Stars are no substitute for regulation

3 points by daniel-cussen ↗ HN
I just took an Uber in Santiago and while on, asked the driver turn the music down. The driver responded by saying in Ubers you don't have the right to ask they turn down the music, that I was aggressive and insisting I get off, and stopped in a neighborhood known for high crime at night.

I can't force him to do his job, and after he insisted for the fourth time, despite my offer to wear earphones instead of him turning down the music and telling him "estoy tratando de pactar contigo" (I'm trying to make peace with you) it became clear I had no choice but get out of his car and walk.

As far as regulation, I am no legal expert in the matter but I do recall that the bus at least can play music as long as no passenger objects, according to a sign behind every driver. I've spent enough time in Chile to know this might not be "de facto" but it's still a law and if I'm the only passenger the driver is wrong to object to me asking he turn the music down. It's just a question, he's providing a service, taxis oblige, radiotaxis oblige, and it's just rude not to.

Which brings me to my point, that star systems are not enough. To begin with Uber can simply make up a number between 1 and 5 totally arbitrarily without actually averaging any scores. Giving this driver a 1 star rating and not paying him? Who cares? Complaining to Uber internally? So what?

Star systems are not enough.

1 comment

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Wow that was really shitty. I was scammed by a regulated taxi driver in Santiago. Neither stars or regulation are substitutes for shit human beings.