Quick Links How Uber and Lyft Work Uber and Lyft are very similar services. Both use a 'Ride Request' app where drivers can quickly pick up passengers from anywhere via their smartphones. Although these services have gotten a bit more familiar over the years, they still share many similarities. The Elephant in the Room: Uber's Bad Behavior It's Not Just About Car Rides Uber and Lyft are very similar services. Both use a 'Ride Request' app where drivers can quickly pick up passengers from anywhere via their smartphones. Although these services have gotten a bit more familiar over the years, they still share many similarities. How Uber and Lyft Work These sharing services operate on the same basic model. Drivers, who are independent contractors rather than Uber or Lyft employees, accept requests through the app. Base fare, time-based charges, and distance-based charges are added, making rides generally much cheaper than taking a taxi. It's one of the reasons people prefer Uber and Lyft over taxis. You can book rides via phone, and you can accurately confirm the driver's location and arrival time. This is better than calling a taxi company and waiting to find out when your taxi will arrive. Both apps are available in all cities, and these services are available in the same cities. You can choose your destination and drop-off location, and find nearby cars. You can track the driver's location until the car arrives. Driver ratings are also conducted in both services. The Experience of Common Services—UberX or Lyft—Is Almost the Same. Both offer larger SUVs if you need to transport many people or large items. Alternatively, you can book a luxury ride if you desire. Additionally, there is a shared service called Uber Pool (Uber Pool), which is cheaper. In this service, you can share a ride with other people heading in the same general direction, and you will receive a discount. Uber and Lyft Are More Similar Than Ever Before Lyft has a more playful and friendly image for drivers. Lyft drivers used to have pink mustaches in front of their cars and greet passengers by punching their fists (which no longer happens). Uber's reputation was that it was aggressive and confrontational in cities with regulations, and it only engaged in legal and political battles after launching its service. At this point, Uber and Lyft are more similar than they have ever been. Our experience is that we often call Uber or Lyft and get in a car, but we need to confirm that the same driver is driving for both companies. Drivers who have only used Lyft are said to be the general pattern for full-time drivers, but other drivers (perhaps people looking for additional work while in retirement) often stick to one service. Uber and Lyft Review Drivers in the Same Way Anyone can become a driver. Uber and Lyft use the driver's social security number to conduct background checks and approve them. Uber and Lyft use different background check companies, but approval criteria can vary by state. Fare Differences Are Almost Non-Existent Our experience is that there is almost no difference in price between the two services. Competition has kept Lyft and Uber's prices almost the same in many areas. There may be price differences in certain cities, but you can check for yourself using online tools. Use the Uber Fare Estimate and Lyft Fare Estimate tools for your city (or the city you are visiting) and input the same pick-up and drop-off addresses for both services to compare prices. Both services increase fares during peak times and high-demand periods. Uber calls this 'Surge Pricing,' and Lyft calls it 'Prime Time.' This encourages drivers to hit the road when many people need rides. Uber is more widely available than Lyft. These services are almost the same, but one big difference is that Uber is available in 63 countries worldwide, while Lyft is only available in the United States and Canada. Uber is available in most (but not all) cities in the United States, but there may be gaps in driver availability. In San Francisco, both Uber and Lyft have plenty of drivers, but in smaller cities, Lyft has fewer drivers, and that's what we experienced. Uber is a big name here, and that speaks for itself. If you like Lyft, don't let it prevent you from trying it. However, it might be a good idea to install both Uber and Lyft apps. That way, you can call Uber if Lyft is scarce in certain places. Both Uber and Lyft offer higher services than luxury black cars and professional drivers. Uber has UberBLACK, and Lyft has Lyft Premier, Lyft Lux, and Lyft SUV. However, again, Uber was the first to offer this level of service. Lyft's requests may not always be fulfilled. Both services use independent contractors rather than employees, and driver payments are almost the same. Both services increase fares during 'peak prices' during busy times. Both services are planning to develop self-driving cars in the future. 'Rides, Not Just Driving' Uber and Lyft are known for their ride-sharing services, but they have expanded into other fields. One of the largest is UberEats. It has gained popularity similar to
