What This Driver Learned After 26,000 Uber Trips, Plus Coronavirus Fears: Rideshare Drivers React

Welcome to Rideshare Drivers React, your weekly roundup of the conversations trending among drivers in The Rideshare Guy community. Click Subscribe above to be notified of each edition. 

[Editor’s note: Quotes are lightly edited for clarity]

Three Things This Driver Learned After 26,000 Uber and Lyft Trips

Rideshare driving can be a great way to help you define your life and its path – and earn good money in the process. 

We had one writer share what he’s learned after giving 26,000+ rides as an Uber and Lyft driver, including how rideshare driving has helped him make goals, broaden his perspective, and create his Plan B for life after rideshare.

Here’s what readers are saying:

Readers had a lot to say about this topic, although reactions were mixed. One reader shared how he’s using Uber and Lyft to further his Plan B (stock trading):

“I'm using a Wall Street simulator to learn the art and science of trading penny stocks. Once I figure it out on a consistent basis, I'll start using real money. Uber, Fiverr, and the gig economy are a means to an end, they are not the end.”

Other drivers, like Paul, shared how rideshare driving isn’t so much a money-making venture as it is something to do post-retirement. 

“Jay, it is nice to be young and optimistic! However I am 67 years old and require total knee replacement of both knees. My options are limited… Nonetheless, I do enjoy the work - for the most part - and take the advice that you and Harry provide to maximize my income.”

Chime in on the discussion here.

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What Uber Drivers Need To Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

You’ve probably seen the news: the coronavirus is out, it seems pretty contagious, and people are dying from it. But how worried should drivers be? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in general most of us in the US have nothing to fear. People returning to the US from China, particularly Wuhan, have been tested, are quarantined if they display signs of illness, and are only discharged when cleared.

In addition, the 2019-2020 flu is still far more lethal than the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), but unfortunately, that statistic is less buzz-worthy than a new and “exotic” virus. Given the media hype, how have drivers taken the coronavirus news? While some are pragmatic, others remain fearful.

Here’s what readers are saying:

Viewer Melody summed up many of the comments RSG received regarding the coronavirus; namely, the fact that drivers see the media attention on the coronavirus, believe it to be in the US and uncontained, and therefore don’t want to risk their health by driving people who appear to be Asian:

“I do feel offended that you are speaking down on those of us that are concerned for our health. People are dying from this and we don’t want to be one of them. Again, I love your work but if people want to avoid a possible virus then they have that right and I don’t think it makes them a racist...”

While drivers should always prioritize their own safety and health, viewer Nos has a healthy perspective:

“A lot of people don't know what a virus is in the first place.  So much worry when all you need to do is keep your car clean, yourself especially. I always have sanitizer foam and paper towels in my center console. I mean, who wears gloves while driving?”

Chime in on the discussion here.

Uber, Lyft Gather Signatures to Challenge AB5

By now, it’s apparent Uber and Lyft are not big fans of AB5 in California. They have already committed $90 million to defeat AB5 and have sponsored a statewide ballot initiative specifically for rideshare drivers called Protect App-Based Drivers and Services Act (PABDASA).

This is a new law that would trump the AB5 law and be specific to rideshare and delivery drivers. It would allow for a few things — such as guaranteed minimum wages, health insurance stipends and more. Plus, it would ensure drivers remain independent contractors instead of employees.

In order to get this proposed act on the ballot during the November 2020 elections, Uber needs approximately 630,000 qualified signatures. Uber has been aggressively courting drivers to support PABDASA, including messaging drivers through the app to state their opposition to AB5.

Here’s what readers are saying:

Drivers in California are understandably perturbed by Uber’s stance on AB5. Reader Gabe shares his thoughts on what could happen should PABDASA pass:

“Expect your pay to decrease in most CA markets. Another thing I'd point out to the PABDASA boosters is that the proposed law does NOT overturn or remove AB5. It creates a 3rd class of worker, with a smaller minimum wage and fewer rights and benefits than hourly employees.”

Chime in on the discussion here.