Uber versus Lyft Driver Poll Results

An informal poll of Lyft and Uber driver preferences over the past week here in the San Francisco Bay Area reveals some interesting findings. First, at least 50% of all drivers polled have registered for and actively use both ride sharing services. Given location and peak ~ slow time frames these drivers will use both services - on two smartphones mounted to their dashboards - and typically accept the quickest-fastest next available rider. Second, about half of all drivers drive full-time, the other half part-time. Furthermore, several drivers drive approximately 100 miles from California's Central Valley to the SF Bay Area to take advantage of the high demand cities (San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland) and their respective airports with San Francisco Internal (SFO) airport being at the top of their list. Thirdly, full-time drivers tend to favor Uber over Lyft specifically due to the up-side bonus incentives. By contrast, part-time drivers (myself included) generally favor Lyft because of the higher "per trip" earnings. Conclusion: If drivers are performing less than 50 trips per week Lyft may be a better option ... all things considered. Whereas, full-time drivers can definitely earn the big bucks with Uber "trip-count" incentives. Both companies offer comparable driver referral incentives. Let's here from other drivers regarding their preference for one or the other or both services. Share your comments with Uber and Lyft Driver Best Practices. 

Lyft's "Destination Filter" Can Save Driver Time and Boost Earnings

Uber and Lyft drivers do not know the "destination" of their accepted riders until pick-up which can lead to lower productivity and earnings if you end up returning to you 'home base' empty after a medium-long trip. Lyft's "Destination Filter" is a major step in the right direction to remedy this situation. The destination filter can only be activated in regions where Lyft Line is available, and will only pair you with passengers using Lyft Line (since they've also entered a destination). You can complete three destination sessions per day — a session representing at least one completed ride on the way to a set destination. Whenever you remove, change, or reach your destination, we will check to see if you've completed any rides. If you've dropped off any passenger(s), that counts as one. The time you spend in destination mode does not count as time in driver mode. When you're in destination mode, whether you are in a ride or not, it will not qualify toward the Power Driver Bonus or the Average Hourly Guarantee. That time isn't included with your time in driver mode for the day or week in the Dashboard or summaries. Share your comments on this new feature with Uber and Lyft Driver Best Practices today. 

Drive for Uber, Lyft or Both?

A fundamental decision for drivers in most countries other than China (Diddi) is whether to register and drive for Uber, for Lyft or for both companies. Uber is undoubtedly the market leader in most countries, has strong brand recognition and a large base of riders. Both companies offer incentives including Driver Referral and Number of Weekly Trip bonuses. While most of my driving experience is with Uber, recently I have begun driving for Lyft and observed a few nice benefits. First, the Lyft app allows riders to "tip" their driver directly from the app in real-time. Nice. Second, Lyft offers a small $10 Rider Referral bonus to driver. Thirdly, and most importantly, Lyft pays its drivers approximately 5%-8% more per trip which boosts your daily and weekly earnings ... cash in the bank. Each driver needs to make the decision for his or her self. Let's here from some other drivers on which service they prefer and why. Send your comments to Uber and Lyft Driver Best Practices. 

What Is In Your Winter and Wet Weather Driver's Kit?

Wet and wintry weather present new challenges for many Uber and Lyft driver ... especially those who operate in cold and mountainous regions around the world. While each driver's situation is unique here are some basic tips to help you prepare to stay safely on the road, serve your riders and keep your earnings coming in. New windshield wipers are a must to give you a claer view of the roadway and traffic around you. An ice scraper is vital for drivers in very cold and snowy regions. Plastic floor mats will help preserve the interior of your vehicle from dirt, salt and sand you encounter during the winter. An umbrella is a must for most driver year-round. For those drivers in mountain or hilly areas chains may be needed along with a shovel, a package of salt and/or sand. Finally, most regions will provide roadway conditions via radio, text or the Internet from state police and the Weather Channel. Drivers, share your recommendations today with Uber and Lyft Driver Best Practices.

Airport Pick-ups and Drop-Offs (Knowledge Leads to Increased Earnings)

Knowing the directions to, form and within the airport(s) near you can save drivers time and boost earnings. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area we have three commercial airports: San Francisco International, San Jose Mineta Internal and Oakland International Airports. While on any airport property be sure to display your Uber or Lyft authorization card in the front dashboard of your vehicle at all time. Do your best to memorize the terminal numbers-letters (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3, International, etc.) while also knowing which airlines are located at each terminal. This will save you driving time and avoid going to the wrong terminal. If you are picking-up  a rider(s) be sure to use the designated Ride Sharing "Waiting Area" to get in the queue. At peak travel times you will likely need to double or even triple park. Make sure that your rider(s) have a safe means of entering or exiting your vehicle while you load or unload their baggage in a timely manner. Be aware of pedestrian cross-walks and do not block them with your vehicle. If you are approached by traffic or security guards be polite, apologize for any transgression and promptly be on your way. Drivers, send your comments and experiences to Uber and Lyft Best Practices today.

Do Not Text and Drive

While hands-free device and texting laws may vary from state to state the bottom line is that not having a hands-free device and texting while driving ... especially with Uber or Lyft riders in your vehicle is unsafe. While it is very tempting to look down at your phone for directions while in motion puts your rider and vehicle at risk. If you choose not to use a phone mounting device on your dashboard you can always simply turn on audio to receive navigation details. While this can be somewhat annoying at times ... particularly if your rider(s) is speaking with someone on their own phone ... safety comes first. If I know the route and rider's destination fairly well I typically turn off the audio until the last 1-2 miles of the trip as none of us have perfect knowledge of street structures, directional signs, etc. Let's here from other Uber and Lyft drivers on their best practices for safely navigating to a rider(s) destination - in particular the last 1-2 miles. Send your comments to Uber and Lyft Driver Best Practices.

Uber: To Pool or Not to Pool?

Without doubt Uber Pool is an excellent way to help reduce rider fares while increasing driver revenue. In general this method works well for all parties - riders and the driver. There are some key issues to be aware of when accepting Pool rider(s). First, how many riders can your vehicle seat (in addition to yourself)? Second, how close are you to the initial rider's destination when the Pool rider request comes in? And third, how far away is the second (Pool) rider's pick-up location? If you are very close (e.g. less than 5 minutes) from the initial rider's destination you may simply want to accept the Pool rider, however, drop-off the first rider then immediately pick-up the second (Pool) rider(s). Also, if the second (Pool) rider's pick-up location is several minutes away ask the initial rider if he/she minds if your drive to the Pool rider's location and in turn help reduce their fare. Finally, there is the intangible issue of "personality" and "physical comfort" challenges between multiple riders in your car. Let's here the tips from other drivers who frequently accept Pool riders. Share your comments with Uber Driver Best Practices. 

Driving in Wet and Wintry Conditions - Time to Prepare

With the wet and winter seasons approaching in many areas of the northern hemisphere its time to prepare to ensure your riders are dry and safe and your vehicle can handle the challenging weather conditions. Keeping riders safe and dry can be as simple as keeping an umbrella in your vehicle, an extra towel(s) under your driver's seat (and trunk) and testing your purchasing new windshield wipers if necessary. The use of rubber floor matts will not help you keep your car clean, but also help you preserve the quality of your vehicle's interior for personal use while maintaining its resale or trade-in value. For the vehicle's exterior checking the tread on your tires and frequent washing to remove salt and other wintry debris is also a must. Let's hear from other drivers regarding how they prep their vehicles for wet and wintry conditions. Send your comments to Uber Driver Best Practices.

Commuter Train and Subway Stations are ExcellentHigh Surge Pick-up Locations

Many Uber drivers live within range of commuter train lines or subway stations. During the morning rush hour commuters obviously need rides to the stations from the surrounding 10 miles radius. Likewise, for the evening rush hour commuters need rides home or to nearby restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies. All of the above represent good medium-to-high surge opportunities for drivers. If you have the choice between multiple locations typically chose the location with the largest number of potential riders. While these trip may not necessarily be the "longest" trips based upon mileage the common surge rates more than compensate drivers for the trips' length. I would be great to hear tips from other Uber drives on this topic. Send comments to Uber Driver Best Practices. 

Airport Staging Areas - Pick-up Riders for Medium-to-Long Trips

Medium-to-large airports and nearby hotel strips are excellent locations to pick-up riders. At airports be sure to wait in the designated Staging Area and display your airport authorization sign in the front windshield of your vehicle. Most airports have clusters of medium-high end hotels near by. All are fruitful ground for rider requests. The ideal scenario is that a driver takes a passenger from city-center to the airport departures deck usually a 10-20 mile trip then moves to the Staging Area just a short distance away to briefly wait for a new rider request from the arrivals deck at the airport. While driver are not informed in advance of a rider's destination people arriving at airports typically rider another 10-20 miles away from the airport to their destination. If you can perform the driving scenario above at peak surge times all the better. This will boost your productivity and your income. Let's here from other drivers about their experiences driving to and from airports. Send comments to Uber Driver Best Practices. 

Driving Elderly and Handicapped Riders

When Uber drivers accept a rider request we do not always know what to expect upon pick-up arrival. A single rider may in fact be a group of 2-3 riders, the rider may be elderly or handicapped. Yes, we drive to earn an income, nonetheless, we need to be ready to provide extra help to those in need. An elderly person or couple may need special help getting into and out of our vehicles. Handicapped persons may likely need our physical help getting to and from our cars. And some handicapped riders may have wheel chairs which need to be folded or partially disassembled to fit into the trunk. An extra measure of compassion and patience is surely needed. These situations may not be the fastest way to boost your weekly income however we need to remember that one day this could be any of us. Other drivers, please send your suggestions to Uber Driver Best Practices.

Locating Riders at Shopping Malls and Airports

Locating riders at complex locations such as shopping malls and airports can be a challenge. Once again, reducing the 'time to pick-up' will boost your driving revenue and rider satisfaction. This is especially true in cases with non-English speaking riders and/or riders who are new to your area. Four key elements of an efficient pick-up include Phone, Pin, GPS directions and Local Knowledge. Using a combination of these resources provides both rider and driver with a better experience. Whether at large shopping malls or airpoirts always call your rider in advance to reconfirm their location by asking them which major store are they closest to or which carrier and door name-number (arrivals or departures they are at in an medium-large airport). Also inform the rider they model and color of your vehicle and tell them you will put on your flashing lights (emergency lights) when you pull up. If you cannot locate them give the rider the best opportunity to locate you. As always, we invite other Uber driver to share their tips with Uber Driver Best Practices. 

A Clean Vehicle Leads to Increased Rider Satisfaction and Ratings

Uber riders expect to be picked-up by a polite and confident driver to take them to their destination. This is the first element of a successful ride. However, do not overlook the fact that your riders also expect to be driven in a clean vehicle. So my second guideline is to take an extra five-to-ten minutes a day to quickly clean your vehicle inside and out. Removing inside dust and debris is vital. On occasion, a previous rider(s) may have left a water bottle or other undesirable items in your car. I also keep a towel in the trunk of my car to give the exterior a brief once over cleaning. With winter approaching keeping your vehicle becomes a bigger challenge. Riders to not expect perfection but they do expect that Uber drivers make an effort to keep a clean environment. Let's here from some other Uber drivers on the difference a clean vehicle makes. Send your comments to Uber Driver Best Practices. 

Loading and Unloading Riders' Luggage Will Help Increase You Driver Rating

Once in a while I hear from a rider that a prior Uber driver has not offered to load or unload their luggage. I personally believe that it is always the driver's role and responsibility. Some Uber drivers may disagree with this approach. I make many hotel pick-ups and airport drop-offs and routinely load and unload passenger luggage. This definitely gives your riders the confidence that you "care for them" and their possessions ... and that they are in good hands. When driving sub-compact car like my Toyota Corolla with 2-3 riders each with their own luggage you may have to get creative by clearing the necessary space in your trunk and/or front passenger seat. Finally, as drivers we know that "tips" are no required and yet greatly appreciated. Handling luggage just might put a few extra dollars in your pocket. Drivers, please send your comments to Uber Driver Best Practices. See you on the road!