‘Dummy' Uber passenger blasted over drive-thru complaint: ‘Gaming the system'

Yahoo

24-06-2025

As someone with a 5-star rating on Uber (not to flex), I know what it takes to be a good passenger, and make your driver's day a little bit easier.
I always sit in the back (hot take), I make polite conversation where appropriate, and I never ask my drivers to do anything extra.
But, it seems not everyone is in the same boat, with Uber riders calling out one annoying habit in particular – and if this is you, please stop.
A Uber driver has taken to Facebook after a negative experience with a rider.
The rider wasn't happy going from just A to B, and instead wanted to make a stop at McDonald's on the way. As the driver explained, this is just not on.
'After several recent dummy spits I once again remind riders that Uber drivers will not go through the Macca's drive-thru,' he wrote.
'We have limited drivers operating and riders need to show consideration for fellow riders. Once again I remind riders that stops are limited to 3 minutes.'
The man even said that the rider made a formal complaint – even though there was no way for him to make the stop.
'And to the person who formally complained to Uber stating that I was argumentative, being told no is not an argument!' he said.
Commenters on the post were quick to defend the driver, calling the rider out for taking advantage of the system.
'Have to remember that unlike taxis Uber don't have an actual meter,' one commenter said.
'Yes they are gaming the system to take advantage,' another agreed.
Others labelled the rider 'silly' and 'entitled' for their behaviour.
'Some people are so silly. Why don't they just order Uber Eats? You can legit get McDonald's on Uber Eats all night, and it would cost the same as getting an Uber and going through McDonald's,' one pointed out.
'Lol…wow ! Someone was desperate for the junk food lol why are people so entitled,' said another.
'I'm sorry you've been through this and dealt with someone who thinks they're entitled over others and the rules,' a third agreed.
If you're reading this as someone who's asked an Uber driver to do a Macca's run in the past – don't be embarrassed, we've all wanted to!
But, Uber confirmed to Kidspot that given the service is designed to get riders from A to B efficiently, prolonged stationary stops and detours are not guaranteed.
Ultimately, drivers are independent contractors, so it is at their discretion whether they choose to accommodate additional stops like a drive-thru.
However, with this additional stop (if it is possible) may come an additional fee.
The cost of an Uber trip, which is provided before requesting the trip, is calculated using the expected time and distance of the trip and local traffic conditions. So, it only makes sense that your fare may increase if you travel to a different destination or add extra stops during the trip, or the trip takes much longer than expected.
If an upfront fare is not honoured, you will either be charged the minimum fare or a fare based on the measured time and distance for your trip, including any base fare, booking fee, surcharges, tolls, and other relevant factors such as a dynamic pricing charge.
So, you may be better off spending that extra cash on Uber Eats when you get home instead.