Jesse Vega checks a vehicle at the first of Ubers Work On Demand recruitment events where they hope to sign 12,000 new driver-partners, in South Los Angeles on March 10, 2016.Mark Ralston We all have that friend who treats their Uber like a karaoke machine. If Beyonce comes on the radio, watch out.  Historically, these types of people and others like them who, for one reason or another, might not be the most popular with drivers, may have suffered from poor ratings in the app, but were still able to use the service. But that, says Uber, changes now. The ride-hailing service recently announced a policy change that will see some users with poor ratings banned from the app. The deactivations will impact riders who “develop a significantly below-average rating,” effectively booting them from the app. But there may be hope for your backseat-Beyonce-butchering friend yet. Uber says it’ll push tips on how to boost ratings – like using manners and not leaving trash in the back seat (uh, duh) – and provide several opportunities to improve before it deactivates any account. “Respect is a two-way street, and so is accountability,” the statement reads. “Drivers have long been expected to meet a minimum rating threshold which can vary city to city. While we expect only a small number of riders to ultimately be impacted by ratings-based deactivations, it’s the right thing to do.” Wow. Uber doing right by its drivers? Would you look at that! Some might consider it a change of pace from a company that has cultivated a reputation of not caring too greatly for its “partner” drivers. The policy is part of Uber’s greater ‘Community Guidelines,’ which it says is designed to make both drivers and passengers feel safe and respected.
Origin: Uber can now ban users with poor ratings