Most Uber and Lyft rides are rather uneventful for both passengers and drivers. However, everyone has seen the stories of drivers attacked and even killed by passengers (and vice versa).
It’s understandable that a driver might feel safer bringing someone along with them – particularly if they’re going to be in an area that’s unfamiliar or that has a reputation for having a high crime rate. However, the leading rideshare companies don’t allow that.
There are multiple reasons why this isn’t allowed
Both Uber and Lyft explicitly prohibit drivers from bringing along anyone else when they are available on the app. As Lyft tells its drivers, “It can make passengers feel unsafe if there’s an unknown person accompanying the ride.”
In addition to concerns about someone they have no identifying information for being the in the car, passengers may understandably be concerned about being so close to more than one person they don’t know after a couple of years of being told to keep a safe distance from others.
Finally, passengers are literally putting their life in a stranger’s hands. Most would prefer that their driver not have the distraction of a friend or relative in the front seat chatting with them throughout their ride.
Note that this doesn’t apply to riders that a driver may pick up if they’re driving a “pool” ride – which is a true rideshare ride. These are slowly coming back in some areas. However, riders’ information is included in their Uber or Lyft accounts.
What happens if drivers violate the rules?
Most drivers abide by these rules. If a passenger or someone else reports that they brought along someone with them, they will likely be suspended pending an investigation and could lose their ability to drive for the company.
However, unfortunately, that can’t be said for all drivers. If you’ve been assaulted or otherwise suffered harm because your rideshare driver brought along another person, it’s wise to seek legal guidance.