We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when you realise your phone, wallet or keys didn’t make it out of the Uber with you. But this year’s wacky Uber Lost and Found Index is shedding light on just how forgetful -- or distracted -- we are in India! And the results might surprise you.
Mumbai: The New Forgetful Capital
Goodbye, Delhi -- Mumbai has officially claimed the title of India’s Most Forgetful City! While Delhi held the crown for two years, the City Of Dreams has now taken the lead. Pune, surprisingly, jumped up to claim third place, while Hyderabad took the tiara as the most careful city, with the fewest forgotten items, not even a pearl or two.
What’s Getting Left Behind?
From everyday essentials to wildly unexpected items, the range of forgotten goods is mind-blowing. A wedding saree? Yup, left in a car. Gold biscuits? Just another day in Uber. 25kg of cow ghee? Hope that didn’t ruin dinner plans.
More Of What's Getting Left Behind...
A Hawan Kund (sacred fire altar)? Talk about a forgotten ritual. And it doesn’t stop there -- a cooking stove, a bansuri (flute), a wig and even a telescope were abandoned. Clearly, some folks are really absentminded on their Uber rides.
The Usual Suspects: Phones, Wallets and… Passports?
For the most part, we’re leaving behind more typical things like phones, wallets, sunglasses and earphones. But if you’ve recently forgotten your passport in an Uber, you’re not alone -- jet-lagged travellers in 2024 made it a habit.
When Do We Forget Most? Evenings?
It seems Saturday is the day to be extra cautious -- that’s when we are most likely to forget our stuff. Evening rides are the peak time for forgetfulness, with 7 PM being the golden hour for getting bichhra from our possessions (ie separated from our things). Plus, people seem to forget more on festive days. Is it the festive frenzy? Maybe!
Top 5 Most Forgetful Cities in India (Based on Uber Trips)
Mumbai: Oops, they’ve overtaken Delhi!
Delhi NCR: Sorry, Delhi, second place this year.
Pune: A big leap into the forgetful zone.
Bengaluru: A slight drop, but still a bhulakar (forgetful) city.
Kolkata: They’ve made it into the top 5 for the first time!
And What About the Colours of Forgotten Items?
Turns out, red items are the most frequently forgotten, followed by blue and yellow. Maybe it’s time to stop buying those bold-coloured backpacks? Or roosters.
The Phone Brands We’re Most Likely to Forget
If you’ve got a Samsung device, you might want to double-check before disembarking from your Uber -- Samsung phones were the most forgotten handsets. Apple and OnePlus users, don't pat yourself on your collective prosperous-looking backs but take note: you’re not far behind.
Here’s a Snapshot of the 2024 Uber Lost and Found Index:
Top Forgotten Items: Backpack, phone, wallet, spectacles, and even your precious passport.
Top Forgetful Days: Saturday, Sunday, Friday
Top Forgetful Times: 7 pm, followed by 8 pm and 6 pm.
Top Forgotten Colours: Red, blue, yellow.
Top Phone Brands Left in Ubers: Samsung, Apple, OnePlus.
Uber’s Quick Fix: Lost something in your Uber? No panic necessary! Uber’s Lost and Found feature makes it easy to retrieve your forgotten items. Just tap a button in the app, and voilà! That wedding sari or gold biscuit can be on its way back to you in no time.