Lyft vs Uber: Which Rideshare App Is the Best For New Drivers?
If you're looking for a way to get around town without driving your own car, you probably have two apps on your phone: Lyft and Uber. Lyft and Uber are the best rideshare companies for new drivers. These two companies are leaders in the rideshare industry, offering a convenient and cheap alternative to taxis and public transit. But which one is the best choice for you? In this article, we'll compare and contrast the pros and cons of each app, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Lyft or Uber: Where Can You Use Them?
One of the biggest differences between Lyft and Uber is their availability. Uber is a global company, operating in 58 countries and over 300 cities around the world. Lyft, on the other hand, is only available in the U.S. (46 states) and Canada. This means that Uber has a much larger market and can serve more customers and drivers worldwide. However, Lyft is growing fast and may expand to more countries in the future. Low key, I always felt like Lyft was better for drivers because years ago when I started they allowed tips before Uber did.
Lyft vs Uber: How Much Do They Cost?
Another important factor to consider is the cost of each app. Both Lyft and Uber charge similar rates for basic rides, which depend on factors like distance, time, demand, and location. However, both apps also use dynamic pricing models that increase the fares during peak times or high demand. Uber calls this Surge Pricing, while Lyft calls it Prime Time.
The way they calculate these price surges is different, though. Uber uses a multiplier model, which means that the fare is multiplied by a certain number depending on the demand. For example, if the surge is 2x, you pay twice as much as the normal fare. Lyft uses a percentage-based formula, which means that a certain percentage is added to the normal fare. For example, if the prime time is 50%, you pay 50% more than the normal fare.
This means that the same ride could cost very differently on each app during peak times. The best way to compare prices is to check both apps before booking a ride, and see which one offers a better deal.
Lyft vs Uber: What Kind of Rides Can You Get?
Another major difference between Lyft and Uber is the variety of ride options they offer. Both apps allow you to choose from different types of vehicles, such as economy, luxury, or eco-friendly. However, Uber has more options than Lyft, giving you more flexibility and choice.
Uber offers nine different ride options: UberX, UberXL, UberPool, Uber Comfort, Uber Green, Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Uber Premier, and Uber Taxi. Each option has different features, such as number of seats, vehicle quality, price range, and carbon footprint.
Lyft offers five different ride options: Lyft, Lyft XL, Lyft Lux, Lyft Lux Black, and Lyft Lux Black XL. Each option has similar features as Uber's counterparts, but with fewer choices.
In addition to ride options, Uber also offers more services than Lyft, such as Uber Eats (food delivery), Uber Freight (truck delivery), Uber Health (non-emergency medical transportation), and Uber Pet (pet-friendly rides). Lyft only offers one additional service: Lyft Rentals (car rental).
Lyft vs Uber: How Do They Treat Their Drivers?
If you're thinking of becoming a rideshare driver, you may wonder which app is better for you. Both Lyft and Uber have similar requirements for drivers and vehicles, such as age, license, insurance, background check, etc. However, there are some differences in how they treat their drivers.
According to some reports, drivers earn slightly more with Lyft than with Uber. This is because Lyft charges lower commissions than Uber, and also allows drivers to keep 100% of their tips. Uber also allows drivers to keep their tips, but charges higher commissions on fares .
Another difference is the driver culture. Lyft is known for being more friendly and community-oriented than Uber. Lyft encourages drivers and riders to interact with each other, such as by using stickers, fist bumps, or conversation starters. Uber is more professional and business-like than Lyft. Uber focuses on providing efficient and reliable service to customers, rather than creating social connections.
Conclusion
So, which rideshare company is better for new drivers: Lyft or Uber? The answer depends on your personal needs and preferences. Both apps have their advantages and disadvantages, and both offer convenient and affordable transportation options. The best way to decide is to try both apps yourself, and see which one suits you better. I hope this article was imformative and helps you on your rideshare journey! Good luck!
