Important Uber change in Orlando and Tampa

[JimMIA]

What is the $1.05 number you're quoting? I haven't driven in a few months, but unless it's changed drastically, drivers in Orlando get somewhere in the range of $0.50 a mile. Orlando has historically had among the few lowest pay rates in the country.

ETA: I just checked: $0.53 plus some fraction of a cent.

It used to be $.53 if the driver opted for the injury insurance ($.05 per mile). If they opted out, the rate was $.58 per mile. However, I have seen postings in the last couple of days saying the rate was $.6075 per mile. I'm trying to check with some Orlando drivers to get the correct amount...but whatever it is, it is WAY LOW.

 

[JimMIA]

One thing that stood out for me on this trip is that the quality of ride was markedly improved over previous trips. I know this sort of observation can sometimes be racist dog-whistle speak, I don't mean anything of the kind. I mean competent drivers with good customer service skills.

That's good to hear.

In terms of driver pay, a driver can choose to work for Lyft. They pay a little more in most markets.

Most Florida drivers drive for both companies unless they've had some issue with one.

In my market, they pay the same with one hair-splitting exception, and Lyft's insurance is a huge drawback for drivers. But there is no comparison in the amount of business -- my Uber rides are usually at least 5 to 1 over Lyft...often 8-10 to 1.

 

[joelkfla]

The article is at ( https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article205383224.html ) and the 1.05 was the new fare price.

That's the rider rate in Miami, which has always been higher than Orlando. Orlando is $0.79 per mile, according to uber.com. A $0.26 difference may seem small, but Miami is actually 33% higher than Orlando.

But remember that under it's upfront pricing policy TOS, Uber can actually charge you whatever it thinks it can get away with for any ride.

 

[JimMIA]

The article is at ( https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article205383224.html ) and the 1.05 was the new fare price.

The VIDEO linked in that story is more fun than the story. The drunk doctor illustrates why our rates are higher -- you have pixie dust, we have this, lol!

 

[longboard55]

we were there last weekend and Uber was charging $4 for a ride lyft was charging $8 for, but it was hard to get a Uber driver. Plenty of lyft drivers

 

[JimMIA]

we were there last weekend and Uber was charging $4 for a ride lyft was charging $8 for, but it was hard to get a Uber driver. Plenty of lyft drivers

Sounds like Uber was running a promotion and Lyft wasn't. That's why I always recommend riders have both apps on their phone and compare prices.

The lack of Uber drivers is very unusual (usually it's Lyft that is short-handed, although I don't think you'll see that at WDW.) It might be related to the change that prompted me to start this thread -- the new Uber surge system.