New to Uber - Safe for Female Solo Traveler?

[MinMou]

Plaid Princess, I am sure that there are terrible taxi drivers and wonderful uber drivers. The point I was making is that a taxi driver who does terrible things loses their licence, in addition to any police action that might be applicable, because there is a legal process to become a taxi driver. An uber driver can be subject to police action as well, but uber might still let them drive. The process to become an uber or lyft driver is not very stringent, and in my opinion, not rigorous enough.

My original post was not meant to change your mind. It was meant to give another opinion and some more information to people who were looking into uber and lyft. I admit my opinion is different than yours, but since we are talking about safety, I thought it important to bring up another point of view that had not been discussed until yesterday.

 

[MinMou]

There's also Lyft, which, from what I've heard, is more selective about drivers. I know someone who was accepted by Uber but told "no, thanks" by Lyft.

Thank you, I did not know this about lyft.

 

[Prose]

Where do most people sit when taking Uber? I read an online discussion by Uber drivers that said they prefer a single rider sit in the front, but I cannot image ever being comfortable with that.

 

[Elevationist]

Where do most people sit when taking Uber? I read an online discussion by Uber drivers that said they prefer a single rider sit in the front, but I cannot image ever being comfortable with that.

I think I saw a thread on this a while back, and the general consensus from drivers was that they didn't really care either way, and that it was up to the customer which they preferred. They DID mention though that usually they assume if a solo rider sits in front, they're more open to friendly conversation along the way, where as when they sit in back, they assume they prefer not to be bothered much. (I'm pretty shy with people I don't know well, so I'll be going for the backseat myself!)

 

[nkereina]

Where do most people sit when taking Uber? I read an online discussion by Uber drivers that said they prefer a single rider sit in the front, but I cannot image ever being comfortable with that.

I take Uber solo most of the time and I always sit in the back. No driver ever seems to bat an eye about it. Some will strike up conversation, some don't. I don't treat it any differently than a taxi in that regard.

 

[joelkfla]

I think I saw a thread on this a while back, and the general consensus from drivers was that they didn't really care either way, and that it was up to the customer which they preferred. They DID mention though that usually they assume if a solo rider sits in front, they're more open to friendly conversation along the way, where as when they sit in back, they assume they prefer not to be bothered much. (I'm pretty shy with people I don't know well, so I'll be going for the backseat myself!)

I've also read (on boards frequented by drivers) that Lyft riders are more likely to sit in the front, because Lyft cultivates a friendlier, less formal image than Uber, and encourages driver-rider interaction. Not to say that Uber discourages sitting in the front; Lyft just apparently attracts a less formal clientele.

 

[RideShareRob]

Right......If you sit in the front as a solo rider, I assume youll want to chat....Wherever you sit is fine with me......except in my lap..Im a delicate flower you know