AN UBER driver has been named the best in the UK – and has revealed his top tips for a stellar rating.
Manchester-based Michael Quinn, 73, claimed the title ahead of over 85,000 others by receiving the most five-star ratings of any driver in the country.
4
4
With 67,000 trips under his belt, he’s also completed more rides than any other driver.
One of which saw him rush a university student who had suffered a suspected heart attack to the hospital when it emerged an ambulance would take 45 minutes.
In recognition of his achievements, Mr Quinn was presented with an Uber Hero Award at an award ceremony in London on Tuesday, which he described as a “very proud time in my life”.
Dubbed ‘the best driver in Manchester’, Mr Quinn likes to ‘enhance’ a strangers day.
He said: ‘You’re meeting people from all walks of life – different ages, different backgrounds, all with hopes and dreams in their lives and aspirations and worries and anxieties.
‘It’s marvellous to get feedback from complete strangers with you for such a short time and yet you’re able to enhance their day in that moment of meeting them.
‘I get comments like, “Thank you, Michael, for getting me to the train on time,” and “Yes, you are the best driver in the city!”‘
‘It’s a great profession.
The former taxi driver, who was born in Liverpool but spent most of his life in Manchester, works from 6am to 8pm six days a week – averaging around 200 trips.
He said: “I just get on with my work and that’s good enough for me, and to be recognised is really fantastic.
“I think everyone has milestones in their life and certainly this is one for me.”
More than just helping people to catch their train, just last week he drove a university student who had suffered a suspected heart attack to A&E as the nearest ambulance was 45 minutes away.
“The university rang an Uber and I was there to take him to an A&E as soon as possible. And keep him calm – because he really was so worried and panicking.”
His journeys have also featured moments of “beauty”.
“I always remember this couple I picked up a long time ago now, a very young couple that had just gone to the chippy,” he explained.
‘It was a Saturday night about eight o’clock, and their evening was going to be in front of the fire with their fish and chips, and each other.
‘It’s always been with me, that experience… how beautiful to see – they had nothing, but they had each other.’
Michael shared his best tips and advice to other drivers on how to provide a great service.
He said: “Your opening words are crucial, so are your closing words.
“Speak whenever you need to speak or what have you, but it’s mainly to make sure that person gets to where they are going from A to B as soon as possible and as comfortably as possible.’
He added that keeping a positive attitude and ensuring your vehicle is clean and tidy can also help to boost in-app ratings.
Michael praised Uber for recognising their drivers following Tuesday’s award ceremony.
‘It was a great honour and it’s just typical of a company like Uber to recognise their drivers in this way,’ he said.
‘Because I have no other companies I’ve heard of that do this.
‘And the customer is so, so important – that is what I love about Uber.’
Michael was honoured as Uber celebrated 10 years since it first launched in London – when just 69 drivers worked for the company.
4
4
For all the latest Automobiles News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
