Uber vs. Lyft

Smartphones have lifted us from the darkness and into the light. With our smartphone and a few handy (and FREE) apps, we can do almost anything from ordering food to shoes. Now there apps where we can order a car to come pick us up and drop us off—whenever and wherever. These car service apps are not just convenient and a lot of times cheaper to riders, but also opens up a whole new world of jobs for people with a license and a car.

Among a few of these companies that offer car service apps, two rivals have come out on top: Uber and Lyft. The two companies are similar in their own respects: they offer a free app, similar rates, and allow drivers to turn their car into money a money making machine.

There are a few drawbacks to having a total stranger come pick you up in their car, but always hold the same caution you would if you were to take a taxi, car service, or public transportation! The media has also shed some light on these companies and what they are about. I know I've seen some less favorable articles about Uber, however Uber and Lyft identify themselves as only an outlet for independent drivers to make money. Unfortunately they are not 100% accountable for driver’s or passenger’s behavior or what could potentially happen to the car, driver, or passenger. Also these services are not legal in certain states and countries, so be sure to check that out too!

In the following paragraphs, I want to talk about each company from a rider’s and driver’s perspective. Which one should you choose? Let this post be a guide!

Also both services offer great savings! Use the exclusive coupon codes I’ve provided at the end for which ever company you choose!

Uber

• Uber was founded in 2009 as a limousine service. It wasn't until Lyft started gaining major popularity that Uber decided to bring in amateur drivers.
• Drivers must pay Uber from 20%-25% of their earnings and another 20% to the car's owner (if the driver opts out of using their car).
• Drivers do have to pay for gas, maintenance, and washes for their car. Uber kind of leaves you high and dry.
• However, a lot of drivers have made some pretty good money--even after paying for their car's expenses, but of course this all depends on location.

• There has been a lot of talk about Uber's drivers assaulting their passengers. Although Uber claims these are isolated cases (and you should still also be cautious even when using a taxi service) they are taking steps to decrease this in the future. Step one: If you hated your Uber driver, you can use your app to give them a bad rating, and a bad rating equals termination.
•  Uber offers a service called uberPOOL, which is like carpooling...but with strangers. It sounds totally terrifying but does save you and your stranger friend $$$.
• If you want to be an Uber driver, but you’re still in the dark and haven’t yet gotten and smartphone, no worries! Uber has you covered and will send you one with the app preloaded.
• Same with a car, if you don’t have one you are not totally ineligible for becoming an Uber driver, you can borrow a company provided one. However a percentage will have to go to the owner of the car.
• Uber is also a lot more widely available throughout the world.

Lyft

• Lyft was only founded two years ago (such a baby!) and is based out of San Francisco, CA. Their most notable feature is their pink mustache logo. They offer a more relaxed vibe (you can totally tell by their website).
• Lyft offers limited insurance to their drivers, however it doesn't offer collision insurance. Insurance on your car will also very by your state and policy.
• Lyft will let you keep your tips!
• Lyft unfortunately won’t provide you with a smart phone or a car. The car you have must meet Lyft’s safety standards (found on their website).

• Lyft also has a requirement for drivers: they must fist-bump their passengers as they get into the car. Sounds kind of corny, but I feel like it would make my day.
• Customers also remarked that Lyft has pretty friendly drivers. However if you absolutely hate your experience, you can put it in your app and you will be guaranteed not to be matched with that driver again.
• People have remarked that Lyft is a lot cheaper than Uber. Experiences people have posted on Yelp and my own friends’ experiences.
• Lyft offers awesome new deals for first time customers like $10 off or a free first ride, depending on when you sign up.
• Again always, always, always be cautious when getting into any kind of car or taxi service!

From my research, I have found that Uber and Lyft are definitely a lot cheaper and convenient than taxis or public transportation. Their rates and fares are obviously based on how far you intend to travel and where you are located. I think both these companies are great ideas, however they are really new. New companies like these are heard to pinpoint when it comes to legal standards. The app industry is still pretty new, even though it feels like it’s been around forever. So once again, use caution not only as a passenger using these services, but a driver who wants to make money off of these services. Make your car more of an asset than an expense! And definitely always go for a cheaper transportation experience.

Uber coupon code:

https://get.uber.com/invite/sheilaj19

Lyft coupon code:

https://www.lyft.com/invited/SHEILA470610

Enjoy the ride! J

Sources: http://www.quora.com/Ride-Sharing-Company-Comparisons/Which-is-better-and-why-Lyft-Uber-SideCar
https://www.uber.com/about
https://www.lyft.com/

Images: http://cdn1.techbargains.us.com/icache/2014/03/22/13955164141257.jpeg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Lyft_Pink_Mustache.jpg
http://allthingsd.com/files/2013/08/uber-logo.jpg
http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/uber-columbus.jpg

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