Bengaluru: A social media post from the city has gone viral after a commuter shared a photograph of a handwritten signboard taped behind the driver’s seat of a cab, listing a set of strict rules for passengers. The Reddit post, uploaded under the title “Found this in my cab yesterday” in the r/bangalore community, has triggered widespread discussion on rider-driver dynamics, respect, and behavioural norms in app-based cab services.
The image, posted by an anonymous user, shows a note containing six blunt instructions directed at passengers. Its tone—firm, unfiltered, and unusually direct—has divided opinion online.
The rules that sparked the discussion
According to the photograph, the cab driver’s board lists the following rules:
- “You are not the owner of the cab.”
- “The person driving the cab is the owner of the cab.”
- “Speak politely and take respect.”
- “Close the door slowly.”
- “Put your Attitude in your pocket. Please don’t show it to us because you are not giving us more money.”
- “Don’t call me bhaiya.”
- “Don’t say drive fast.”
Although informal and handwritten, the rules reflect frustrations many cab drivers have expressed about how they are treated by riders. The post has drawn thousands of reactions and comments, becoming a point of reflection on the social dynamics of ride-hailing platforms.
Mixed reactions from social media users
The tone of the message has sparked a debate. Some Reddit users strongly defended the driver, pointing out that app-based drivers often encounter rude customers, unrealistic demands, and disrespectful speech. Several commenters said that, in many cases, customers ignore basic courtesies because they believe paying for a service entitles them to superior behaviour.
One user wrote, “Have you guys seen how people treat lower-class people? They don’t allow maids and delivery partners to use lifts, so I don’t think it’s a big ask.” Another noted that drivers frequently face issues such as slammed doors, rushed demands to overspeed, and arguments over preferred routes, which may have pushed the driver to put up the sign.
Others, however, felt that the wording seemed aggressive or confrontational, observing that a more polite tone might have conveyed the same message without alarming passengers. A top comment questioned, “Is he okay with being called Anna or big brother? Or is it just Hon’ble chauffeur exclusively?”
Despite the divided opinions, most users agreed that mutual respect between drivers and passengers remains essential. The post has been widely shared beyond Reddit, with many discussing how service-based interactions in urban India often reveal underlying class biases.
Larger conversations on rider-driver etiquette
This viral moment has reignited broader conversations about how drivers and passengers interact in India’s rapidly growing gig economy. Cab drivers have repeatedly raised concerns about unrealistic expectations—passengers demanding speeding, insisting on shortcuts through unsafe roads, or treating drivers as subordinates rather than service providers.
On the other hand, passengers have highlighted concerns about erratic driver behaviour, refusal to follow GPS routes, or engaging in personal conversations without consent.
Experts note that these tensions are not unique to Bengaluru but are increasingly common across Indian metros where urban stress, high travel volumes, and diverse social backgrounds influence interactions.
Conclusion
While it is unclear which cab service the driver belongs to, the handwritten note has opened up a renewed public dialogue on dignity, respect, and boundaries between riders and service providers. As discussions continue online, the post remains a powerful reminder that small acts of courtesy—spoken politely, doors closed gently, and instructions given respectfully—can significantly improve daily commuting experiences.