5 Uber Crazy Things Happening In Ridesharing This Week

Image: PHOTO: Uber is in hot water over a controversial decision. (Photo via Flickr/freestocks.org)  (Flickr/Freestocks.org)
Image: PHOTO: Uber is in hot water over a controversial decision. (Photo via Flickr/freestocks.org) (Flickr/Freestocks.org)
Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Sun May 8, 2016

Photo via Flickr

Welcome to the week in ridesharing news. More specifically, we have compiled the most pertinent news from the realm of Uber.

If it's crucial to the app or just plain silly, we have you covered.

Uber Trouble

This week we discovered that Hungary isn't as fond of the Uber app as some parts of the world. Joining with those countries and protestors that take umbrage with the innovation, Hungary officials are cracking down on unlicensed drivers.

Getting popped without a license could warrant as much as a three-year suspension of driving privileges.

That's not the only place cracking down, because Queensland is also taking their respective Uber drivers to task.

Much closer to home, Austin voters may pass a bill that would require fingerprint data from drivers. Bot Uber and Lyft have vowed to leave if the bill passes.

UberFC:

MMA fighters Joseph Benavidez and Cody Garbrandt proved that there are other things you can do in an Uber aside from checking your phone and carrying awkward conversations with the driver.

Both surprised Las Vegas visitors with one heck of an Uber ride, complete with video game theatrics.

Uber Is Hot

Mashable discovered that there is a new hip-hop hat tip taking over the likes of "Cadillac" and "Escalade."

The article illustrates that rappers are going gaga over Uber and often mention the rideshare solution in songs.

Uber Dating Pool

If all else fails, just start dating your Uber driver.

That's what "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'" Brandi Glanville did, and she divulged the details to Page Six this week.

Glanville relays that the chance encounter happened after the model/driver took up an offer to hang with Glanville and pals at her house.

She states: "I was watching him at first, thinking he might steal something, but then we started talking and I found out that we had the same modeling agency in Europe, and we just totally hit it off. We exchanged numbers, and he obviously had my information from Uber, but we went out a few other times."

Uber: It makes a great wingman.

Tipping Ain't Easy

As Harvard Business Review spells out, Uber's new policy makes for some possibly confusing and awkward encounters at the end of rides.

Essentially, feel free to tip, but there is no way to do so in-app. That means many will continue to ride without tipping, unaware of a possibly unspoken expectation from drivers. Uber needs to make up its mind. Either make tipping transparent or forbid the practice completely.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...