Uber driver sparks heated debate after sharing receipt for 2 minute ride to cross street
An Uber driver says that, in her experience, young people would rather take a two-minute Uber driver than just get up and walk.
A taxi driver from Washington, US has questioned why people ‘with no apparent mobility issues’ need to get short Uber journeys.
Lee, who goes by @MandyKnowsDC on X, said: “I know the literacy crisis among young people is bad, but we need to also address their lack of physical activity due to ride sharing and micro mobility options.
“I picked up a young lady last week, going from 13th n M to 13th n L. (During anime con to meet a friend).
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“It was one block lmaoo and besides this was 8am.”
According to a screenshot, the duration of the $4.81 journey was just two minutes and three seconds, and was over a distance of 0.26 miles.
In another screengrab, she showed an Uber journey, this time 0.41 miles-long lasting three minutes and 55 seconds, for $6.81.
“This too… I’m not kidding either… I see this all the time among young people with no apparent mobility issues,” she added.
Her tweets have certainly divided the crowd, with one person writing: “I think the key here is ‘no apparent’.
“Not all mobility issues are visible or appear in the ways you may expect. I use ride share a lot when I’m at conventions to go short distances to preserve my ability to be mobile within the venue.”
In a reply, Lee said she is ‘extremely sensitive to invisible disabilities’ but had noticed a ‘pattern among young people that is worth acknowledging’.
A second person said: “I understand the concern but I’d be interested in how pedestrian-friendly the streets are.”
“To be fair, this one is picking up at the Convention Center so it’s probably going on the corporate card. Walk eight minutes in hot weather or Uber it for free,” a third penned.
“If I’m wearing heels, I’m not walking. If it’s too hot or raining, I’m not walking. If I don’t want to sweat in my brown sugar babe oil, I’m not walking. Also, I can afford it and if you picked up the ride - you need it. Soo??,” another questioned.
Others, however, thought Lee was making a lot of sense, with someone else tweeting: “The comments are actually hilarious but I totally see your POV. Back in the day we had to research and plan how we were getting to our friends first and how we were getting to the function together. They’re a product of the times though.”
“I understand you fully. While I used to love very short trips for quick-pay you see why the younger generation is so lazy and overweight. I would pick up high schoolers going to Dunkin’ Donuts three blocks away,” another penned.
What do you think?
Anish Vij