Been kicking some of these around so I’ll blurt them out here and see what happens

Rideshare apps allow riders and drivers to rate each other on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. So far so good. When I first started (as a passenger) I figured 3 was average. Because … it IS. I reasoned if the car gets to me in a timely fashion, delivers me safely to my destination, the car is in decent shape, clean, and the driver is pleasant it warrants a three. If one or two of these things is above and beyond it merits a 4. If everything sparkles I’d give it a 5. Likewise if one or two is BELOW average (surly driver, filthy car, etc.) that drops it to a 2. If medical care or additional cash expense is required it’s a 1.

But that’s not how it works. Starting point is 5. IF ANYTHING is wrong, it’s a 1. On my last 500 Uber trips I have 462 5*, 26 4*, 6 3*, 0 2* and 6 1*. No. Just no. I don’t object to ANY of those ratings … except the 1’s. No tickets. No injuries. No additional expenses. Almost 98% of my rides are 5’s or 4’s. Did I suddenly snap and give a 1 ride just for giggles?

Uber Eats utilizes a thumbs up/thumbs down rating system. I don’t run food very often but my last dozen rides are all thumbs up. Food picked up on time, delivered promptly. All good. Thumbs up.

A few other observations:

We’ll pick you up where you tell us. If you tell us the wrong place, we won’t know. You can move the pin on the screen and it will take us to EXACTLY where you are. If there are multiple possible locations, just send us a quick text telling WHERE in the apartment complex, campus, warehouse facility you are.

Be kinda ready when we get there. Yes you have 3-5 minutes to get into our vehicle. But we do NOT like to sit and wait. And idling with the AC running is no fun either. And if you’re outside waiting for me when I get there (weather permitting) you WILL get a 5*.