This is simply not true. I just checked: My rating is 4.73. I've probably taken a few hundred rides with Uber. I assume they adjust ratings for bad experiences, especially if you're a regular rider.
By the way: It's not that hard to get consistent 5 stars as a passenger. Be respectful of the driver and follow these steps: 1) Say something like "Hi, are you looking for Brandon? That's me. Good evening. How's it going?" 2) Suffer less than 20 seconds of smalltalk 3) Go about playing with your phone or talking with your co-passengers quietly. 4) Say "This is my stop right there by the red car on the right. Thanks a lot, you have a good night!" - If you're an extrovert, you'd do this anyway (assuming you're not an asshole) and if you're an introvert, it's a good opportunity to exercise your smalltalk with low stakes.
No way am I gonna optimize my behavior to get some higher 'rating'.
Sure I don't chat with taxi drivers unless I feel like it but you at least say 'hi' and 'thanks' when you get in and out, or not?
Edit: that said, the quotes from Steeeve below do start to sound pretty Black Mirror
http://valleywag.gawker.com/we-asked-you-for-your-uber-score...
Many drivers will rate passengers 4 or below if they don't tip. And many drivers skip passengers 4.5 or below, some start skipping passengers at 4.6. I posted some quotes from the discussion below.
I don't think it's about averages, it's about perception. Drivers know that they get fired at 4.6, and they know that most passengers and drivers give 5 star ratings regardless.
Drivers have to rate riders before they get their next ride, so every rider gets rated by every driver they pair with.
Lyft states (at least they did) openly that a 3 star rating or below will ensure that the driver and rider are not paired again, and will prompt for a text entry explaining what went wrong.
I don't disagree that the rating system is broken. But it is what it is and it's not likely to change soon.
> I picked up a 4.5 tonight and guess what is was a 4.5 type of ride. 2 stars bucko
> 4.5 or below are usually problem passengers in my market
> Usually I'll pass on anyone lower than a 4.5.
> I check the score and if they are below a 4.6 I text and inform them that THEY need to cancel and request another driver.
> 4.6 and below? Sorry about your luck. Let the next Uber driver pick up your $2.40 non tipping ass.
> I'm hesitant about anything 4.6 or below (depending on if it's a slow night and other factors).
> i'm usually skeptical of rides under 4.8, but accept trips at a base of 4.5 in the mornings. most of those folks i've chalked up to being bad drunks, and decent during the day.
> If I'm knackered I'll reject a 4.5 or 4.6 as I'm too tired to put up with potential crap.
> I skip anyone below a 4.5 unless it's really slow and I'm desperate.
I'm amazed that doesn't backfire. Skeptical, in fact.
My response would be:
"Nah, you can cancel. I can always walk back inside the bar and grab a few more drinks, while you can't operate your source of income until you cancel."
It looks like you get charged $10 for canceling now, after 5 minutes of having a driver assigned.
How could you possibly know this?
But otherwise you're absolutely right. I have taken rides from two people who've called, asking for my destination, and I refuse to tell them. It hasn't caused me any problems in those two instances.