Two women keep ride-hailing driver waiting, blocking traffic in narrow alley

By Duy November 19, 2025 | 05:18 pm PT

Ride-hailing apps show a driver’s real-time location, so why do some passengers not bother checking and instead let drivers wait outside?

The alley where I live connects to two main roads, and many commuters use it as a diversion during rush hours to avoid congestion. Yesterday evening, a seven-seat taxi pulled in, and the driver seemed to be searching for an address.

The car stopped in front of a three-story house. A minute later, the door opened and the driver rolled down the window. A young woman stepped out with her phone and asked, "Is this the car?" The driver nodded. After confirming, she turned back inside, leaving the driver looking puzzled.

A person uses a ride-hailing app. Photo from Unsplash

Traffic then began to build up behind the vehicle, as the alley can only fit one car and many trailing motorbikes were forced to wait. For the next five minutes, the driver kept glancing toward the house. Inside, another woman appeared, and both pulled two suitcases toward the taxi. Instead of boarding immediately, they sat down in front of the house to put on their shoes. When they were finally ready, the driver awkwardly stepped out, opened the trunk, and loaded their luggage.

A simple act of getting into a taxi became unnecessarily drawn out, taking more than five minutes while the narrow alley filled with the noise of motorbikes stuck behind them.

This is not the first time I have seen this. I do not understand why some people are so slow and inconsiderate. Ride-hailing apps clearly show the driver’s route and estimated arrival time, allowing passengers to prepare and meet the driver on time.

Food delivery drivers face similar situations, especially during lunch hours, when office workers take their time coming downstairs to collect orders, leaving shippers waiting 10 to 15 minutes.

Everyone’s time is valuable. If something is within our control, we should handle it responsibly instead of making others wait. For ride-hailing drivers, waiting too long on the street can even result in fines.

*Readers' opinions are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress' viewpoints.