been required to meet a minimum rating threshold which can vary city to city. While we expect only a small number of riders to ultimately be impacted by ratings-based deactivations, it’s the right thing to do.”
Uber will offer tips to riders around encouraging polite behavior and keeping the car clean.
Riders may lose access to Uber if they develop a significantly below average rating however riders will have several opportunities to improve their rating prior to losing access to the Uber apps.
“These standards are only effective if everyone on our platform understands them,” says Parker. “That’s why we’re launching a campaign to educate the entire Uber community about these guidelines. From in app messages and email to signs in Greenlight Hubs, we’ll get the word out to customers and partners.”
This is part of Uber’s refreshed community guidelines, which will appear front and center on the Uber app and require confirmation of acknowledgment. Uber’s guidelines were developed to help make every experience feel safe, respectful, and positive.
