Uber releases updated Community Guidelines for Riders

Uber releases updated Community Guidelines for Riders

Uber has announced the release of their updated Community Guidelines in West Africa – which includes Nigeria and Ghana. The guidelines aim to provide guidance on how drivers and riders should behave and treat each other during a trip. The company is committed to providing a service that is seamless and efficient and the release of these guidelines aim to reinforce the company’s commitment to both riders and drivers.

This is the first time Uber is publishing a policy explaining why riders can lose access to Uber. This is important because when drivers use Uber they do more than simply drive: they’re sharing their own car, space and time with passengers. And while most riders show drivers respect, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

According to a statement from the company: “Uber’s updated Community Guidelines help explain what’s not acceptable on an Uber trip. Many of these are obvious to most of us but they should be noted – whether it’s throwing up in the backseat or leaving rubbish in the car, the below list of guidelines is one that everyone using Uber should understand –  driver-partners, and riders as well as those travelling with other riders/friends.

Read the guidelines below:

Safety first

Getting to a destination safely is a top priority. This is why drivers need to adhere to the rules of the road for example, by sticking to the speed limit, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not texting while driving. Drivers should always take a break if tired.

Riders should play their part by wearing their seatbelts and not trying to cram in extra people when there aren’t enough seat belts. Riders also need to refrain from bringing alcohol or banned substances into the vehicle and should not ask a driver to go faster than the speed limit.

Children must be supervised.

Those under the age of 18 can take an Uber with adult supervision, but cannot have an Uber account themselves. Parents or guardians need to accompany children at all times.

Going forward, if Uber finds that an unaccompanied minor is the account holder the account will be immediately deactivated. If Uber finds that the rider is under the age of 18 but the account holder is a third party that is over 18, Uber will remind the account holder of Uber’s policy and deactivate their profile after a second warning.

Feedback makes us all better.

Giving feedback allows Uber to know what the rider is satisfied or dissatisfied about, that is why both drivers and riders should always provide feedback post a trip. When people know that they are been rated they become conscious of their behaviour and become accountable for their actions. Accidents, incorrect fair charge or arguments should be reported by simply tapping the help button in the app. There is a customer support team that is always ready to assist.

Upon learning of an infringement Uber will contact the rider to investigate. Depending on the nature of the issue the rider’s account may be placed on hold during the investigation. Should the concern involve a serious offense such as involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity the account can be deactivated and authorities will be notified. Uber will provide any information the authorities require to assist them in their investigation.

Give riders and drivers some personal space

Although friendly conversation doesn’t do any harm during a trip, respect should be upheld at all times. Both riders and drivers should give each other space and should not make each other feel uncomfortable. Uber has a ‘no sex’ rule, meaning there should be no sexual conduct between drivers and riders. That includes flirting and touching from both parties. Other physical contact such as hitting or attempting to hurt a driver is also forbidden.

Respect each other

Mutual respect is key, under no circumstances should riders or drivers disrespect the other. Vehicles used on the Uber app belong to the driver-partners and they take pride in keeping their vehicles in good condition for riders to be comfortable. Riders should therefore respect the vehicle they are in and should leave the vehicle in the condition in which they found it.

Unruly behaviour such as damaging the vehicle is not tolerated. Using bad language is also not allowed. Being aggressive or discriminatory can also get a rider banned from using the app. Uber does not discriminate against gender or race and any rider that does not share the same sentiments is not welcome on the app.

Uber strives to create a safe and pleasant environment for both riders and driver-partners. These guidelines are important and are implemented for the benefit of all those that use Uber. Driver and riders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Community Guidelines.

Alongside Nigeria and Ghana, the updated Community guidelines have also been released in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Nigeria following a global rollout that was launched in the US. The guidelines are available in  English, Swahili, French, Sesotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa and are not only a ‘how to’ for drivers using the app, but one for Uber riders too.