Uber brings in minimum ratings for riders (so be polite to your driver)

Uber riders, beware: the ride-hailing giant has introduced a new ‘minimum average rating’ for passengers in some territories – meaning rude riders can lose their accounts.

The requirement has been introduced in Australia and New Zealand on September 19 – with riders losing their accounts if they drop below a rating of 4.0.

Offences which can lower a rider’s rating include being rude, drinking alcohol and making a mess of a cab, according to Uber’s guidelines.

Uber drivers already operate under a similar system around the world.

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Riders will get multiple warnings, and will be able to reactivate their account after a ‘short educational exercise’.

Uber says that Australia and New Zealand are among the first territories to see the feature – in a possible hint of a wider roll-out.

Uber said in a statement, ‘This policy is for Australia and New Zealand and will be reflected in our local community guidelines.

‘Australia/NZ is the second country globally to roll this out, and we think it’s an important update to help ensure every Uber journey is enjoyable and comfortable for both riders and driver-partners.’