Passenger Tips: Why We Can't Find You

No cell service, either

The pick up is generally the hardest part of a rideshare trip. It's generally the biggest source of stress, especially in a crowded area, and can be particularly annoying for passengers. So what's keeping us from you?

Well, usually, it's the app. Here's why.

When your driver gets the ping, we get your street address with an address pin, and (usually) a stick figure icon of where the app thinks your phone is. If these two locations are having an argument, we're left with a couple of poor options.

> Drive to the address point. Technically where you requested the ride, but subject to the whims of GPS.

> Drive to the stick figure. Which would work if cell phone coverage was perfect and continuous. Or if some folks don't call for rides for other people. In other words, driving to the stick figure isn't always the best idea

> Drive somewhere in between. Generally, this is my go to move. Of course, it all assumes that there's a good place to pull over in the first place.

So how do you avoid this? Be proactive with your pick up point. I recommend using corners as your address, and being there when your driver arrives. It also helps if you don't change your position in the time that you request the ride, especially if you are in a poor zone for cell coverage (i.e., tall towers).

Failing that, you can always text or call your driver. Personally, I prefer the text, because taking a call can wipe out my GPS, and there's rarely more information that I need that you couldn't put in a single line of text. It's also quite possible that your call is going to happen in a loud club, which really doesn't help. Or if you are picking up a shared ride, you could be calling my loud car. Honestly, just text.

And if you just keep having a problem and aren't willing to adjust anything... just cancel the ride when you see I'm your driver, ok?

We probably weren't going to get along too well anyway.