Uber bans flirting, kissing, sex and guns during rides
Uber riders have been warned to keep their hands to themselves with the ride share service banning flirting, touching and kissing as part of its revised behavior standards.
In an attempt to clamp down on sexual harassment, Uber US has released a list of community services the company expects its drivers and users to abide by or risk being cut off.
The company also has a "no sex rule", stipulating sexual conduct between riders or drivers was banned.
"Don’t touch or flirt with other people in the car," the guidelines specify.
"It’s OK to chat with other people in the car. But please don’t comment on someone’s appearance or ask whether they are single."
In saying the company wanted everyone to enjoy the journey, it asked patrons to "treat your fellow riders and drivers as you would like to be treated yourself: with respect".
"Any behavior involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity while using Uber can result in the immediate loss of your account," Uber said.
In addition to its "no flirting" rule, the ride share service has also banned "vomiting due to excessive alcohol consumption", "asking the driver to break the speed limit" and in a rule particularly applicable in the US, also advises passengers to "leave your guns at home".
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Uber head of North America Rachel Holt said the guidelines list what the company expects from both riders and drivers when using the service.
"As part of these ground rules, for the first time we’re publishing a policy explaining why riders can lose access to Uber — just as we already do with drivers," she wrote on the company's website.
"Most riders show drivers the respect they deserve. But some don’t—whether it’s leaving trash in the car, throwing up in the back seat after too much alcohol or asking a driver to break the speed limit so they can get to their appointment on time.
"This kind of poor behavior is not OK, which is why we will take action against passengers who are rude, abusive or violent," Ms Holt said.
"Everyone can enjoy a five-star ride when people respect each other’s differences and treat their traveling companions the way they’d like to be treated themselves."
The revised rules have come after the company launched its UberPool service in the US, allowing users to car-pool with strangers for cheaper fares.
Last week, Uber removed a Melbourne driver's access to the ride-sharing app when it became aware he was being investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger.
Victoria Police arrested and interviewed the 40-year-old driver in mid-October after he allegedly assaulted a 26-year-old woman after she caught the Uber in Berwick about 1.30am on July 17.
The Pakenham man was subsequently released with police on Monday suggesting he would be charged with sexual assault.
"There is no place for the type of behaviour described and our thoughts are with the woman and her family," an Australian Uber spokesman said in a statement on Monday.
"We removed the driver's access to the platform as soon as we became aware of these allegations."
