Do you prefer to use rideshare apps in silence? Whether you suffer from social anxiety or are just not in the mood to make small talk, having a talkative Rideshare driver can be tiresome. In addition, many people have reported instances of sexual harassment at the hands of their Rideshare drivers. The Rideshare’s new Quiet Mode could allow passengers to avoid these uncomfortable and scary interactions.
Why Did Rideshare Launch Quiet Mode?
The Rideshare’s Quiet Mode allows certain passengers to request that the driver does not talk to them throughout the duration of the ride. You may not want to talk to your driver because you have had a long day, you have social anxiety, or you are just not in the mood for conversation. It has been uncomfortable for many Rideshare riders to feel as if they have to make conversation with their drivers. However, it was not any run-of-the-mill passenger that pushed Rideshare to make this change.
Television personality and businesswoman Martha Stewart gave the company an infamously bad review in 2018, when she ordered a Rideshare Black, the app’s most expensive option, to Tiffany’s in New York City. Stewart posted a scathing review on Instagram, complaining the car was dirty, did not arrive at the right location, and the first car she called did not show up. Rideshare decided to work with Stewart to implement a number of changes to its Rideshare Black option, including Quiet Mode.
How Can You Request Quiet Mode?
While Quiet Mode can benefit all Rideshare passengers, you can only request this option if you are riding in a Rideshare Black. These rides can be up to three times more expensive than the standard RideshareX ride, making Quiet Mode not as accessible to the average passenger. In addition, it often takes a long time for Rideshare Black rides to arrive because they are not as common as regular Rideshares. They may not be available in your area at all.
Rideshare Black is expensive because the company guarantees the following features in addition to Quiet Mode when you order one.
- High-end black cars
- Temperature regulation
- Luggage assistance
- Highly-rated professional drivers
The Benefits of Quiet Mode
If you are in a position to request a Rideshare with Quiet Mode, you could experience numerous benefits that can increase your safety and comfort.
- You can catch up on extra work in peace while taking a Rideshare Black in Quiet Mode. Your driver will not interrupt you during this time.
- If you have social anxiety, you will not have to worry about making unnecessary conversation with your driver. The pressure decreases and you can relax in your ride.
- Quiet Mode can also cut down on the presence of harassment in Rideshare rides. Your driver cannot speak to you, so you do not have to worry about unwanted advances, uncomfortable comments, or verbal abuse.
Is The Rideshare’s Quiet Mode Safer?
Many Rideshare passengers have reported feeling unsafe while on a ride. Sometimes, the driver can make inappropriate comments or say something violent or abusive toward them. Many women, in particular, have reported Rideshare drivers for inappropriate touching and advances, as well as sexual assault.
If there is no opportunity to speak with your Rideshare driver in the first place, you could decrease the number of times that these violent and uncomfortable incidents happen in the first place. As a result, taking a Rideshare in Quiet Mode may be safer than using a traditional Rideshare.
If you have the opportunity to use The Rideshare’s new Quiet Mode, take advantage of it. This feature could cut down on uncomfortable interactions and boost your peace of mind. However, Rideshare drivers can still commit harassment and violence, even with Quiet Mode enabled. If you experienced emotional or physical damage due to the actions of a Rideshare driver, contact an Rideshare sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible.