A set of new guidelines issued by Uber for drivers and riders ban the carry of alcohol in the vehicle and insist riders must not exceed vehicle passenger limit.
The updated Community guidelines meant for West Africa, which includes Nigeria and Ghana, were designed to provide guidance on how drivers and riders should behave and treat each other during a trip.
According to Uber, it is committed to providing a service that is seamless and efficient and the release of these guidelines aims to reinforce the company’s commitment to both riders and drivers.
Uber revealed that riders can lose access to its service if they don’t comply noting that this is the first time Uber is publishing a policy explaining why riders can lose access to Uber 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 which are obvious to most riders such as throwing up in the backseat or leaving rubbish in the car, saying that 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.
Uber advised that drivers should always take a break if tired adding that riders should play their part by wearing their seatbelts and not trying to cram in extra people when there aren’t enough seat belts and refrain from bringing alcohol or banned substances into the vehicle and should not ask a driver to go faster than the speed limit.
The new guidelines also said that those under the age of 18 take an Uber with adult supervision, but cannot have an Uber account themselves while parents or guardians need to accompany children at all times.
While emphasising there are sanctions for breaking the new guidelines, Uber said called for feedback from riders and drivers saying that 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”, said Uber.
Although the new guidelines did not frown at conversation during trips, it however said Uber both riders and drivers should give each other space and should not make each other feel uncomfortable, and that “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.”
The statement from the company said that Uber does not discriminate against gender or race and any rider that does not share the same sentiments is not welcome on the app warning that unruly behaviour such as damaging the vehicle and using bad language is not tolerated.
While calling for mutual, it said that under no circumstances should riders or drivers disrespect the other and being aggressive or discriminatory can also get a rider banned from using the app.
“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” said Uber.
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.
By Isaiah Erhiawarien, West Africa
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