Poorly rated Uber drivers can take training course to improve

Lauren Glassberg Image
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Poorly rated Uber drivers can take training course to improve
Lauren Glassberg reports on the Uber driving school.

BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Uber riders might have ratings, but Uber drivers' ratings determine their standing with the company.

When too many customers complain about a driver's performance, their rating drops and the company wait-lists them or even deactivates them.

One way to get reinstated is to take a class, like the Uber 5-Star Class taught by the Independent Drivers Guild -- a union for drivers. As man as 200 drivers take the class each month.

The day-long class teaches drivers proper etiquette. This can include basics like: remembering to shower before starting a shift; keeping the car clean, offering the customer a choice of music, taking the best and quickest route and even opening the door for a customer.

Most Uber drivers are immigrants and may not be used to the rules of the road in New York City. And many of them invest a lot of money in the cars they drive for Uber.

If they can't get reinstated, many say they can't make a living.

IDG offers the classes for free but hopes drivers join the union to help strengthen their position.

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