DON’T UBER ‘DO IT’
No-sex rule in cars
Uber isn’t fooling around. The ride-share app has banned back-seat flirting between riders as part of its first-ever written rules for customers, warning users that their accounts could be suspended over it.
“It’s OK to chat with other people in the car. But please don’t comment on someone’s appearance or ask whether they are single. And don’t touch or flirt with other people in the car,’’ Uber says in the new rider rules, which it refers to as “Community Guidelines.”
The touchy edict was issued as more Uber customers are coming into closer contact with other passengers thanks to UberPOOL, which allows consumers to split the cost of a ride with others headed in the same direction.
The company also reiterated that any shenanigans between drivers and customers won’t be tolerated, either.
“As a reminder, Uber has a no-sex rule. That’s no sexual conduct between drivers and riders, no matter what,” the company said.
Scores of Uber drivers have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers in the past year, according to the site Who’s Driving You? which is run by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, a frequent critic of ride-share apps.
Uber also advised in its new rules that if your car gets crowded, just use some common-sense etiquette.
“Remember that when you use Uber, you will meet people who may look different or think differently from you. Please respect those differences,’’ the company said. “We want everyone to feel welcome when they use Uber.”
The company sent the new guidelines to riders through in-app messages and e-mail last week, according to a company rep.
In addition to the flirting and sex ban, there were several other no-gos for riders, including damaging property and “vomiting due to excessive alcohol consumption.”
Breaking local laws while in the car is also forbidden, with Uber specifically noting that riders cannot encourage their drivers to speed to their destination, transport open containers of booze, or travel with too many pals.
“Courtesy matters. That’s why you are expected to exercise good judgment and behave decently towards other people in the car when riding with Uber — just as you would in any public space,” Uber wrote.