Lyft is no longer the “driver friendly” app

An article was posted by the Inquirer highlighting how over time, Lyft went from the driver friendly app, to the app that drivers are starting to despise, with a passion. I couldn’t agree more.

When Lyft first launched in Houston, there was no question. Hands down, Lyft was better than Uber. Not only did they provide in app tipping, have fun giveaways and parties, they also made sure drivers were treated right by the city. (That fancy new TNC lot with the cover at IAH? You can thank one of the former managers of Lyft for making that possible.)

If you currently drive for Lyft Express (Lyft’s rental program) this little tidbit is for you:

When Express first launched in Houston, you can rent a car for as little as $35, and then have that fee waived after doing x amount of rides. This also came with UNLIMITED miles, and you were paid the same amount as someone who had their own vehicle.

Now? You are limited to a certain amount of miles, and pay $200+ a week out of pocket, and get paid less per mile than a driver with their own vehicle right?

Now this applies to non Lyft Express drivers:

If you have been driving with Lyft and Uber, you likely have noticed that the pay is substantially less.

Yes, on paper we get paid the same in terms of mileage and minute rate, but in practice, I believe we all can agree that Uber gives out way more bonuses than Uber does via surge. If Lyft does have a pop up “power zone” aka flat rate bonus, you can 100% expect the rate shown on the Lyft app to be the extra you are paid. Of course, this is assuming the bonus was shown before you took the ride. (More often, Lyft gives you a couple extra dollars after you take the ride, which is nice, but it is literally only about $2.)

With Uber, you likely have seen that the “flat rate” can be increased by a substantial amount at the end of the ride. (Pro Tip: This is based on what the rider pays)

Yes, Lyft stays cheaper for riders, but we are not a charity. My favorite is the text message “You are missing too many rides and this is bad for the Lyft Community”. – – Last I checked I am doing this for profit. I really could care less about the “Lyft Community” seeing as I am not a non-profit, and neither is Lyft for that matter. (Ever notice how these come after you decline 1 or 2 requests that are too far away?)

This blog post is a bit all over the place, but scare tactics like the one mentioned above, coupled with the lack of promotions, bonuses, even when they are surcharging riders is what is really making Lyft the evil twin of Uber, rather than the “driver friendly” alternative.