Uber rider denied clean getaway

An Uber passenger learned that being too hygienic in these times could cost her a ride.

A video captured inside an Uber that has gone viral shows a female passenger of a seven-seater taking out a bottle of disinfectant to spray the seats as soon as she sets foot in the vehicle.

But she is immediately stopped by the driver, who says he will cancel her ride and criticizes her for not asking his permission before spraying the unknown liquid onto the seats.

"I am sorry, but you will have to call for another Uber ride as you cannot spray unknown liquid in my car," the driver says, leaving the woman astonished.

He adds: "Did you ask me before spraying this liquid? What if it is corrosive acid?"

The driver says he will file a complaint with Uber.

The passenger responds: "I am telling you that this liquid will not damage your car."

But the Uber driver insists on canceling the ride, leaving the woman to call another Uber.

Web users were divided about the incident.

"It's impolite and disrespectful. She should ask the driver first," a commenter said.

Other car owners also sided with the driver.

"The alcohol in the liquid will damage the leather seats, so it is not unreasonable to stop the woman from spraying the liquid," one said.

Another said: "Is that alcohol? It is very damaging to leather seats! I never use alcohol to wipe down my vehicle!"

"Some might be allergic to alcohol," one netizen noted.

However, several said the quarrel arose from a misunderstanding.

"They acted civil. It's only that the passenger didn't know leather seats can't be sprayed on. It would be better if she had asked first or if the driver had offered a clearer explanation," one said.

Another rebuked the driver's behavior: "You already kicked her out of the vehicle, so is it necessary to put the video online to shame the woman publicly?"

In fact, Uber has repeatedly reminded its riders to observe Covid-19 precautions before they board, which includes wearing a mask throughout the ride and washing their hands before and after.

Uber also advises customers to maintain a distance from the driver by sitting in the back seat and rolling down the windows to improve ventilation if allowed.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com