Comparing Uber and Lyft as a Driver in 2016
Below post is a comparison of Lyft and Uber from the perspective of a driver. Each service have their pros and cons and is different enough to co-exist and give drivers different things.
This post is broken out into two sections. The first section is a comparison of a few key topics between the two rideshare services. The second section highlights differences between Uber and Lyft.
General Comparisons:
Here are some general comparisons between Uber and Lyft.
- App and requesting a ride: You use their native app to request a ride. Payment is done by a credit card.
- Driver application
- Uber: application is available on Google Play Store but not in the iTunes store. Must be manually downloaded for iOS but can be automatically updated
- The driver application is a separate app from the passenger app. The passenger app is in both Google Play Store and iTunes Store
- Lyft: application is available in both Google Play Store and iTunes Store
- The driver application is the same application as the passenger app. The driver mode is enabled for driver accounts.
- Uber: application is available on Google Play Store but not in the iTunes store. Must be manually downloaded for iOS but can be automatically updated
- Fares: All three services calculate fares based on distance and time. In my experience, fares are very similar where both Lyft and Uber operate. Sidecar claims the fares are related to fares of other rideshare services in the area.
- Passenger Referrals
- Uber: You can earn either free ride credits with your separate passenger account, or cash with your driver account
- Lyft: You will have to earn cash through your driver account, unless you have a separate passenger account or refer using your friend’s account
- Fare Notification
- Uber: The driver is shown the fare after the ride ends. The number will include the commission.
- Lyft: The driver is shown the fare after the ride ends. This number will include the commission.
- Weekly Summary
- Uber: A live version visible in the driver application and on the driver dashboard. Finalized summary sent out on Monday, visible in the driver dashboard and driver application
- Lyft: Can be seen in the driver application while in driver mode, and also can be found in the express pay screen under Settings/Driver Stats. (Will not include power driver bonus). Finalized weekly summary sent out Tuesday and viewable on the driver portal.
- Shared Ride
- Uber: Called UberPool. Combines two or three group of passengers. Each group can contain up to 2 passengers
- Lyft: Called Lyft Line. Combines two or three group of passengers. Each group can contain up to 2 passengers
- Tipping:
- Uber says it is not required. Passengers cannot tip the drivers through the application
- Lyft: Passengers can tip directly through the app
- Payment
- Uber and Lyft pays out the week after on Wednesday or Thursday
- Instant Payment (payment before the normally scheduled deposit):
- Uber: Must use third party services for payment before the direct deposit
- Lyft: Has a feature called Express Pay. Can pay out for a $0.50 fee if over $50.
- Fare History
- Uber: On the driver dashboard and driver application
- Lyft: Now on the driver online portal
- Cars
- Uber: 4 doors, 2001 and newer (newer in some markets). If you have a vehicle that can handle 6 passengers (7 including the driver), you can sign up for UberXL and make ~1.75x what a normal UberX driver makes. Only make more if you get an UberXL request.
- Lyft: 4 doors, 2004 and newer. Has a Lyft Plus designation for cars that seat 6 passengers (7 including the driver). Cars that have been approved are grandfathered in (the requirement was 2001 back in 2013-2014, and then changed to 2003 in 2015)
- Driver Availability and ETA: Uber has many more drivers than Lyft in most cities except San Francisco so expected time of arrival (ETA) of a driver to any passenger is usually lower with Uber than it is with Lyft. It can be difficult to get a Lyft during daytime hours due to lack of drivers driving in non-busy times.
- Driver Age: Minimum age for both services is 21.
- Insurance: Uber and Lyft has insurance policy to protect the driver and passenger whenever the Driver is in “driver mode.” See more information on this link: Uber and Lyft Insurance Policy. Also see this post to find out if your an rideshare auto policy is offered in your state.
- Uber: Deductible is $1000
- Lyft: Deductible is $2500
Here are some specific breakouts of Uber and Lyft that distinguishes them from a driver’s perspective.
Lyft (Friend With A Car)
In addition to making money driving, there are many other ways to make money. Passenger referral bonuses can be a sizable portion of your weekly income. If you are a good enough driver, you will be invited to be a mentor which can boost your weekly income. The driver community is amazing and drivers tend to help one another and watch out for each other. It is also great to see the transition from new driver to seasoned driver to mentor.
The passengers also tend to be nicer, friendlier and more talkative than Uber passengers. Many Lyft passengers say the same about the drivers. Also, passengers have the ability to tip but they can’t on Uber (except on UberTaxi).
Lyft online support through the Lyft Contact Portal is much better than the older email support but response time can vary widely. For simple issues, it can be a matter of a few hours but some more complex issues like payment and bonus payouts can take a few days.
- Drivers and cars are evaluated by mentors during the application process. In some cities, certified mechanics are required to inspect the vehicle
- Glowing Pink mustache
- Have only three services types: Lyft Line (shared ride), Lyft Regular, Lyft Plus (6 passengers)
- Minimum $5 + variable based on miles and speed and city. Rates for limos are 50-70% higher than taxis.
- $1M insurance policy on drivers, covers drivers when they have app on
- Prime Time Tips (PTT) during busy times (not subject to the Lyft commission)
- Drivers do not know destination and cost of ride before the trip.
- Drivers do not see the amount of PTT of the request.
- Good driver referral and signup bonuses.
- Currently in 56 US cities (As of Jan 2016)
- Use almost any smartphone (iOS or Android) with the most recent OS to drive for Lyft
UberX (Your Personal Driver)
You have the biggest potential to earn money on UberX but beware of stiff competition because there are many other drivers in every market. At times there can be high surge pricing that can be very lucrative. However, there are just too many drivers most of the time. Uber local support email is available in select markets and generally replies faster than Lyft support in SF, but the Uber representative helpfulness leaves something to be desired. Uber now has a live chat option which is much faster than email and since they are live, you can keep asking questions until you get the right answer. At times, it can be difficult to get your Uber hourly guarantee.
- The UberX driver application is easy, submit documents, download the driver application and drive. No Uber personnel checked out my car in my city, but requires an inspection in some states.
- Publishes standard rates for different levels of service (UberPool (shared ride), UberX, Uber XL, UberBlack, UberSUV, UberTaxi).
- Can choose to drive in UberXL mode only or UberX mode only if you have an XL vehicle
- Minimum $5 + variable based on miles and speed and city. Rates for limos are 50-70% higher than taxis.
- Surge pricing during busy times.
- Drivers do not know destination and cost of ride before the trip.
- Drivers can see the amount of surge pricing of the request.
- There can be weekend promotions guaranteeing hourly gross fares (up to $30/hr for existing drivers before commissions)
- Most generous signup bonus if you are a Lyft Driver.
- In 170 US cities (as of Jan 2016)
- $1M insurance policy on drivers, covers drivers when they have app on
- UberTaxi adds a 20% tip automatically. Cannot tip on any other service
- Recruits drivers, accepts applications anywhere, but doesn’t launch immediately.
- New Uber Drivers will get up to a $800 bonus after signing up: Sign up for Uber.
- New Lyft Drivers will get up to $800 if you sign up here using this link.
