This week, a video of an app driver bypassing the Uber system went viral on social media. The images show a platform partner using a tactic to avoid unwanted rides, without experiencing a drop in their Uber approval rating.
Basically, the video shows a few seconds of how a touchscreen stylus and a small broom have been used to tap the screen when a new race appears as a notification. Using gambiarra, the driver simulates that he accepts the race while the call appears, but he will not race.
This practice is called “Finger of God” and drivers do it to avoid losses in their acceptance rates, according to Eduardo Lima, president of the Association of Application Drivers of São Paulo (AMASP).
(photo: playback/Instagram @marceloforadacurva)
Understand how the Uber acceptance rate works
According to the conditions of use of the transportation platform, the acceptance rate is a percentage of the driver’s trips. The calculation is made between the number of trips the driver accepted and the number of trips he received.
For example, if a driver makes 85 out of 100 trips received, the rate is 85%. Thus, the percentage of the fee is determined for the last 30 days during which the driver performed the service.
If he frequently refuses a ride, the system counts negatively, generating a lower percentage. A low acceptance rate can lead to a decrease in the offer of high-value rides and rides.
For this reason, drivers use the “Finger of God” tactic to circumvent the system when they don’t want to take trips that, in their opinion, are not worth it. They deceive Uber by pretending to accept the ride they have been advised of and thus choosing the most useful rides.
According to the head of Amasp, this practice violates the terms of use of the Uber platform and is subject to a ban. Uber has already reported on its portal that a low acceptance rate results in disqualification for the company’s exclusive promotions.
