Challenges of Multiple-Stop Rides: A Driver’s Perspective

As a rideshare driver, I often find myself navigating a unique set of challenges on the road, and one of the biggest hurdles I face is managing multiple-stop rides. To be honest, I rarely accept them for several reasons. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a passenger adds a stop after I’ve already picked them up. It feels like a sneaky way to circumvent the rideshare system, and it’s frustrating.

Sure, not every passenger has ill intentions. Some may have legitimate reasons for needing to make a last-minute stop. However, when I accept a trip, I do so with the understanding of the route and compensation involved. Adding a stop can throw a wrench in my plans, especially since I might not want to go to that area, and I have no idea how much extra I’ll be compensated for my time.

Time is money in this business. Sure, I’m willing to accommodate passengers depending on the situation—especially if there’s a chance of receiving an adequate tip. But I’d prefer if passengers would consult me first before making any changes to the route in the app.

For instance, I once had a passenger named Brycen who wanted to add a stop for food during one of the busiest times of the night—the hours leading up to bar closing time. On top of that, he wanted me to wait while he ordered freshly-made food! This was a hard pass for me.

While I understand the urge to satisfy late-night cravings, waiting 15 to 20 minutes for food isn’t feasible, especially when I’m already feeling the pressure of making the most of my time on the road. I was more than willing to accommodate a quick stop for pre-made snacks, especially since I could use a restroom break and a cup of coffee. But fresh food? No way!

“Hey, do you mind dropping me off at that Wawa up there?” Brycen interrupted me mid-sentence. I understood his rudeness—he was drunk and craving food, nothing personal. But I needed to clarify his intentions.

However, he asked to be “dropped off” and not just stop at the convenicnece store. Language matters, so I clarified with him if he wanted me to change his destination in the app and just end the trip there.

“Nah, I don’t want to be dropped off,” he replied, before making it clear he wanted to grab food and then be dropped off at his original destination. Asking, “could we get food and like turn back around to get dropped off at the hotel?”

I could use the restroom and I’m always game for another cup of coffee. But I couldn’t wait for food to be made, so I reiterated my position: “If you want to run in and grab something that’s already made, I wouldn’t mind.” But there was an awkward silence. It was evident that he was hoping for me to wait for the freshly made food, which wasn’t in the cards.

I broke the silence by explaining to him that it was a busy time, and I couldn’t afford to wait because Uber only compensates drivers about 15 cents per minute for waiting time. I can’t work for free, and sitting idle while he ordered wasn’t a viable option for me. I was ready to stop for a quick snack and a bathroom break, but I needed to prioritize my earnings.

I suggest that passengers indicate a tip in advance when asking for an additional stop that isn’t listed in the app. However, Brycen didn’t do this, which influenced my decision not to stop.

“Uber doesn’t really take care of us on stops,” I explained further. “I give a cash tip, so it doesn’t really matter,” Brycen replied. What, seriously? Where was this cash tip offer before? “Like I literally throw out a fucking thirty for requests like that,” he continued.

I then called out his bluff— “I mean if you’re doing a cash tip, I’d be more than willing to do it.” 

His response was revealing. “Nah, well you said you got other stuff going on right now so it’s all good,” he declined. It was clear he was bluffing about tipping me, and I was left wondering how many other drivers had faced similar situations.

In the end, it all comes down to communication and mutual respect. If passengers could more openly discuss their needs and intentions before making changes to their ride, it could lead to a better experience for everyone involved.

So, next time you’re in a rideshare, remember that a little transparency and consideration can go a long way. After all, we’re all in this together, navigating the journey of the night—one ride at a time.