Who’s Winning the Rideshare Battle? Uber or Lyft?: Rideshare Drivers React

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

The latest episode on The Rideshare Guy! Take a listen to my latest podcast episode where I chat with Jonah Bliss about the Micromobility America conference. We cover all the newest start-ups in the micromobility space, how scooters are the next big thing, and how micromobility could better incorporate discussions with cities in the future.?

Who’s Winning the Rideshare Battle? Uber or Lyft?

Passenger demand is higher than ever, and we all know that many gig work companies are still struggling to lure drivers and couriers back in. Now’s the time to sign up with gig companies if you’ve been on the fence about it!

However, between Uber and Lyft, which company is more lucrative for drivers? We looked into demand, earnings, and promotions to see which company comes out on top.?

Here’s what readers are saying:

According to our contributor, Uber handily beats Lyft when it comes to earnings and requests. Drivers were surprised by this, especially given Lyft’s formerly more driver-friendly persona:

“Hats off to Lyft, you gotta really try hard to be considered worse than Uber.”

On the other hand, another reader shared that promotions and earnings still vary depending on what part of the country you live in:

“Each market is different. In DC, Lyft beats Uber. I use both... Lyft offers 3 ride streaks for $15 to $18 every TWO hours. On top of a bonus for TOTAL rides for the week.”

Chime in on the discussion here .

Is It Slowing Down For Lyft And Uber Drivers And Gig Workers?

We’ve been talking a lot about a driver shortage, with higher than average promotions and earnings - but this isn’t the case everywhere. Is the slowdown in demand for drivers in certain parts of the country a harbinger for what’s to come nationwide??

Here’s what readers are saying:

Jose says it’s not just a slow down for gig workers - it’s going to happen to the entire US economy:

“It's inevitable that this will eventually trickle to the gig economy. Rideshare and delivery is all about disposable discretion income. When there is less of it it's inevitable that we are going to take a hit.”

Another driver sees the writing on the wall and is planning his pivot to make rideshare work out for him:

“The market is saturated with workers. It makes it hard for us full-time people. Everyone is using their parents’ vehicles and driving the pay down per gig. Gas is rising up and up and up. It will hit $5.00 a gallon within a year.?

The time to get out is basically now. Lyft and Uber are reporting a profit because of all the extra money they charge and then keep for themselves instead of paying us drivers.?

It's definitely time to pull back and approach this industry from a different angle. I'm going to save up for a hybrid vehicle. I can't afford the gas anymore and do what I like to do. I have to have a hybrid so that means working until I can purchase the correct equipment for my work.”

Chime in on the discussion here .

Lyft & Uber Drivers: How To Handle Multiple Stops

Multiple stops: one thing most drivers absolutely loathe! Unfortunately, Uber is pivoting to making multi-stops easier, not harder, and inevitably drivers will encounter a passenger who demands on making multiple stops. How do you handle people who want to treat you and your car like a professional chauffeur? Our tips on how to handle this diplomatically and professionally.?

Here’s what readers are saying:

?As expected, drivers really do not like this feature - and rightly believe they should be compensated more for multi-stop requests:

?“The reason riders choose stops is that they don't want to book another ride request because of an additional service fee. So, if Uber is so liberal or spendthrift with the driver's time, it should cough up that service fee for the wait time.”

?While Steve’s response to multi-stop riders is extreme, it’s not at all surprising. In the end, people who make multi-stops are eating into drivers’ time, gas, and potential earnings from other rides:

?“I have taken their luggage and purse and left them in the Walgreens lobby and let the cashier know they belong to someone in here. Pisses me off when they disrespect our time.”

?Chime in on the discussion here .