5 x awkward moments in the Uber (or Bolt)
As an addict to Uber and Bolt, I always have a valid reason to order one. The most used is definitely my stolen bike, which was stolen almost a year ago. Or the incredibly cheap prices during off-peak hours, making me really a thief of my own wallet if I don't take a taxi. In short: Uber and Bolt are my best friends. And often I also have a great time with the drivers, so it's also super for my social development. Still, I do experience some awkward moments during all those rides.
1. Forgetting to pay
With Uber, it's almost impossible not to pay due to the automatic payment arrangement, but with Bolt, I have the option ‘pay later’ activated. No idea why actually, it's been like that since I installed the app. Nine times out of ten, I forget this and cheerfully say goodbye while trying to wriggle out of the car, without making any effort to pay. Usually, I'm called back by an attentive driver before I've even taken a step outside. But recently, my Bolt driver suddenly stood at my table in the restaurant where he had dropped me off earlier with his card machine. ‘Hello madam, you still need to pay for your taxi ride.’ How embarrassing, right?
2. The silences
After the standard polite small talk, there are quite a few silences. I actually never mind them that much, but they are a bit awkward. And very rarely (when someone really doesn't feel like it) that standard polite small talk is completely skipped, and you can hear a pin drop. At such moments, I always get the idea that I might as well hold my breath, because otherwise, I'm a nuisance to the driver.
3. The forced talk
At least as awkward as the silences are the heavily forced conversations. Often towards the end of your ride, when the driver realizes that he/she hasn't said anything to you at all. ‘Are you going to work?’ or: ‘Nice weather today, huh?’ A case of ‘just trying to score some last-minute stars’. I totally understand this, because I am also very aware of my score as a customer. You wouldn't want to think that drivers might not want to pick you up because of your low rating?
4. Being terrified of getting into an accident
It almost never happens to me, but very occasionally I get into a car with a reckless driver. We speed onto the road, and then I pray the whole ride that I arrive at my destination safe and sound. For some reason, I never dare to ask the driver to drive a bit slower, because I'm afraid I'll come across as an annoying brat.
5. Conspiracy theories and life stories
I've heard a lot of fascinating and especially very strange stories in the taxi. From conspiracy theories about corona and the war to strange advice about nutrition. I also sometimes experience that drivers drop their entire life story on me within minutes, making me feel like some sort of Oprah Winfrey in the back seat. Well, having a therapy session while driving should be possible, right?
