Why Rideshare Drivers Should Rate Non-Tippers with 1 Star – A Tale of Two Passengers
As rideshare drivers, we all know the grind: long hours, unpredictable fares, and the constant hustle to maximize our earnings. But one thing that can make or break our night is the passengers we pick up – especially when it comes to tipping. I’m here to share a real-life story from a recent shift in Portland, Oregon, comparing two very different riders: Travis, the high-rolling Nike exec who didn’t tip a dime, and December, a kind soul from a tough neighborhood who showed real appreciation. This isn’t just venting; it’s a call to action for all of us to start rating non-tippers with 1 star. Not only does it help us avoid being matched with them again, but it also warns fellow drivers about these time-wasters, letting us focus on rides that actually pay off.
Let’s start with Travis. It was a Wednesday night, and I got the ping at 11:17 PM to pick him up from the Nike holiday party at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Portland. Travis and his wife hopped in, clearly buzzing from the event – suits, smiles, the whole corporate vibe. We chatted a bit; turns out he’s some big shot at Nike. The drive took 28 minutes to their home in West Linn, a stunning house perched way up on the hill with killer views. Nice life, right?
But here’s where it stings. Anyone familiar with Portland knows West Linn at 11:46 PM on a weeknight is a dead zone for rides. No surges, no quick pickups – just empty streets. I had to deadhead back 30 minutes into Portland to snag my next fare. That’s a full hour of my time for a measly $14.75 payout. And Travis? The “Nike king” didn’t tip a single cent. Zero. Nada.
I should’ve seen it coming. When the ride alert popped up, I noticed Travis had around 40 rides under his belt but only a 4.8-star rating – that’s suspiciously low. For those who don’t know, Lyft’s system auto-assigns 5 stars to passengers if drivers don’t rate them within 24 hours. So a 4.8 means other drivers have been docking him points, likely for the same reason: no tip. Travis might be living large, but he’s treating drivers like disposable chauffeurs, wasting our time and gas without a second thought.
Now, contrast that with December, whom I picked up just an hour later at 12:17 AM from the Legacy Hospital ER. Her profile screamed reliability: over 100 rides and a flawless 5-star rating. The trip was short – only 10 minutes and 4.03 miles – dropping her off in a rough neighborhood in Gresham. She was polite, grateful, and kept the conversation light despite clearly having a tough night.
I earned $5.38 for the ride, which isn’t much on its own. But December? She gets it. She submitted an $8.00 tip right away because she values the drivers who get her home safely. That’s more than the base fare! Her perfect rating isn’t an accident – it’s earned through consistent respect and appreciation. In a low-income area like Gresham, where every dollar counts, she still prioritized tipping. That’s the kind of passenger who makes this job worthwhile.
The difference between Travis and December couldn’t be clearer. One’s a well-paid exec who treats rideshare like a free perk, leaving drivers high and dry after a long, unprofitable haul. The other’s facing real hardships but still shows up with kindness and a fair tip, turning a quick ride into something profitable. As drivers, we can’t control who requests us, but we can control how we respond.
That’s why I’m urging all rideshare drivers: if a passenger doesn’t tip, give them 1 star. It’s not petty – it’s practical. A low rating ensures the system won’t match you with them again, saving you from repeat offenders. More importantly, it signals to other drivers that this rider is a non-tipper, helping everyone avoid low-value rides and focus on those that boost our earnings. In a gig economy where time is money, we need to protect our bottom line and each other.
What do you think, fellow drivers? Have you had similar experiences? Share in the comments below – let’s build a community that rewards good passengers and weeds out the time-wasters. Safe driving out there!
Posted by Devin Andres, MBA on rideshare101.org