By Deirdre Nicholson
Students at QCC, just like many other students, use Lyfts and Ubers as a means of transportation. While these services have revolutionized transportation for students who need a quick and convenient way to get around, there is an increasing debate over whether they can be trusted—especially by female students. With reports of uncomfortable situations during rides, many are now questioning the credibility of drivers and the effectiveness of the safety measures in place.
“Is Uber Really Safe?”
Ride-sharing services have become a lifeline for students trying to juggle hectic schedules, especially for those living far from campus or relying on late-night transportation. But with the convenience comes anxiety, as some students report feeling unsafe while using these services.
“I use Uber almost every day to commute to school, and sometimes I don’t have a choice,” said Maria G, a second-year student at QCC. “It’s faster than public transportation, and most of the time it’s fine, but there have been a few rides where I’ve felt really uneasy. The driver might be too talkative or take a strange route and I am overall not left feeling safe.”
Maria’s experience is shared by many female students at Queensborough who feel that while Uber and Lyft have made improvements in safety features, these measures aren’t always enough to eliminate the fear of something going wrong. Ride-sharing apps offer options such as real-time GPS tracking and the ability to share ride details with a trusted contact, but riders can feel as if these precautions serve more as reactive safety nets than preventing unsafe situations from happening in the first place.
Concerns About Driver Credibility
One of the biggest worries among QCC students is the credibility of the drivers. Uber and Lyft both require drivers to pass background checks, which include criminal history and driving records, but students are questioning whether these processes are thorough enough to protect them. Several students expressed discomfort about being in a vulnerable situation, where they are alone in a vehicle with someone they know little about beyond a profile picture and rating.
Jess P, a student studying liberal arts, shared her worry about the reliability of the driver background checks. “They say they do background checks, but how can we really know that every driver is safe? It feels like the companies are trying to get as many drivers as possible, and the standards are probably lower than they should be.”
Jess further discussed a ride where she felt uncomfortable after the driver asked personal questions about where she lived and why she was traveling alone. “I felt trapped,” she said. “I didn’t know how to respond without making it more awkward. I kept looking at the GPS to make sure we were still on track and texted my roommate constantly. It’s an unsettling feeling knowing the company might not really know this person either.”
This feeling is amplified by instances where drivers behave unprofessionally, such as speeding, taking longer routes, or initiating inappropriate conversations. Olivia C, a business major at New York University, recalled one incident where her driver missed a turn and began arguing with her about the correct route. “He kept saying I was wrong and took me on this long detour. I was so frustrated and honestly scared because I didn’t know where we were going anymore. Even though I reported it, I never got a response from Uber.”
The lack of transparency and clear communication about the consequences for drivers after reports of misconduct has left many students feeling uncertain about their safety. Some argue that the rating system, where passengers and drivers can evaluate each other, doesn’t go far enough to eliminate problematic drivers.
Struggles with Balancing Trust and Fear
For many students, the decision to use Uber or Lyft comes with an internal calculation of risk. On one hand, these services offer a level of convenience that is difficult to match—especially when navigating busy city life, unpredictable public transportation, and tight schedules. On the other hand, the fear of what could happen during a ride lingers for some students, particularly women who are more vulnerable to harassment or uncomfortable encounters.
“I try to trust the system,” said Amanda M., a nursing student. “But as a woman, you always have this thought in the back of your mind that you have to be extra careful. Even if the ride goes well, I’m still on edge.”
Amanda shared how she prepares for every Uber ride by taking additional precautions. “I always keep my phone in my hand the whole time and share my location with a friend. It’s sad that we have to go to these lengths just to feel a bit safer, but it’s the reality.”
These fears are backed by reports of Uber and Lyft drivers facing accusations of misconduct across the country. While these incidents represent a small percentage of the millions of rides taken daily, the headlines alone are enough to make students think twice about using the services without hesitation.
The Credibility of Driver Safety Measures
Uber and Lyft have introduced various safety features to address these concerns, but students remain divided on whether these measures are sufficient. Features like in-app emergency buttons, driver tracking, and the ability to report incidents directly from the app have been praised by some as steps in the right direction, but others argue that these are reactive solutions rather than proactive safeguards.
“The safety features are nice, but they’re only helpful after something has already happened,” said Amanda. “I want to see Uber and Lyft doing more to make sure nothing happens in the first place. What’s stopping someone from being unsafe if they’re already on the road with you?”
It was suggested that more stringent background checks and driver accountability could make a difference. “There should be more transparency about who’s driving us. I also think being able to choose the gender of your driver would be huge for women.”
Several students echoed the call for more detailed driver profiles that would offer additional information, such as how long the driver has been with the company and how many rides they’ve completed, and if there have been any safety complaints. Some students even suggested implementing live video monitoring during rides or introducing a feature where passengers can opt for female drivers.
Looking Ahead: Students Want Stronger Accountability
As Uber and Lyft continue to be a central part of daily life for Queensborough students, the demand for greater safety and transparency is unlikely to go away. Students are advocating for a system that provides not just convenience but also peace of mind, where the credibility of drivers is as important as the efficiency of the service.
“It’s about feeling safe, plain and simple,” said Olivia C “We shouldn’t have to question whether or not the person driving us has been properly checked or worry that nothing will happen if we report a problem. I hope Uber and Lyft really start listening to their users—especially female users—because we need to feel like our concerns are being taken seriously.” For now, students continue to use ride-sharing services, but with caution. The convenience of Uber and Lyft may be hard to resist, but until trust is fully restored, safety will remain a concern for many young women at Queensborough College.
