When people are getting into my car and I have verified they are the pax, the trip has started. I've said hello how are you and then say something like, so are we still going 110 SE 83rd? as I'm typing it into the Garmin. It's all pretty simple. Let me know if you'd like any further instruction.
I'm glad your "shoulds" work for you. Don't expect me or other drivers to the same as you. I start when someone gets in, I end when I'm free to drive away. If you need a few moments to suss out a passenger and decide that you are afraid to take them some place, by all means do that. Do whatever is safe and works for you. If you are offended by smart comments and expect strangers to respect you, working with the public may not be for you. If you are afraid of ratings, again, you may wish to spend time elsewhere.
if you think i am some damn ass that just downloaded an app, and now think i am a transportation expert, you are very much mistaken,
been dealing with the public for for more than for 20+ years, i was a shipping clerk for an APL warehouse before driving taxi, also done over the phone CSR for a VPS company, so i know how to deal with the public,
if someone gets in your car and the first thing said is "what the hell taken you so long, the app said 8 mins, 10 mins a go"
or "why are you across the the street" if i hear any smart remarks or disrespect to me and my car, you get the boot,
If you wish to start moving down the street with unknown people in your back seat before you get a feel that all is good, that's your business.
Please note, Renaldow comment makes my point, all renaldow knows is pax name and trip has started before pax is even in car, renaldow has no ideal who eles is coming to car or how many or what request the pax may have.