Lyft vs Uber

[dkrauss]

I was wondering if anyone has used Lyft while at WDW. We've used Uber in the past to get to parks quicker in the evening and home from ADR's in the evening. We found it to be a value, however with all the bad news around Uber I'm wondering if Lyft might be worth a try.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[dkrauss]

I was wondering if anyone has used Lyft while at WDW. We've used Uber in the past to get to parks quicker in the morning and back to the resort from ADR's in the evening. We found it to be a value, however with all the bad news around Uber I'm wondering if Lyft might be worth a try.

Thanks,

Doug

oops...double post

 

[Accident]

I only use lyft these days...

They have driver virtual lines which is spots around property where they wait for calls. For example for the monorail resorts and ttc, they wait in the on the old airport runway next to contemporary.

Generally 5-8 minutes for someone to get there. rarely is someone right where you need to be as their system favors those virtual lines but they have a bunch all over the place so they are all pretty close.

I do run into barely english speaking drivers more often but they have a lot of all they do is drive for lyft for their living so they tend to know where to go or actually understand the gps..

Their system has recently improved so it's more like uber where it'll tell you where you need to go when you call a car outside of a resort. for example if your in mk they tell you to get to ttc.

pricing is lower except for extremely short rides. you can tip in the app itself if you want so you don't need any cash or small bills in your pocket. less popular so goes into surge pricing less often and when they do, it's usually a much better price.

 

[Farro]

In Chicago - I use both interchangeably.

Lyft is good because you can tip on the app.

Uber sometimes has cab drivers as Uber drivers, so the attitude you tried to get away from is back once again.

Lyft seems to have more inexperienced drivers though - I often have to tell them where to go as they are unfamiliar.

Anyone who wants to make extra cash lately seems to think they are capable of being a driver - even though they aren't such great drivers and don't know where they are going. This is why the rating system is so important.

Also, Lyft, at least here has a lot more "prime-time" charges - increased fares due to times of day, weather, need for drivers, etc. - surge pricing.
Yesterday it was raining - both services had surge pricing, but Uber wanted $27 dollars while Lyft was asking $50!!!

 

[JimMIA]

In Chicago - I use both interchangeably.

Uber sometimes has cab drivers as Uber drivers, so the attitude you tried to get away from is back once again.

UberCab exists only in Chicago and NYC, I believe. You won't get cab drivers in Orlando Uber vehicles.

From a consumer point of view, I think it makes sense to download both apps where both services operate. Then you can compare prices, maximize discounts, etc. You may also see situations where one company is surging and the other is not, so I'd certainly check both...especially at park closing.

Where both companies operate, many drivers drive for both -- and almost nobody drives for Lyft only. So you're not likely to see much difference in the drivers. In Orlando, you may have more variety with Uber because I don't think Lyft offers the full range of options Uber does. Uber has a lot more drivers, so their pickup times may be quicker. However, they also have many more customers, which may balance out.

As a driver for both, and a user of both, I consider them interchangeable; I like both companies. As a rider, I base my decisions on pickup time and price, not their PR. Either company should give you good service at a fraction of the cost of a cab.

 

[Farro]

@JimMIA

Not Ubercab - cab drivers who became Uber drivers. Trust me.

It's very different now than when it first started. I use both of them often and have for a long time. The caliber of driver is changing, for both companies.

Still a better deal than a cab, but not as great as it was in the beginning.

 

[JimMIA]

@JimMIA

Not Ubercab - cab drivers who became Uber drivers. Trust me.

Oh yeah, we have lots of former cab drivers driving for Uber in Miami as well.

There is a modest learning curve for drivers, even if they are longtime residents. Driving in a city and driving passengers for hire in that city are not the same thing.

Regardless of the driver's background, there is no excuse for discourtesy.

 

[Farro]

Oh yeah, we have lots of former cab drivers driving for Uber in Miami as well.

There is a modest learning curve for drivers, even if they are longtime residents. Driving in a city and driving passengers for hire in that city are not the same thing.

Regardless of the driver's background, there is no excuse for discourtesy.

I'm assuming you didn't mean discourtesy from me, rather the cab driver attitude?

I'm always nice, sometimes to my detriment!

 

[JimMIA]

I'm assuming you didn't mean discourtesy from me, rather the cab driver attitude?

I'm always nice, sometimes to my detriment!

Yes, of course! I was talking about driver discourtesy!

 

[bryanb]

Uber has some problematic business practices as @dkrauss mentioned. Their CEO isn't exactly the kind of businessperson that's endearing to anyone, and he has run his company with bullying tactics and arrogance.

But even beyond that, I've had so much better experience with Lyft. They have very frequent promotions and no shortage of drivers.

With Uber there is this awkwardness of some drivers who expect tips but there being no way to tip in the app.
With Lyft, you can tip or not, but it's done through the app after you've left the car. No need to carry cash if you choose to tip. No awkward moments at the end of the ride if you choose not to.

I've found that many drivers drive for both Uber and Lyft, carrying both logos in their windows. So there shouldn't be much difference in driver courtesy or competence. But with many rides on both, I've had two very poor experiences on Uber and none with Lyft drivers.

 

[joelkfla]

Last week Uber changed their TOS. They can now quote you any up-front price that they want; it doesn't have to be directly tied to the time & distance rates. They've been accused of calculating the price based on a non-optimal route. They can add to the price based on their evaluation of demand. Meanwhile, drivers are still paid based on the actual miles driven and time spent, and may or may not get extra for increased demand. This often results in drivers getting substantially less than the 75% of the fare paid that they formerly were promised (excluding the $2.20 "booking fee", which is and has always been pure Uber profit.)

Lyft, I believe, still charges based on the actual time and distance. Any demand adjustment is fully disclosed, and passed on to the driver.

Riders who have used both services have told me that Lyft tends to be cheaper since Uber started using up-front pricing.

 

[JimMIA]

Uber has some problematic business practices as @dkrauss mentioned. Their CEO isn't exactly the kind of businessperson that's endearing to anyone, and he has run his company with bullying tactics and arrogance.

Sure, but that could be said about thousands of companies in every industry. I can't imagine it having any effect at all on your individual ride experience in Orlando or anywhere else.

In the Orlando market, I think both companies are strong, and will provide good, reliable service at a fraction of the cost of taxis. And in a few weeks, they will both be able to pick up with all classes of service at local airports.

A customer's experience on a particular ride depends almost entirely on the driver behind the wheel, and as you noted many drivers drive for both companies. Any driver should be able to respond in a reasonable time, pick you up safely, be courteous and respectful, and drive you from A to B safely and without drama.

Like anything else, there will always be that one odd situation that is less than magical.

I drive for both companies; I have 800 or so drives for Uber and a little less than 200 for Lyft. Out of almost 1,000 rides, I have had exactly two problematic riders -- one Uber and one Lyft -- but nobody so bad I had to end the ride and kick them out. (Full disclosure: I drive part-time, 80% weekday mornings, occasional weekend dinner hours, and zero drunk hours, so my clientele is much better than average.)

The tipping thing is awkward, but honestly I think it's greatly over-exaggerated. Fares, not tips, are the keys to driver incomes.

Orlando has possibly the lowest rates in the U.S. for both companies. I think only Detroit is as low. An UberX or regular Lyft ride in the Orlando market pays the driver $0.4875 per mile. That's why the turnover rate is so high -- a recent study said that only about 4% of drivers drive for six months.

 

[JimMIA]

Last week Uber changed their TOS. They can now quote you any up-front price that they want; it doesn't have to be directly tied to the time & distance rates. They've been accused of calculating the price based on a non-optimal route. They can add to the price based on their evaluation of demand. Meanwhile, drivers are still paid based on the actual miles driven and time spent, and may or may not get extra for increased demand. This often results in drivers getting substantially less than the 75% of the fare paid that they formerly were promised (excluding the $2.20 "booking fee", which is and has always been pure Uber profit.)

The new pricing thing cuts both ways.

Drivers still get paid exactly as we did before.

Uber may do better, or sometimes worse. I've seen screenshots where Uber got more than the driver, but last week I had a ride where I got paid $19.00 and Uber only got $3.37. And that wasn't fuzzy math -- I confirmed the credit card charge with the rider.

 

[JimMIA]

Riders who have used both services have told me that Lyft tends to be cheaper since Uber started using up-front pricing.

The only way to know for sure -- on any particular ride -- is what I suggested above. Have both apps on your phone, and check both company's prices.

 

[bryanb]

Sure, but that could be said about thousands of companies in every industry. I can't imagine it having any effect at all on your individual ride experience in Orlando or anywhere else.

In the Orlando market, I think both companies are strong, and will provide good, reliable service at a fraction of the cost of taxis. And in a few weeks, they will both be able to pick up with all classes of service at local airports.

A customer's experience on a particular ride depends almost entirely on the driver behind the wheel, and as you noted many drivers drive for both companies. Any driver should be able to respond in a reasonable time, pick you up safely, be courteous and respectful, and drive you from A to B safely and without drama.

Like anything else, there will always be that one odd situation that is less than magical.

I drive for both companies; I have 800 or so drives for Uber and a little less than 200 for Lyft. Out of almost 1,000 rides, I have had exactly two problematic riders -- one Uber and one Lyft -- but nobody so bad I had to end the ride and kick them out. (Full disclosure: I drive part-time, 80% weekday mornings, occasional weekend dinner hours, and zero drunk hours, so my clientele is much better than average.)

The tipping thing is awkward, but honestly I think it's greatly over-exaggerated. Fares, not tips, are the keys to driver incomes.

Orlando has possibly the lowest rates in the U.S. for both companies. I think only Detroit is as low. An UberX or regular Lyft ride in the Orlando market pays the driver $0.4875 per mile. That's why the turnover rate is so high -- a recent study said that only about 4% of drivers drive for six months.

Hey @JimMIA thanks for the note. I appreciate your perspective as both a Lyft and and Uber driver. I'll agree that it's the individual ride experience that counts.

But the real story is that ride sharing is overwhelmingly a great experience for riders, and I would encourage more people to consider ditching the rental car when it makes sense... and using ride sharing services to supplement Disney transportation.

Regarding the tips, maybe it doesn't matter too much to many, but I know there are drivers out there who feel very differently (and you can see some strong opinions on Reddit and ride share forums). Even if it's not a big deal for the driver, it's something where I think Lyft deals with it better.

Since I have a choice on whether to help enrich Logan Green or Travis Kalanick, I'd like to choose Logan Green. I don't have any problem with people who like Uber better... like people who enjoy Pepsi instead of Coke. I'm still gotta pick one, and I prefer Lyft for the reasons I noted.

Thanks for the reply, and perhaps I'll be in your car in a couple of weeks via Lyft, and leave you five stars and more for a good ride!

 

[paula34]

ok now im confused we were told you didn't have to tip using uber, so do I tip or not?? last visit we had some really aggressive drivers ( not uber) who spent the whole journey talking about tips and how much was i going to give , also had some drivers who never opened their mouths and expected a tip as well, this time it's just me and my daughter and I don't want to deal with drivers like that

 

[joelkfla]

ok now im confused we were told you didn't have to tip using uber, so do I tip or not?? last visit we had some really aggressive drivers ( not uber) who spent the whole journey talking about tips and how much was i going to give , also had some drivers who never opened their mouths and expected a tip as well, this time it's just me and my daughter and I don't want to deal with drivers like that

You never have to tip anyone, but tipping is customary for servers, bellmen, and taxi drivers.

The head of Uber (Travis) has made a point of saying tipping is not required, which is true -- tipping is never required. (He used to say tips were included, but a court stopped that.) However, consider that Uber drivers make even less than taxi drivers. That's particularly true in Orlando, where the mileage and time rates that Uber pays drivers are among the lowest in the USA; even drivers in surrounding areas like Tampa & Sanford get higher rates.

So it's entirely up to you whether you want to give your driver a cash tip. Even a dollar or two is always welcome.

 

[JimMIA]

ok now im confused we were told you didn't have to tip using uber, so do I tip or not??

Tips are:

• NOT included in your fare
• NOT required
• ALWAYS appreciated

last visit we had some really aggressive drivers ( not uber)

If not Uber, who? Lyft? Taxi? Shuttle? Who?

...who spent the whole journey talking about tips and how much was i going to give

I always tip drivers. I drive, and understand what drivers go through. Now -- with that as background -- I would not have tipped that driver a penny. I would have thanked him "SO much" for the ride.

also had some drivers who never opened their mouths and expected a tip as well,

A driver's job is to get you safely from point A to point B. We're not there to entertain, and many, many riders want to be left alone when they are riding. That's especially true if there is more than one rider in the party, or if the rider is busy with work, phone, or texts. So most drivers will wait for you to initiate the conversation.

That's not being rude; it's just good manners.

 

[paula34]

I always tip drivers. I drive, and understand what drivers go through. Now -- with that as background -- I would not have tipped that driver a penny. I would have thanked him "SO much" for the ride ...... he was VERY aggressive , really scary, I am not the kind of person looking for confrontation, I think he ended up getting nearly 10 bucks for a ride from idrive to universal.
We used the mears app but didn't really understand that we could see drivers num etc so when we asked if he was there for us he said yes...no he wasn't he was just hanging around trying it on. I do tip drivers, servers, bag handlers etc etc, I understand the culture having been coming to usa for many years, but was only asking for clarification as i had been told no need to tip, I was asking as I would hate to do the wrong thing...we did work out how it all worked the 2nd time we used the app and it was much better...oh and the 2 drivers who never spoke , we did try chatting with them as we would with taxi drivers at home

 

[JimMIA]

I always tip drivers. I drive, and understand what drivers go through. Now -- with that as background -- I would not have tipped that driver a penny. I would have thanked him "SO much" for the ride ...... he was VERY aggressive , really scary, I am not the kind of person looking for confrontation, I think he ended up getting nearly 10 bucks for a ride from idrive to universal.
We used the mears app but didn't really understand that we could see drivers num etc so when we asked if he was there for us he said yes...no he wasn't he was just hanging around trying it on. I do tip drivers, servers, bag handlers etc etc, I understand the culture having been coming to usa for many years, but was only asking for clarification as i had been told no need to tip, I was asking as I would hate to do the wrong thing...we did work out how it all worked the 2nd time we used the app and it was much better...oh and the 2 drivers who never spoke , we did try chatting with them as we would with taxi drivers at home

Well, the first and most important comment I would make is this: ANY time you feel unsafe in any kind of transportation -- GET OUT.

Tell the driver to pull over in a safe spot, end the ride and pay them, and then call another ride using the method of your choice. And obviously -- no matter who you are riding with -- you should file a formal complaint with the company informing them of the behavior/driving skills/whatever of their driver. If the company has problematic employees, they can't do anything about it if you remain silent.

Second, I assume from your comments, that you were using Mears Taxi. If you were, and you had more than one bad experience, maybe it's time to look at other alternatives like Uber and Lyft. I personally have always considered Mears to be a good company, but if you found them problematic, use something else.