Fast Company -We’ve all been there: We just want a nice quiet ride to the airport during which we have time to think because we have a lot on our mind. But then the overly chatty Uber driver won’t shut up. Well, now Uber is coming to the rescue.
The company has launched a new preference in the app that allows you to specify what level of chattiness you desire during an Uber ride. Beginning today in the U.S., riders will be able to select “Quiet preferred” or “happy to chat” in the app, or just leave the setting at “No preference,” so the driver will get a heads-up before he or she picks you up.
The new preference is rolling out with a slate of other new “rider preferences” that Uber riders can select before they hail an Uber Black or Uber Black SUV.
FINALLY. Look, I talk to into a microphone six hours a day five nights a week, as well as sing and write songs for a living. I'm no stranger to using my voice. But sometimes I just want don't want to talk. Feeling obligated to talk while in an Uber is a terrible feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love chatty Uber drivers and learning something new about someone in this beautiful city. Just not every single time I'm in a car...so having an option to have my peace and quiet without having to say "please don't talk to me" (which I could never do, I'm way too nice) is an awesome option to have! This has been a long time coming for Uber riders. We've all seen the memes and posts about drivers talking about everything under the sun when the last thing you want to do is engage in conversation and now Uber has finally answered!
However....
But it’s telling that they are only available as options on Uber Black and Uber Black SUV rides. The company clearly is hoping to push people into the more expensive Uber ride categories to generate more revenue.
I guess you get what you pay for, Uber Black can get VERY expensive and I can only imagine that price will climb slowly but steadily as more people use this option to get out of human interaction for a trip to the airport. - @Traceahamilton