Is it okay to eat in an Uber or Lyft?

It’s no big deal to eat in your own car, but would you do the same if you were in a friend’s vehicle? Most people argue that proper etiquette is to ask the owner or driver of a car whether or not it is okay to eat, and obviously, this rule transfers to riding in an Uber or Lyft. Others feel that it’s acceptable to eat food anywhere, so long as they don’t make a mess. If you’re paying for the ride, whether or not you eat shouldn’t matter. What do you think? You would never whip out a hamburger in your friend’s car without asking if it was okay, right? The same goes for Ubers and Lyfts. Your food stinks up the car for the rest of the day, affecting drivers’ business and ratings. Eating in a ride-share vehicle is not a “ask for forgiveness” type of situation — you just shouldn’t do it. Uber even says so on its own blog. Business Insider‘s Rachel Gillett interviewed Uber and Lyft drivers to find out what they believe passengers should change. According to a driver for both ride-share programs:

‘I wish passengers would stop eating food in my car without asking. In order to drive for Uber or Lyft, you have to have a new car. Therefore, your nachos in my new car causes undue stress.’

There’s a reason you’re self-conscious about how loud your chewing is in a quiet car; it’s a sign you shouldn’t be chewing at all! Ride-share programs are a form of new-age public transportation. Meaning, if you need to eat while riding, nothing should stop you. Certainly you should abstain from the cheeseburgers, pizza and nachos — if it’s smelly or messy, it doesn’t belong in a car — but what’s the harm in whipping out a granola bar during your ride? As long as you are treating the vehicle with respect, there’s nothing wrong with taking a snack break in an Uber or Lyft. Everyone has had that day where there is simply no other time to eat except for when you’re in the car; sometimes you don’t have a choice. REGARDLESS… EVERYONE CAN ALWAYS ASK FIRST!!!