Lyft Blocking Third-Party Apps

Over the past few months, Lyft has been actively blocking Mystro – an app that we’re a big fan of (I’m even an advisor to Mystro) and many drivers have emailed us to express their frustrations. Switching apps like Mystro let drivers drive for both Uber and Lyft automatically, and these third-party apps let drivers set terms for preference as far as which app they’d prefer to accept rides from. But one thing we’ve been surprised by is how many drivers like using Mystro purely for the safety aspect, since without it, you have to manually accept/reject trips that could come in while driving 45 mph down the street. 

Here’s what readers are saying:

Manny, an Uber and Lyft driver, expressed concerns about driving and declining rides. Without Mystro to make those automatic declines (or accepts), driving becomes more dangerous:

“I have been opening usual two apps (Uber and Lyft) at the same time. But recently, I noticed some weird things using these two apps at the same time. I have to hit the CP screen hard several times just to get that request… I’ve almost run a red light because I have to concentrate on the apps in my effort to get that precious request…”

On the other hand, driver David acknowledges it does make sense that apps like Lyft and Uber have the ultimate say in deciding which third-party apps have access to their platforms:

“Both Uber and Lyft do not want another app automatically rejecting ride requests. In addition, developers would not want an app automatically accessing their app without some type of partnership or without them using an official API.”

Chime in on the discussion here.

Lyft is Raising Prices on Riders but Not for Drivers

There’s been ample coverage this week of Lyft (and Uber’s) earnings call, but one thing that stood out to me is that Lyft finally admitted to raising prices on riders without paying the difference to drivers. We’ve long suspected this will happen with the introduction of Personal Power Zones and Upfront Pricing but now the numbers confirm it. Unfortunately, when it comes to profitability, these companies only have two options, pay drivers less or charge riders more. It really is that simple.

Here’s what readers are saying:

High commission is one of the top complaints we’re hearing from drivers right now and as these stories pile up, we are seeing increased support from drivers for bills like California’s AB5. Chime in on the discussion here.

NYC Extends Cap on Uber and Lyft Vehicles

On Wednesday, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission voted unanimously to permanently extend the freeze on new for-hire vehicles. And this ruling comes on the heels of a study by Uber and Lyft released this week that shows what drivers have known for a while, yes they are making traffic worse. 

However, I don’t think it makes much sense to single out Uber and Lyft since they make up less than 10% of vehicles on the road. Cities need to consider programs like congestion pricing and more investment in public transportation to solve this issue but it is a lot easier to just blame Uber and Lyft.

Here’s what readers are saying:

Several drivers think this is the first step to Lyft treating drivers more like taxi cab drivers and less like independent contractors. RSG reader Gabe points out:

“The inevitable solution: the TLC starts selling medallions to FHV drivers and Uber/Lyft are merely dispatch services for actual independent contractors. How do I know it's inevitable? Because it's the system that's been in place for taxicabs since the 1930s. That Uber/Lyft have been able to operate unregulated in a place like NYC is a fluke.”

Other drivers are hoping this just remains New York City's problem, and these regulations aren't picked up by other cities/agencies. As driver Garrett states,

"...hope and pray that agencies such as the D/FW Airport Board aren't reading this blog."

Chime in on the discussion here.