Uber might soon be simplifying its five-star rating system.
Two new systems are currently being tested, Quartz reports. The first uses thumbs up and thumbs down ratings; the second offers three emoji options — frowning, neutral, and smiling. A spokesperson for the company, Karun Arya, told the publication that very few users are currently being affected by these market tests.
A couple of surprised customers took to Twitter when they discovered the new features. Though Arya didn’t specify in which markets they’re being tested, the tweets show that the thumbs up/thumbs down system is currently being used in central Singapore and the emoji system in Austin, Texas.
Whoa, Uber just asked me to give a mere thumbs up/down rather than a star rating. When did this start? pic.twitter.com/MUQJIblS9Y
— Bryan Ma (@bryanbma) December 15, 2015
Whoa, Uber just asked me to give a mere thumbs up/down rather than a star rating. When did this start? pic.twitter.com/MUQJIblS9Y
— Bryan Ma (@bryanbma) December 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/tonybowmanbotek/status/672953959460438016
The five star rating has been a point of contention for the company. Well-meaning Uber riders may think that giving their driver four stars is decent, but Uber reportedly deactivates drivers who fall below a rating of 4.6.
Uber could not immediately be reached for comment.