Startup companies Uber and Lyft are popping up in cities across the US the last few months, offering a game-changing alternative to traditional taxi cab services. In essence, both Uber and Lyft operate like a taxi cab, and standard taxi cab etiquette applies. However, Uber etiquette and Lyft etiquette both present a few important differences, especially in social interaction. If you want to join this growing trend in social ridesharing, you’d be well served to keep these etiquette standards in mind.

1. Connecting through smartphones

Uber and Lyft both use smartphones to connect riders and drivers. You sign up via the app, and in fact Lyft requires Facebook login to use their service. Both Uber and Lyft are hyper aware of safety and trust, so the integrated social media piece allows them to apply necessary social norms to the experience. If the experience is less than enjoyable for either party, the rating affects your ability to use either service in the future. But more about that in a minute.

Once you request a ride, the driver will usually give you a call to confirm the request (but not always). Be polite and provide any specific directions of info on your pickup location, or gate code if needed. You’ll be able to see the driver’s progress, and it’s polite to be waiting outside as they arrive. Each service will show you a picture of your driver, and the make and model of their car.

2. Arrival & getting in the car

Lyft markets itself as the fun and funky service of the two, and it comes through right from the beginning. Be prepared to see a car with a large pink moustache affixed to the grill, and when you get in, the driver will offer you their mandatory fist bump. Uber cars usually have an illuminated Uber logo on the bottom of their winshield, and markets itself in a sleek, modern, stylish vibe. Just a quick glance at their websites and apps confirms this! You’re welcome to sit in the back or front seats, depending on your comfort level. I’ve always chosen to sit up front, because of what happens next…

3. Interactions

I’ve used both Uber and Lyft, and what I enjoy the most about ridesharing is meeting people and hearing their stories. Unlike Taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers are not in this full-time, and have jobs outside of driving. Many people use it to supplement income while pursuing a dream, judging from the writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who have driven me around. Since I share so many of these interests, the value of ideas swapped becomes an important value-add to the service!

However, what rings true in taxi cab etiquette also applies to Uber and Lyft. If you have work to do, a book to read, or just don’t want to engage in conversation, then after your greeting and small talk, just kindly tell the truth! You could say “I’m really tired and would like to rest” “I’m really in to this book” or “I have a talk to give in a couple hours and would like to rest my voice”. Many drivers have water, mints, and phoen chargers available for consumption and use, which is a nice addition to the service.

4. Paying & Rating

When your ride is completed, keep your wallet in your bag (or pocket)! Sign up requires a credit card on file, so that all fees are paid directly through the app. Anyone who’s ever haggled with a taxi driver over a “broken meter” will appreciate this feature! You simply thank the driver, grab all your bags, and get out! Also, remember the tip to write down the medallion number on your taxi? With social integration, there’s no need with Uber and Lyft, simply contact support and provide the name of your driver (it’s saved in your history) and what was lost.

When the ride is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to tip and rate your driver. If you want to leave a tip, you must do so before rating them. Just tap the credit card or tip button on screen. Driver and rider ratings are a huge part of the Uber and Lyft services, in fact if you rate your driver 3 stars or less, you will not be paired with him/her again. Now, the same goes for you! Drivers rate riders, and a consistently low rating will make it tough for you to get a ride!

This rating system, paired with the presence of social media, present a unique implementation of proper etiquette in a short-lived setting. Everyday etiquette will prepare you nicely for this growing trend of sharing a ride with strangers, and stepping out of the car as friends.

Have you taken any rides with Uber or Lyft? I would love to hear your thoughts and additional tips on this growing trend!