A man who claims to be an Uber Eats worker has been saddled with public humiliation and a temporary ban from the app for delivering food to customers on horseback. Photos of the man with his Uber Eats carry bag on the four-legged animal spotted in Sydney have created much amusement among social media users.
According to the community, who posted photos and videos on social media, Stanley Chen was spotted riding a black horse on Oxford Street and wearing Uber Eats regalia.
Some residents who spotted the bizarre delivery man in the streets initially thought he was just horsing around but realized it was serious when he posted his notice letter from the company.
Chen attached a cell phone with a stick to his helmet, enabling him to view the next drop-off point.
Uber Eats responded to the driver (which he posted on TikTok), explaining: “We have recently received some concerning feedback from one of your orders that you may have been delivering orders on animal.”
While an investigation is underway, Chen has no access to the app while being blocked pending the probe’s outcome.
Uber Eats users respond
While Uber Eats seems to have a problem with delivery with the help of an “animal,” TikTok responded that they find nothing untoward with his choice of transport. Most of the TikTok video viewers commented, supporting Chen’s initiative.
One woman wrote: “I’ve seen the lack of cleanliness of some of those delivery cars (because they’re too lazy to get out and hand it to me through their window). I’d take horseback delivery any day of the week!”
Another user acknowledged that the driver at least had an insulated bag for the food to be delivered. “Not one person from Uber I’ve seen has ever put orders in a bag, let alone one that keeps food hot!”
Uber Eats driver application policy
To apply to become a delivery driver with Uber Eats in Australia, Chen, or any driver, has to fill out a number of documents and submit essential details. It clearly states a person needs a car, motorbike, scooter, or bicycle.
Part of the application process is a copy of your driver’s license, insurance policy number, or a bicycle safety check. For Chen to be cleared to use the app as a delivery driver, he would have had to bypass the process or lie for the employer not to know the involvement of his horse.
Chen is now calling on his social media supporters to call Uber Eats to unban him from continuing to deliver food orders on horseback.
About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
