New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers • Hacker News Board

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#21

Post by mmanfrin » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:58 PM UTC

usaphp wrote: post #3

chipgap98 wrote: post #2

I 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.

I 100% agree. This is entirely the reason why I use Caviar over other food ordering services, since they do not offer a means of tipping and even say 'there is no need to tip', as the cost/fees in part go to the driver/delivery person.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#22

Post by toomuchtodo » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:58 PM UTC

rdl wrote: post #6

This seems very dangerously like W2 employees using employer provided equipment to do a task, even if it's rented by a rental company. (IANAL)

I mean, we're past that discussion aren't we? Uber and other rideshares are going to have to start classifying drivers as employers eventually (at least until self-driving cars get here). Legal determinations are already headed in this direction.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#23

Post by chipgap98 » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:58 PM UTC

usaphp wrote: post #3

chipgap98 wrote: post #2

I 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.

Does it enforce customers to tip? You tip via the app well after the ride is over. I usually don't tip, but occasionally I get a great driver and toss them a few bucks. They don't make great money so the tip is worth it.

I'm not really sure why you are against tips for drivers.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#24

Post by intopieces » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:58 PM UTC

This is a picture of an industry right before being automated. Rather than relying on skilled drivers with knowledge of the area, the industry can rely on computers to do most of the work. Reduction in labor costs, which are partially subsidized by coupons provided by partner companies who also make money. When driverless cars become widespread, Hertz can provide the cars and Verizon the on-board WiFi.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#25

Post by kazinator » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:59 PM UTC

kuschku wrote: post #16

tswartz wrote: post #10

I 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.

Speaking of insurance, I was going over the terms of the car rental insurance coverage in one of my credit cards. It explicitly states that if you rent a car in order to provide a transportation service for hire, you are not covered. Oops!

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#26

Post by draw_down » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 7:59 PM UTC

Yeah. That's what a taxi is.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#27

Post by Mz » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 8:01 PM UTC

tswartz wrote: post #10

I 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…

Already live in Las Vegas, Hertz cars are available to Lyft drivers at special affordable daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Approved drivers can quickly rent cars on-demand and earn money as a Lyft driver with no long-term lease commitment.

Most people with cars are already making a car payment or lease agreement payment, taxes, insurance, etc. Having a car is typically not cheap.

Hard to say if this will really be a good deal for anyone. That always depends on a lot of details. But I am wondering if you were perhaps not counting your car payment and other expenses because you had to make those anyway, whether you drove for Lyft or not.

Perhaps there is only a big difference if you compare it to someone whose car is paid off, not to typical car owning costs.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#28

Post by rodgerd » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 8:01 PM UTC

larrys wrote: post #14

alukima wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

> What would prevent you from just giving him some cash out of your physical wallet?

Perhaps this is just a difference depending on where you are in the world, but I'm not used to people in first world countries carrying cash.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#29

Post by tswartz » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 8:01 PM UTC

kazinator wrote: post #25

kuschku wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Speaking of insurance, I was going over the terms of the car rental insurance coverage in one of my credit cards. It explicitly states that if you rent a car in order to provide a transportation service for hire, you are not covered. Oops!

Yes, I saw a similar stipulation in regular car insurance. Unfortunately, I don't think a lot of drivers read the fine print.

Re: New Initiatives for Lyft Drivers

#30

Post by chipgap98 » Thu, Oct 08, 2015, 8:02 PM UTC

sageabilly wrote: post #12

rdl wrote: post #6

This 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.

I completely agree with you, but I think this is definitely making the water a bit murkier. Its a pretty fine line that Uber and Lyft are toeing already and this seems to be pushing it even further.