🚗 Things That Don’t Work for Me as a Rideshare Driver (Part 1: Respect the Ride)

Rideshare services have become a daily routine for millions — and while most passengers are great, there are a few habits that really don’t work for drivers like me. If you’re hopping into an Uber or Lyft soon, here are a few things to keep in mind.

🛑 1. Don’t Demand — Ask Nicely

We’re here to help you get to your destination safely and comfortably, but that doesn’t mean we’re your chauffeur-on-command. Demanding anything — whether it’s rolling down the windows, taking a specific route, or adjusting the temperature — comes off as rude. A simple “Would you mind...?” goes a long way.

🌸 2. Don’t Spray Perfume or Apply Lotion Without Asking

This one is huge. Some fragrances linger for hours, and what smells good to you might give someone else a headache — including your driver. Always ask before spraying anything in a shared space. It’s about respect.

🍟 3. Don’t Eat in the Car Without Permission

It might be tempting to snack on your fries or unwrap that breakfast sandwich, but not all drivers are okay with food in their car. Crumbs, spills, and strong smells can stick around long after you're gone. When in doubt, ask first.

🛑 4. Don’t Pressure the Driver to Speed

No ride is worth risking a ticket or an accident. Telling your driver to “step on it” or complaining about how slow they’re going isn’t helpful — and can be dangerous. Most drivers follow the law not just because they have to, but because your safety matters.

🎶 5. Don’t Demand a Music Change

Music in the car can set the mood, but it’s a shared space. If you want the volume adjusted or the playlist changed, just ask politely. Most drivers are more than happy to accommodate when approached respectfully.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Rideshare is a shared experience — and small acts of courtesy can completely change the tone of a ride. If you wouldn’t like something happening in your own car, don’t do it in someone else’s.

This was Part 1 of a short series. Follow along for more rideshare tips, etiquette insights, and behind-the-scenes truths from a driver’s perspective.

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Why It Takes So Long to Get a Rideshare Pickup (And What You Can Do About It)

Have you ever opened your rideshare app, requested a ride, and then found yourself staring at the screen wondering… “Where’s my driver?”

You’re not alone. Delays in rideshare pickups can happen for a number of reasons—many of which are outside your control. In this post, we’ll break down why your ride might take longer than expected, and what you can do to help things move along more quickly.

1. Limited Driver Availability

Sometimes there simply aren’t enough drivers online in your area—especially during:

Late nights or early mornings

Holidays

Poor weather conditions

Remote or suburban locations

If you're in a low-demand zone, the system might struggle to find a nearby match, resulting in longer wait times.

2. High-Demand Times

Rideshare platforms often see a surge in requests during:

Rush hour (morning and evening)

Concerts, sporting events, and festivals

Weekend nights

Rainy or snowy weather

When demand spikes, wait times can increase—even with more drivers on the road—because ride requests outpace driver availability.

3. Traffic and Road Conditions

Even if your driver is close by, local conditions can cause delays:

Traffic jams or road closures

Construction zones

GPS rerouting

Accidents blocking roads

These issues can impact how fast your driver can safely reach you.

4. Driver Cancellations or App Errors

Sometimes the rideshare app itself contributes to delays:

App glitches or slow GPS updates

Incorrectly dropped pins or addresses

Drivers who accept, then cancel the ride

Every time a driver cancels, the app needs to reassign your request, which resets your wait time.

5. Drivers Being Selective

Drivers can see trip details (such as distance, location and upfront pay) before accepting a request. Some drivers might avoid:

Short trips that don’t pay much

Difficult or confusing pickup spots

Areas where it’s hard to get another ride afterward

Passenger rating

If your ride doesn't look worthwhile to them, they might pass on it—causing additional delay while the app finds someone else.

6. Tricky Pickup Locations

Certain pickup spots can make things complicated:

Apartment complexes or gated communities

Large event venues (stadiums, arenas)

Airports with designated zones

One-way streets or areas with limited stopping room

Drivers might take longer to locate you, or circle around to find a legal place to stop.

Tips to Reduce Your Wait Time

Here are a few things you can do to help speed up your rideshare experience:

✔️ Make sure your pickup pin is accurate

✔️ Choose a pickup spot that’s easy to find and accessible

✔️ Be ready and visible when your driver arrives

✔️ Avoid peak hours when possible

✔️ Communicate with your driver! Use the messaging feature to help drivers locate you quickly

Final Thoughts

It’s frustrating when a ride takes longer than expected—but most of the time, it’s not a glitch. It’s a mix of traffic, demand, and the decisions drivers need to make on the road.

The more you understand how the system works, the better you can navigate those delays—and get where you’re going with a lot less stress.

Thanks for reading!

If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or leave a comment below. 🚗✨