Driving Uber: 15 Memorable Passengers

I crossed my arms on the driveway of a stranger’s home as fluffy snowflakes fell from the radiating, grey, sky. Helplessly, I enjoyed the weather that undid my ironed strawberry strands while the man I picked up from Peoria International Airport fought the wacky lug-nuts screwed on my jacked-up tire. It was the second time he and I had spent 45 minutes in the car together through the Uber service, which brought us close enough for him to switch to the role of driver and buy me a car piece at a local auto store when my tire popped as we returned to Bloomington.

Uber driving brought numerous stories to the back seat of my 2015 Ford Focus this past month. Most of the destinations I forget, and almost all of the passengers run together. However, my first day driving 26 rides in 9 hours taught me that there is no common demographic when it comes to those needing rides in Bloomington-Normal. From a newborn baby to a 90-year-old grandma, all ages, races, and genders are on the app. Here are fifteen memorable rides in my first month of driving.

15 Memorable Rides: 

1. Newborn Baby to Vape Shop 

Is there something living in there? The exhausted young couple hopped in my backseat with a blanket over the handle. I took the ride extra carefully basking in the excitement of giving an itty bitty baby girl her first car ride. The couple spent days stuck in the hospital, so they stopped for some nicotine before bringing the newborn home. 

2. Foreign Language or Drunk

This passenger made the hairs on my neck rise. After ending his ride and leaving him at the liquor store he never added a stop for, he was drunk. 

3. Kids Hug 

Driving little ones, especially talkative ones, is a blast. I love kids, but they took talking to another level. The Kindergarten and First Grader inquired about my relationship status with the idea of setting me up with their uncle who said he wanted more kids, lol. Holdup… I said I am single but never said I wanted kids. At the end of the ride, they leaned over my seat, wrapped their little arms around my neck, and begging me to pick them up again.

4. Edible Decisions Take Time

One of my easiest, yet most profitable, rides involved taking two passengers to the dispensary. They added a stop at the store to then be brought back home. The girl who went in must have gotten lost or high in there because I sat in the parking lot for 30 min. waiting for her to checkout.

5. 90 Going on 30 

Grandma and granddaughter relationships always strike me as I used to drive my grandma around town. This elderly woman, though, could have beaten me up a flight of stairs and probably taken me in a fight. It is so fun to be around feisty women in their 90’s who remind me that I will probably be over life’s bullshit by the time I have lived to see that many years, too. However, good health is a blessing! 

6. Windy City Mental Health VP

I have had the opportunity to network with some pretty accomplished professionals in the area. This passenger in particular said her father was a Catholic psychiatrist in the 1930s. As a mental health enthusiast and Catholic, I am aware that psychiatric medicine was rarely discussed at that time, and for black Americans, which this woman was, it was even more uncommon. It was cool to learn she still lives in Chicago, too, and runs a national suicide line.

7. Can I Get Your Number

Do I want your number? No. Do I want a good tip? Here ya go!

8. $100

I dropped him off at the wrong home two nights in a row. He didn’t have the heart to tell me, so he gave me a $100 tip instead because I am clearly challenged.

9. Superhero Stops Collision

I was waiting for this passenger for 10 minutes, then, this van of dudes saw me sitting in the exact spot for a while start backing up at my car. Luckily, my passenger finally falls from the sky, charges their window with a fist, and gets them to stop inches away from my vehicle. 

10. Fight, Fired, and AM Liquor

Drinking at the bar after work looks a little different for those on 3rd shift. At least, this passenger was on 3rd shift until he lost his job a few hours ago for punching another guy. In his defense, he did not start the fight, he just won it. He downed any potential regrets at the only breakfast bar intown by the time I picked him up at 9 a.m.

11. Young with a Record Looking for Advice

I do not talk to all of my passengers, but young girls often seem eager for life advice. From colleges, professions, parties, and lifting, this passenger and I had a lot in common. Though 8 years younger, her record was a lot higher. She said she planned to meet a guy who makes all the money so she can stay home, and I told her everything wrong with that mentality. 

12. TG My Parents Can’t Rate Me

My family and I were bar hopping, and I was the driver. My mom asked me to turn the music down (it was down) and mentioned my turns giving her whiplash. My stepdad stopped me from hitting a car that pulled out without looking. Let’s just say they think my current 5-star rating is a load of crap. 

13. Get in the Back B*tch 

I pulled up to my friend’s house, and he reached for the front door. Before he could open it, I rolled down the window to inform him I was an Uber driver… The front is off-limits and a tip is expected.  

14. Pregame Club in the Car

Some passengers get in the car ready to PARTY. And of course, I am down to argue about the next song. Nothing like a dance party, and DJing right brought me a $80 tip driving a couple of guys for 40 min. to Big Al’s Christmas night. 

15. Thanks for Chilling with Me

My favorite parts about driving late at night are the ghost roads and the ability to hit every green light. It feels like a dance sometimes. A trip that takes me 15 min. during the day due to traffic can be done in 5 min. It is peaceful having the company of a passenger vibe with your music as you take them to work. This passenger said he hoped I drive him again, which is always one of the best compliments.