So, I can't tell from Uber's site, but is Uber doing similar things for their drivers that actually save them money, as opposed to finding new ways to make money off of them?
New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
11–20 of 148 posts
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#12This seems very dangerously like W2 employees using employer provided equipment to do a task, even if it's rented by a rental company. (IANAL)
Lyft doesn't provide the equipment, they've just negotiated special rates with Hertz so that Lyft drivers can rent cars at a special discount if they're going to use them for business purposes.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#13Earlier quoted context omitted.
Having an option to tip enforces customers to tip, I would prefer using a service that does not force me to tip by providing that option. I am against tips in general for drivers.
I wonder if there's any data on accidents/ traffic violations between the two companies. Tips are supposed to be for better service, and with driving the only way to provide better service is to be faster. My hypothesis would be that in attempts to be faster, drivers may be driving more dangerously, thus increasing accidents and/or traffic violations.
> with driving the only way to provide better service is to be faster
This isn't even close to the case - being friendly, having a clean and quiet vehicle, and providing a ride that is safe and not white-knuckle terrifying will all garner a lot more in tips from me than someone careening through traffic to save 30 seconds. I think your hypothesis is baseless.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
Having an option to tip enforces customers to tip, I would prefer using a service that does not force me to tip by providing that option. I am against tips in general for drivers.
I'm really glad that option is there. I had an emergency involving a seizing dog and a round trip to the vets office. The driver was incredible and would have gotten a whole $9 if I couldn't tip.
What would prevent you from just giving him some cash out of your physical wallet?
In general you are getting a ride from someone. Other than the fact that with legacy taxis you tip, (just like at a restaurant) where it doesn't really relate to quality of service, I don't see how much extra someone can do that would make a ride tipworthy.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#15This seems very dangerously like W2 employees using employer provided equipment to do a task, even if it's rented by a rental company. (IANAL)
Yeah, if you have to drive the subsidized car and use the subsidized gas to possibly get paid the market rate, it's the equivalent of an employee.
This is so obviously an employee status I wonder if they're doing it to try to draw a clean line between employees and contractors somewhere to their liking.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#16I like how Lyft is trying to make it easier for more people to drive for them. But, after Lyft's cut, tax and gas the hourly rate was very low. I drove for a couple months and they promised $25 - $35 during peak time, but I netted out to about $10/hr. Now to add on a Hertz rental fee, that is going to get very slim. Obviously this is still a better job for some people then there alternative. Lyft will market to new d…
The issue is, this is how profitable it is effectively – any driver following the law will have to pay this much.
And this is why uber can only currently provide their high margins because they provide no insurance between rides (only during rides), because they don’t follow laws, etc.
It’s unfair competition, and sadly, people expect Lyft to offer the same.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#17I like how Lyft is trying to make it easier for more people to drive for them. But, after Lyft's cut, tax and gas the hourly rate was very low. I drove for a couple months and they promised $25 - $35 during peak time, but I netted out to about $10/hr. Now to add on a Hertz rental fee, that is going to get very slim. Obviously this is still a better job for some people then there alternative. Lyft will market to new d…
That's probably why Hertz does longer leases instead of rentals for this program. It would probably be worth it if you got it from locations outside of urban centers, but drove in the urban centers.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#18I know Uber has the dominate market share, but I really enjoy life. I notice that I get better, friendlier service from the drivers and I like having the option to tip. They have rolled out a lot of impressive features and programs recently. I hope, at the very least, their actions will pressure Uber into some similar moves
Having an option to tip enforces customers to tip, I would prefer using a service that does not force me to tip by providing that option. I am against tips in general for drivers.
Agreed. Driver's should be paid a real wage, which prevents the need for tipping.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#19Earlier quoted context omitted.
Having an option to tip enforces customers to tip, I would prefer using a service that does not force me to tip by providing that option. I am against tips in general for drivers.
It does no such thing. Have you taken a Lyft? There's no obligation or even implication that you should tip.
He's using 'enforce' to mean there is a social obligation to tip, not that it is required by the app.
Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers
#20Earlier quoted context omitted.
Having an option to tip enforces customers to tip, I would prefer using a service that does not force me to tip by providing that option. I am against tips in general for drivers.
I wonder if there's any data on accidents/ traffic violations between the two companies. Tips are supposed to be for better service, and with driving the only way to provide better service is to be faster. My hypothesis would be that in attempts to be faster, drivers may be driving more dangerously, thus increasing accidents and/or traffic violations.
there's a balance there: people are less likely to tip if they are driving dangerously as well. Of course, this is all assuming people's tips are really based on better service. I'm sure tips are like that in some cases, but in general I think the customer's general mood and generosity are far bigger factors.
Tips can be nice in certain situations, but I think people would prefer to just be paid more, so their income is stable and dependable.