Georgetown Uber drivers say we are really awkward passengers

“They don’t talk much, and passengers who don’t talk make rides kinda awkward,” says Eric.

He is one of the Uber drivers who ferry us Hoyas around D.C. Many readers will recognize his picture and they may even have memorized his license plate, but who is the legend behind the wheel of the Nissan Titan?

Eric, like most of the Uber drivers I’ve spoken to this week, says Georgetown students are polite and respectful, but they usually don’t talk.

I decided to change all of that, by interviewing the drivers, and asking them about the funniest, most interesting, and most awkward backseat tales from the hilltop.

Cheryl – Toyota Camry

Have you had any crazy experiences with drunk passengers?

“I’ve only been working for a week, but I did have someone invite out for a drink! During my first Uber ride, the passenger thought it was a good idea to celebrate with me, so she invited me out for drinks.”

Did you accept?

“I wish I did! But unfortunately no, It would be against Uber’s policies.”

Sukhsharanbir – Chevrolet Impala

Have you ever had a really annoying passenger?

“I once picked up a lady who wouldn’t stop crying. She didn’t put in a destination, and she wouldn’t answer my questions. So I drove her around the city for an hour without charging her, until she finally told me to take her to a rent-a-car place; she wanted to drive to Philly. I felt bad because she wouldn’t stop crying, and I hate to see women cry. I drove her all the way to Philly that day. I never know why she was crying in the first place, but It took me 4 ½ hours, and she never stopped crying.”

*Shout out to Sukhsharanbir for coming back to return my friend’s credit card after she dropped it.

Eric – Nissan Titan

What has been your most crazy experience as an Uber driver so far?

“So far so good! I’m actually a barber during the day, but I decided to work for Uber because it seemed like a cool thing to do. Besides, I’m all for the money!”

What are Georgetown students like as passengers?

“They don’t talk much, and passengers who don’t talk make rides kinda awkward.”

Shuvashish – Nissan Quest

Have you had any encounters with the police while being an Uber?

“I’ve only been stopped once, and it was the passenger’s fault. The guy did not want to wear his seatbelt after I had asked him to several times. We got stopped, and they gave me a $300 ticket. That’s twice the amount of what I make in one day, and he did not pay one cent. Can you believe it?”

Marlon – Toyota Camry

Have you had any weird experiences being an Uber driver?

“I once drove two couples that wouldn’t stop asking me for love advice. They kept asking what was the best way to preserve their love.”

What advice did you give them?

“Well I’m no expert, but it’s simple: just be faithful to each other.”

What don’t you like about being an Uber driver?

“I don’t like to drive passengers who think they are better than the GPS and start giving me directions. I don’t know why they don’t trust my machine, it works just fine!”