What It's Really Like To Drive For Uber

Summary: Over the past several years, ride-sharing services like <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/go/lyft/">Lyft</a> and <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/go/uber/">Uber</a> have made a remarkable splash in cities across the country. These ride-sharing services give users a platform to request a ride from freelance drivers who can get them from point A to point B safely and conveniently. <br> The <a href="http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/15651/uber-and-lyft-are-close-in-popularity-survey-says">popularity of Lyft and Uber has skyrocketed</a>, especially in markets where taxi cabs are limited, prohibitively expensive, or just plain jerks.<br> Despite their ongoing controversy, the rise in transportation apps like Lyft and Uber are unsurprising in hindsight. Open up an app on your smartphone, input your destination, and voila! <br> Similarly, if you’re looking for a low-cost way to <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/how-to-make-money-sharing-economy/">make some extra cash</a>, ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft are a great choice.<br> Still, despite the similarities of these two ride-sharing services, they are not exactly the same, and many people have strong opinions about which one is better. <br> Whether you need a ride across town or you are considering working as a freelance driver for Lyft vs Uber, it’s important that you consider the advantages, features, and disadvantages of each.<br> When a behind the scenes look at what it’s really like to be a driver? Listen to our episode with <a href="https://therideshareguy.com/">The Ride Share Guy</a>.<br> What is Uber?<br> Based in San Francisco in 2009, <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/go/uber/">Uber</a> operates worldwide in hundreds of cities. Both drivers and riders use the Uber app to request and accept rides. When a rider requests an Uber, the app will notify the nearest available driver, who can choose to accept or decline the ride. If drivers accept, the app will route them to the location of the ride requester.<br> <br> Once the driver has picked up the passenger (or passengers), the driver’s app will display directions to the destination of the rider. The app tracks the distance and duration of the ride to calculate a rider’s final cost, paying the driver a portion of this amount. <br> One of the most convenient things about Uber is the fact that you don’t need to carry cash or cards with you. Instead, riders can link one of their spending accounts to the app and pay for the trip from their phone. Because of the size of Uber, riders in most larger cities can secure a ride in a matter of minutes. <br> Uber drivers work in a freelance capacity, which means that they are not eligible for benefits or formal employment status. They are responsible for the maintenance of their vehicles, as well as their insurance and license. Because drivers maintain their own vehicles, Uber can maintain relatively low overhead and keep ride prices low.<br> What is Lyft?<br> Like <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/go/uber/">Uber</a>, <a href="https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/go/lyft/">Lyft</a> is also a San Francisco-based company. However, the company is smaller and currently operates only in the United States. Still, the process of requesting and paying for rides is nearly identical to Uber.<br> A rider requests a driver, who can accept or decline the ride, and the app directs the driver to the location of the rider. Again, navigation, requests, and payment all take place within the app.<br> <br> Comparing Uber vs. Lyft<br> You might be wondering whether there are any major differences between two companies with such similar services. We are here to tell you…Yes! There are key distinctions that can affect the experience of riders and drivers alike. <br> Here are some of the critical factors that distinguish these two ride-sharing services so that you can make the best choice the ne...