Drive for Uber or Lyft?

GravitySucks

GravitySucks

Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Messages
3,502
Location
Syracuse
Has anyone tried driving for Uber or Lyft?
Or any gig economy type jobs.
An acquaintance was driving to save up for a trip to Hawaii. She did make enough that she's still driving after returning, but she's not the type that I trust her numbers.
Just thinking it might be a way to spend a couple hours a week and pick up some fun money.
So anyone ever do it? Share your experience.
 
I have not. But I have taken Uber about 20-25 times in various cities around the country. I usually chat-up the driver and eventually direct the conversation to how long they've been driving, how they like it, etc.

Most of the longer-term drivers seemed unhappy with the mileage and wear and tear on their vehicle. They also expressed that they weren't making what they thought they would.

Lately, I've noticed a shift in the drivers and cars. Some cars are not the late-model ones that they are supposed to be. And some of the drivers seemed to not be of the same caliber as the earlier ones. 'nuff said. :(

omni
 
Uber drivers have a huge online forum , not run by Uber.

Never driven for either. Most of the drivers I have gotten drive for both Uber and Lyft, and none have good things to say about Uber
 
It's been a mixed bag of drivers - mostly positive and much better than most cabs. Probably used Uber 40-50 times.

I would never be a driver. I suspect when maintenance, gas, depreciation etc are truly factored in, the drivers are probably breaking even. Probably. Making a "living wage?" Not a chance.

I think Airbnb/Vrbo is a much more lucrative value proposition. But, I'm not looking for income (or being a landlord), so I'll just be a customer. :)

We seldom use Uber eats or other delivery options. We just aren't into food with FF miles.

I an a fan of on demand services and hope to see other creative disruptions in our service economy. :dance:
 
I don’t know anyone that drove for them except one guy I worked with. I think he had the perfect situation and represented what ride sharing was all about.

Between where he lived (rural area) and where he worked (metro area) was the main airport. Pretty much any morning he could pick up a fair going from the airport to downtown. He was going exactly that way anyway so it was truely almost 100% profit. Probably more than 100% depending on how he handled his taxes (I don’t know that). He could also frequently take someone from downtown to the airport on his way home.

I think otherwise, the true cost is enough to make it not worth the effort.
 
Red Badger said:
I would never be a driver. I suspect when maintenance, gas, depreciation etc are truly factored in, the drivers are probably breaking even. Probably. Making a "living wage?" Not a chance.
Click to expand...

There was a thread a few years ago that discussed the numbers on driving for Uber (can't find it now) and that was pretty much the conclusion. So if the driver is making anything, it isn't much. Flipping burgers pays much better, net.
 
I looked into it, lurked on the forum, I know two drivers and I’ve chatted up my drivers while riding. I’ve come to the conclusion that the real business model is based on driver turnover. After a while most drivers are not satisfied with the income vs time required and extra wear and tear. By the time they figure that out and move on, someone else comes in to give it a go. The successful drivers find a niche like driving during their regular commute, cruising the bar hoppers frequented by millennials and students, etc. my good friend did it between jobs and now only drives to get money for a trip or big bill that’s due.
 
I thought, very briefly, about driving, but decided against it.


My motivation would be just to interact with random people; I thought it might be fun. If I broke even, that would be enough.


The problem, which is often the problem with doing stuff that involves other people, is that while most are honest, there might be that one that finds a way to wreck your positive vibe by filing a law suit or something. Even though I'm sure Uber or Lyft have protections (didn't research), I think it would be too much of a risk.
 
Walt34 said:
There was a thread a few years ago that discussed the numbers on driving for Uber (can't find it now) and that was pretty much the conclusion. So if the driver is making anything, it isn't much. Flipping burgers pays much better, net.
Click to expand...
Plus, your retirement nest egg isn't exposed to as much legal liability flipping burgers vs. driving people around who may get injured or killed while under your care.
 
A few people touched on it -- the problem with "ridesharing" is that, instead of the typical business model, the app company takes a cut but all the hidden costs (like vehicle maintenance, wear, registration) are on the driver instead of a taxi company, who takes a cut and pays for many actual long-term expenses.

This video explains some of the issues really well:
 
My best friend tried Uber more out of curiosity than anything else. Claims he made pretty good money.

He quit after a month when he realized that 90% of his customers were 27 year old women.

Being alone in the car with them, it dawned on him that he was just one false accusation away from big problems.
 
Last edited:
The Cosmic Avenger said:
A few people touched on it -- the problem with "ridesharing" is that, instead of the typical business model, the app company takes a cut but all the hidden costs (like vehicle maintenance, wear, registration) are on the driver instead of a taxi company, who takes a cut and pays for many actual long-term expenses.
Click to expand...
The Cosmic Avenger said:
I do tip Uber drivers rather nicely, because I get the math (a couple years back, Uber added a tip feature, but initially, the company was adamant against tipping).

But yeah, their business model seems rather predatory....
Click to expand...
 
Figured these would be the responces.
Didn't consider the liability I'll bet my umbrella policy would not payoff if I was working or the premium would soar.
Uber puts up a $1m liability but I can see that getting eaten up in one bad accident.

It would just be for the social interaction and fun money as I'm not even withdrawing what I did last year let alone spending at my new SWR level.

Meh. Rainy days. Need to get out more.
 
My wife and I personally use Uber all the time. For a night out, it sure beats the possibility of a DUI. Holiday party season is right around the corner. Something to keep in mind.
As far as driving. I have an employee who drives for Uber. He takes rides before work, usually an airport run and rides right after work. He told me he makes about $40 a day for 2 hours of work.
 
sengsational said:
I thought, very briefly, about driving, but decided against it.

My motivation would be just to interact with random people; I thought it might be fun. If I broke even, that would be enough...
Click to expand...

I do not enjoy driving, particularly on city streets. If I needed money, this would be the last thing I do.

About interacting with people, I am an introvert and do not need to see more people.

I read a while back about rich young people in China who drove just to amuse themselves to see people's reaction when their Uber driver showed up in an exotic car like a Ferrari or Maserati.
 
I had an actor pick us up once. I googled him during the ride and yep, there he was in movies with folks like John Travolta. I also had a driver ask me to tell him a story. Said he collected them.
 
Drivers are protesting for limits in Chicago

This really tells a story on income if they want government protection to juice their wages.

I am no fan of taxis but I always thought they payed a fee and abided by certain rules in exchange for limited competion via city licensing.

This is incredibly ironic that both ride share companies destroyed a taxi franchises (purchased medallions) and now their drivers want limits - maybe they can institute medallions too and another set of drivers/technology can destroy them?
 
sengsational said:
I thought, very briefly, about driving, but decided against it.


My motivation would be just to interact with random people; I thought it might be fun. If I broke even, that would be enough.


The problem, which is often the problem with doing stuff that involves other people, is that while most are honest, there might be that one that finds a way to wreck your positive vibe by filing a law suit or something. Even though I'm sure Uber or Lyft have protections (didn't research), I think it would be too much of a risk.
Click to expand...


Then you got the other side of the equation.... where the driver accuses you of a crime....


My daughter was supposed to be getting a new soccer coach... but the day before he was to start he was arrested for pulling a gun on an Uber driver... got booked and charged with a crime... missed a whole season of work... he is now the coach as there was no gun...


I wanted to ask what happened and if he sued the driver and/or Uber, but my DW said to keep my mouth shut...
 
sengsational said:
The problem, which is often the problem with doing stuff that involves other people, is that while most are honest, there might be that one that finds a way to wreck your positive vibe by filing a law suit or something. Even though I'm sure Uber or Lyft have protections (didn't research), I think it would be too much of a risk.
Click to expand...

That was my friend's concern. Every one of his passengers was a 26-27 year old woman that he was alone in the car with. He wasn't worried about 'wrecking his vibe' or even the legal cost (which Uber would cover) but more about the social implications that a false accusation would have against his life/marriage.

COcheesehead said:
I have an employee who drives for Uber. He takes rides before work, usually an airport run and rides right after work. He told me he makes about $40 a day for 2 hours of work.
Click to expand...

My friend kept careful records and claimed he was making $25 an hour, not counting gas and maintenance. He usually only turned on his meter when he was heading home from somewhere so he'd be going in that direction most times anyway.
 
Retiree_Having_Fun said:
Not sure if this is legal but a dashcam pointed INSIDE the car would resolve any disputes.

Here is a link to two camera dashcam - company recommends them for unruly passengers, accidents, accusations.
Click to expand...




That is what I was going to say.... if you drive an Uber you better have a dash cam...


Also expect to be on camera anytime you get in any kind of public transportation... Uber, taxi, bus, train etc. etc.... even ships...
 
marko said:
My best friend tried Uber more out of curiosity than anything else. Claims he made pretty good money.

He quit after a month when he realized that 90% of his customers were 27 year old women.

Being alone in the car with them, it dawned on him that he was just one false accusation away from big problems.
Click to expand...

Note to self: Sign up do drive with Lyft, and pick up a dash-cam at Fry's
 
Walt34 said:
It depends on the state laws. In MD it would require the consent of all passengers.
Click to expand...






Can you have a sign saying you are being recorded in the back and if you stay in the car you are consenting?


Seems like a pain to get verbal or written consent from every passenger... and verbal means nothing if the person says they never gave it...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

jollystomper
Ride hailing "mistake" - or potential scam?
Replies
13
Views
1K
LateToFIRE
L
PaunchyPirate
Helping an elderly parent stay on top of their financial accounts
Replies
24
Views
935
1242Vintage
1
Earl E Retyre
Washington State road trip
2 3
Replies
51
Views
2K
skyking1
skyking1
M
Solo Vacations
2 3 4
Replies
80
Views
3K
rk911
rk911
sengsational
Dumbest Booking Error
2 3
Replies
60
Views
3K
sengsational
sengsational

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom