The “Say My Name” Game—A Rideshare Driver’s Perspective

The “Say My Name” Game: A Rideshare Driver’s Perspective

As a rideshare driver, I’ve always believed in a set of guiding principles to ensure a positive experience for my passengers and myself. One of my original 5 Golden Rules was to have riders verify their name before getting into my vehicle. It seemed straightforward — after all, they have multiple ways to identify me: my name, picture, vehicle type, and license plate. But for the longest time, I was adamant about one thing: Never Giving Out the Rider’s Name.

The Backlash of Sticking to My Guns

This rule, which I fought hard to maintain over the years, often came with a cost. Despite my commitment to my safety, I received retaliatory bad ratings. It made me question whether holding onto this rule was worth it, especially when it negatively impacted the rider’s experience. Starting off on the wrong foot with a passenger just doesn’t seem worth it when you consider the potential for negative feedback and lower driver ratings.

I felt passionate about this rule because, as a driver, the only way I could identify a passenger was by their name. However, I started to realize that the riders might not see it the same way.

A Change of Heart

Over the past year, I’ve chosen to reevaluate my approach. I’ve taken a more relaxed view on my original Golden Rule, and it’s made a HUGE difference! My ratings have soared, and I’ve noticed an increase in tips as well.

Since I started driving for Uber in 2017, I’ve maintained a solid rating hovering between 4.96 and 4.98. But like many drivers, I received a few lower ratings that kept me from reaching that elusive perfect 5-star score.

I've come to realize that being so strict about the name verification rule might have held me back from truly connecting with my passengers. I’ve had a change of heart about this original golden rule—and honestly, it’s been a game changer for me. Sometimes, loosening up a bit can make all the difference!

Understanding the Other Side

the “what’s my name?” trend that kicked off in 2019 after a tragic incident involving a South Carolina college student who mistakenly got into a car thinking it was her Uber. Sadly, she lost her life that day, but here’s the thing: the driver wasn’t even an Uber driver—just a random person. Since then, male rideshare drivers have faced unfair scrutiny, and now we often feel like we have to prove we’re not predators to our female passengers.

I’ve realized that not every pickup situation is dangerous. When I think about a group of young women enjoying a night out at the beach, I see it differently now—my perspective shifts. As a proud girl dad, I can empathize with their perspective. By changing my approach and being more open during pickups, I’m creating a friendlier vibe, and it’s really paying off with better ratings and tips!

Adjusting to the Times

It’s a challenging situation, but we need to find ways to build trust and make sure everyone feels safe in our cars. And I’ve realized that this “what’s my name?” game is more than just a safety protocol—it’s about trust and communication. To help female passengers feel more secure, both Uber and Lyft have introduced female driver-only programs for their female riders. Putting politics aside, I totally understand why women would choose this option. It’s all about comfort and safety!

As a male driver, it’s essential to show my female passengers that I understand their concerns and acre about their safety. If I’m in a safe location and feel comfortable, I will gladly say your name. This approach not only builds trust but also fosters a positive interaction that leaves both parties feeling secure.

Final Thoughts

While my original Golden Rule served its purpose, I’ve learned that flexibility can lead to better outcomes. The “Say My Name” game is a balancing act between safety and hospitality, and I’m proud to say that my new approach has paid off.

As rideshare drivers, we need to adapt and consider the perspectives of our passengers while still keeping safety a priority. Here’s to better rides, higher ratings, and, most importantly, safer experiences for everyone involved!