This is the year 2024. There are more drivers on the road. Therefore, there are fewer passengers for each driver.
Competition amongst drivers is more intense. Last year, I could drive at 3 AM and not see any other drivers.
Now, I drive and see pink Lyft signs and neon Uber signs in the cars passing me. I go to the casino and see many Uber and Lyft cars waiting for pings. This is the current rideshare driving environment.
How do we navigate ourselves to continue to thrive in a saturated market?
In the article, I will share how I use the Uber and Lyft apps together to obtain an edge in the marketplace and maintain my $30 per hour gross revenue goal.
Background
While driving full-time in San Francisco from 2016 to 2019, I could drive exclusively for Lyft. I worked ten hours a day, and the rides kept on coming. It was great. Not only did Lyft keep me busy, but they also offered substantial bonuses.
In 2024, in Sacramento, California, the demand is not there. I have to use Uber and Lyft to create a profitable driving session.
Many drivers still stick to one company or the other. Let me repeat it. Some drivers still drive exclusively for either Uber or Lyft. That is crazy!
One driver will work for Uber exclusively. Another driver will work for Lyft exclusively. There is no reason to be loyal to either company, especially when there is not enough demand from either one to keep you busy all the time.
If you are not driving for both, sign up for whichever one you must add. Here are some links to make it as easy as possible.
Now, let’s review how using both apps can increase your revenue.
Strategy #1: Use Both Apps All The Time
During slow periods of the day, use both apps while waiting for a ride. It’s better to have two fishing lines in the pond. You will, in general, cut your wait time in half.
Look at the picture above. Doesn’t it just make sense?
You are doubling your chances of getting a good ride. What are you waiting for?
Strategy #2: Be Willing To Decline Rides That Are Crap
You can be picky since you have two fishing lines in the pond.
For example, Lyft offered me a ride that paid $4 for an 8-minute pick-up and an 8-minute ride. That is half what I need to accept a ride, so I declined. I then received an Uber airport run, which, with a tip, paid me $27 for a 25-minute ride.
Strategy #3: Keep Both Apps Open On Your Way To A Pickup
If the ride you got from Strategy #1 is not a banger, keep both apps open until you are within a few minutes of your pick-up.
Suppose you get an airport run paying $25 for a 25-minute ride. That is, for me, a banger. But if you are driving toward a ride that is 10 minutes away, has a 20-minute ride, and only pays $8, keep the other app on.
A few times during your shift, you will get a better ride from the other app on your way to the pick-up. If you do, cancel your current ride and go for a better ride. Boom. You just made more money.
Strategy #4: Open Both Apps When Dropping Off A Passenger
On your way to drop off a passenger, about 5 minutes out, go online with the other app. Now you have two fishing lines in the water. You will get a ride with the other app several times per shift, saving time after your passenger drop-off.
The goal is to keep busy. We don’t make any money when we don’t have a passenger in the back seat. I believe a mediocre ride is better than no ride. I’d rather make a little bit less money on a ride than make no money driving around waiting for a ping.
Strategy #5: Even With Bonuses, Use Both Apps
Don’t focus on the app that has the better bonuses. You may prefer Shrimp Tacos. But a fish taco tastes good if you aren’t eating a shrimp taco.
Keep your options open. If you are offered a bonus, it is often because demand is down during that period, so Uber and Lyft need to lure drivers to work. In Sacramento, Lyft is offering me up to 60% turbo rides.
These hours are relatively quiet. Therefore, I don’t wait around for rides. If I get an excellent Uber ride, I will. Then, perhaps the next ride will be a sweet turbo Lyft ride.
Again, I need to stay busy and put money into my account. Therefore, keep both apps open and take the first good ride you get. Of course, if you can get the bonuses, get all you can.
Key Takeaways
Fishing is a good analogy for drivers. We are fishing for good rides. Anytime we don’t have a fish on the line, we are not making any money.
Next time you go out to drive, will you go out with one or two fishing poles?
It is super easy to sign up for both services, so there’s no reason not to.
Double your options. Make more money. I’ll see you on the road with my two fishing poles. Let’s go and catch some fish. Be safe out there.
