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Rideshare drivers have to give up a percentage of their fare to the app. However, some drivers working for Uber or Lyft will employ workarounds like canceling the ride and working offline to pocket some extra money. Understandably, the tactic has riders concerned. Such was the case with one Uber driver and a scared rider in Australia.

Some Uber drivers are using workarounds that have passengers worried about security

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are commonplace worldwide. What would have been a lengthy wait for a taxi cab is as easy as summoning a ride on a smartphone, verifying the license plate, and hitting the road. However, some rideshare drivers are using workarounds to avoid losing a percentage of their fare. Unfortunately, tactics like canceling a ride and working off-app have riders concerned about safety. 

According to The West Australian’s PerthNow outlet, TikTok user Gemma Dimond had a similarly scary experience with an Uber driver. Dimond noted that after getting into an Uber she had booked, the driver canceled the ride. “I booked an Uber home and as I got into the Uber I guess the driver canceled the trip,” the TikToker said.

After canceling the ride, the unnamed driver told her that they could figure out another way to complete her ride. “Oh, looks like the app is glitching can you just give me your address and I’ll put it into my maps and work out how much it would’ve been,” the Uber driver told Dimond.

Understandably, this solution set off alarm bells in Dimond’s head. For starters, canceling a ride (and logging off the app, for that matter) means Uber isn’t tracking your whereabouts. That’s a plain and simple safety concern. The driver also informed the young passenger that she could pay him for the ride with a bank transfer. Highly suspect.

Fortunately, Dimond ordered the Uber driver to pull over. That, and summoned a friend to wait with her while she waited on a new ride. Moreover, Dimond and others are under the impression that rideshare drivers are resorting to similar tactics to get the full amount of the trip rather than having Uber take a percentage of the fare.”

If you ever feel unsafe in a rideshare, don’t hesitate to report it in the application and contact the authorities.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).