How to accept your first ride request

Accepting your first ride on GoRoute can feel nerve-wracking, but the process is designed to be simple and guided. This article walks you through every step from going online to completing the trip.

Going online

Open the GoRoute Driver app and tap the large Go Online button at the bottom of the home screen. Your location will appear on the map, and you'll start receiving ride requests from nearby riders. Make sure your GPS is enabled and your phone volume is turned up so you don't miss a ping.

Receiving and accepting a request

When a ride request comes in, you'll hear an alert sound and see a card showing the rider's pickup location, estimated trip time, and distance to the pickup point. You have about 15 seconds to respond. Tap Accept to take the ride. If you miss it or decline, the request is passed to another nearby driver.

Picking up your rider

After accepting, the app switches to navigation mode and directs you to the rider's pickup location. A blue dot shows the rider's approximate position. When you arrive, tap Arrived to notify the rider. They have up to 5 minutes to reach your vehicle. If they don't show, you can cancel and collect a no-show fee.

During the trip

Once your rider is in the car, tap Start Trip. The app will display turn-by-turn navigation to the rider's destination. Focus on driving safely — the app handles the route. If the rider asks to make a stop or change the destination, they can do so through their own app, and your fare will adjust automatically.

Completing the trip

When you arrive at the destination, the app will prompt you to tap Complete Trip. The fare is calculated automatically based on time, distance, and any applicable surge pricing. After the trip, you'll be asked to rate the rider on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. You're then immediately available for your next request. Your earnings from the trip, including any tip the rider adds afterward, will appear on your Earnings tab within a few minutes.