Note: Mohit is a story I'm including to show the stark contrast in characters I have met in an Uber. While the others might prove to be a more entertaining read, this guy is probably one of the best drivers yet.
Mohit is one of the Uber drivers who I'd say is in a minority - he's relatively quiet.
He's one of those drivers who just drives his car, accepts the money, chats when he needs to and nothing more. He's a minority because based on my own interactions lately, most Uber drivers have something off about them.
This bit that makes these drivers slightly skewed is what makes them so special. They are Delhi - chaotic, wild and headstrong. To find someone who's exactly the opposite is definitely a rarity.
"Good evening, sir." Mohit says as I take my seat next to him.
Already, I'm a bit thrown off. He's only the second driver ever who's been willing to do small talk with me. I can tell that with Mohit, I'd need to be a little more conservative in what I speak - not in a political sense, but generally with the subjects I bring up and the language I use.
My ride isn't very far, so I start with the usual stuff. He tells me that he's only been on the road a few hours today, but the work has been flying.
"I drive for Uber and Ola, so I'm almost always busy, especially during peak hours."
When I ask him about the customers he's had to deal with in the past that caused problems, I can sense he's a little hesitant to answer.
"I've never really had any problems with customers. I just try to do my job as well as I can. I don't want to create any trouble."
He does go on to tell me how his competition at Ola are ruthless compared to those in Ubers.
"The Ola guys don't care. They do whatever they want. If they feel like canceling they do it, if they want to kick someone out they do that too. The Uber drivers are still much nicer."
As we pull up to my stop, I tell him about this project, and he's happy to pose for a shot. He obliges.
